Royals' season ends with 35-14 playoff loss to Ashland

The Mason County Royals opened the game with a time-consuming scoring drive, but  were outscored 21-7 in the fourth quarter in a 35-14 loss to the Ashland Tomcats in the first round of the Class 4A football playoffs Friday night at Ashland.

Chandler Dunaway's one-yard quarterback sneak capped off the 12-play opening drive that began at the Royals' 37-yard line. The drive used over seven minutes of the game clock.

On the fifth play of Ashland's first possession, Jaylen Lofton returned an interception to the Tomcats' 22-yard line. Mason County only picked up five yards before missing a 34-yard field goal attempt.

Mason County's top running back, Malkolm Devine, was injured in the second quarter while playing defense, and did not return to the game.

Ashland tied the game with 4:39 remaining in the second quarter and took the lead on the first drive of the third quarter. 

On the ensuing drive, Mason County reached the Ashland 36-yard line but failed to convert on 4th-and-five, 

Ashland scored on its next two possessions to lead 28-7 with 5:20 left in the game.

Dunaway scored on a 13-yard run with 3:55 to go.

Ashland added a touchdown with 1:59 to play.

Ashland had 402 yards of total offense including 247 yards on the ground.

Mason County rushed for 132 yards. Dunaway completed 12 of 23 yards for 166 yards.

Leevi Dunaway had nine receptions for 92 yards.

The Royals had three turnovers (two interceptions and a fumble).

The first quarter interception was the Tomcats' only turnover.

Mason County ends the season with a 4-7 record.

Ashland improved to 8-3. The Tomcats will play Bourbon County in the second round.

MC 1st Q 4:49 Chandler Dunaway  1 yard run (Travis Whisman kick) MC 7, A 0

A 2nd Q 4:39 Aroq Colburn 2 yard run (Blaine Collins kick) MC 7, A 7

A 3rd Q 8:41 Aroq Colburn 1 yard run (Blaine Collins kick) A 14, MC 7

A 4th Q 11:20 Braxton Ratliff 53 yard run (Blaine Collins kick) A 21, MC 7

A 4th Q 5:20 Noah Roberts 5 yard run (Blaine Collins kick) A 28, MC 7

MC 4th Q 3:55 Chandler Dunaway 13 yard run (Travis Whisman) A 28, MC 14

A 4th Q 1:59 Noah Roberts 1 yard run (Blaine Collins kick) A 35, MC 14

(Updated to add the turnovers)