Royals head to London Friday to play North Laurel

The Mason County Royals will make the long trip to London Friday (via a charter bus) to play the Class 5A North Laurel Jaguars. Here are a few fast facts about the two teams:

• Mason County snapped a three-game losing streak going back to last season with a 34-7 victory over Rowan County last week.
• The Royals have an open date next week before beginning district play at Scott High on September 23.
• North Laurel lost to Pulaski County 28-24 in the third round of the playoffs last season. The Jaguars were hit hard by graduation.
• North Laurel opened the current season with 31-0 win over crosstown rival South Laurel. The Jaguars were shutout by Wayne County 55-0, but bounced back with a 43-7 win over West Jessamine last week.
• Jaguars running back Jose Rodriguez has rushed for 337 yards and two touchdowns including 155 yards vs. West Jessamine.
• North Laurel quarterback Cole McWhorter has rushed 144 yards and three touchdowns. He has completed 10-of-20 passes for 148 yards and two touchdowns. He has thrown two interceptions.
• Mason County quarterback Chandler Dunaway is 25-of-58 for 279 yards and three touchdowns and three interceptions.
• In the first meeting between the two schools, North Laurel blanked Mason County 40-0 last year. It was 6-0 at halftime.