Boone County 42, Mason County 20

The Mason County Royals got off to a great start- leading 14-0 in the first quarter and 20-7 at halftime, but it was all Boone County in the second half. The Rebels scored 35 unanswered points to win 42-20 tonight at Mason County. Boone County senior tailback Cory Farris had 34 carries for 282 yards and five touchdowns. The Rebels, a Class 6A team, had 471 yards of total offense compared to 264 for the Royals. Mason County (1-1) begins district play Friday night at Lewis County. Here is the scoring summary:

MC 1st Q 09:56 Jeremy Thompson 1 yard run (Jessica Batey kick) 7-0
MC 1st Q 00:16 Richie Cox 1 yard run (Jessica Batey) 14-0
BC 2nd Q 08:11 Cory Farris 5 yard run (Brad Chalfont kick) 14-7
MC 2nd Q 01:51 Richie Cox 1 yard run (kick missed) 20-7
BC 3rd Q 10:48 Cory Farris 45 yard run (Brad Chalfont kick) 20-20
BC 3rd Q 07:51 Cory Farris 6 yard run (Brad Chalfont kick) 21-20
BC 3rd Q 05:04 Kyle Arey 26 yard run (Brad Chalfont kick) 28-20
BC 4th Q 04:06 Cory Farris 9 yard run (Brad Chalfont kick) 35-20
BC 4th Q 02:04 Cory Farris 24 yard run (Brad Chalfont kick) 42-20

Saints and Raiders Tie 3-3

The St. Patrick Saints and East Carter Raiders played to a 3-3 tie last night in Grayson.
The Saints led 3-0 at halftime. Nick Anderson scored two goals and Brian Flores scored one.
St. Patrick is 4-0-3.

Lady Royals Blank Fleming County 7-0

The Mason County girls' soccer team shutout Fleming County 7-o tonight in Flemingsburg.
Jessica Batey and Rebecca Batey scored two goals apiece. Becca Wallingford, Caitlin Cox and Whitney Greene each scored a goal.

Mason County vs. Boone County

The Mason County Royals play their home opener Friday night against the Class 6A Boone County Rebels. Here are a few notes about the two teams:

• This is the first time Mason County has played Boone County;
• The Royals were 3-2 at home last season;
• Boone County lost to Scott County 28-20 last week;
• Rebels coach Rick Thompson says senior tailback Cory Farris is probably Boone County's best running back since Shaun Alexander;
• Speaking of Alexander, Thompson says the NFL star stays in close contact with the Rebels' running backs and calls Farris fairly regularly. Thompson says Alexander takes 5 to 6 Boone County players to Fellowship of Christian Athletes camp every year;
• Farris has signed to play baseball at the University of Kentucky;
• Here is a link to a Cincinnati Post story on Boone County quarterback Shawn Bogle;
• Boone County was the state runnerup four times (1986, 1987, 1992, 1994) under legendary coach Owen Hauk, but has never won a state title in football;
• The 1987 team lost the state championship game 17-14 to a Shelby County team coached by former Maysville Bulldogs head coach Tom Becherer;
• Former Mason County boys basketball coach Allen Feldhaus was a football, basketball and baseball star at Boone County;

Tolle Nominated for Army Iron Man Award

Mason County tight end Jackson Tolle has been nominated for the 2007 Army Iron Man Award in Kentucky.

(Photo courtesy of Drew Purcell)

Royals Golf

Eric White shot an even par 35 to lead the Mason County boys' golf team to a win over
Deming and Lewis County Wednesday at Kenton Station Golf Course. Mason County had a team total of 150. Deming finished second at 160. Lewis County was third at 170. White was one of six Royals to shoot in the 30s. Bradley Litzinger and Josh Brooks shot 38s. Josh Harris, Ryan Hamm and Dustin Orme had 39s.
Mason County lost to West Union 165-170 Tuesday at the Maysville Country Club.
Dustin Orme had the Royals' low score with a 40.

Royals Fifth in Bluegrasspreps.com Rankings

The Mason County Royals are ranked fifth Class 3A in this week's Bluegrasspreps.com rankings.

Saints Top Bulldogs 9-1

The St. Patrick Saints jumped out to a 5-0 first half lead and defeated the Holmes Bulldogs 9-1 last night. Nick Anderson had a hat trick and two assists. Cody Burton and Paul Williams both scored two goals. Z-boy Oluwaremi and Brian Flores each scored a goal. Chris Owens had two assists. Burtin, Oluwaremi and Cody Bryant each had an assist. Coach Philip Mauney said everybody played and contributed. He said the Saints had a strong passing game and were creative with their passes.

Rigg Wins All "A" Regional Golf Tournament

St. Patrick freshman Russell Rigg won the All "A" regional golf tournament Monday with a
one-over par 72 at Flagg Springs Golf Course in Campbell County. Rigg qualified for the
All "A" state golf tournament in Richmond.

Lady Royals Over Bath County 10-0

The Mason County Lady Royals defeated the Bath County Lady Wildcats 10-0 tonight in Owingsville. Jessica Batey had a hat trick. Ashley Deatley scored two goals. Rebecca Batey,
Becca Wallingford, Alonna Green and Taylor Houchens each scored a goal. It was Mason County's second 10-0 win of the season. The Lady Royals are 4-0. The Mason County junior varsity team won 3-1 to improve its record to 1-0-1.

Mason Co. Girls Cross Country Team 2nd at Dayton

Here's the press release from coach Mark Kachler:

The Mason County Runnin' Royals opened the 2007 Cross Country Season on a successful note Saturday at the Dayton Relays. The Lady Royals finished 2nd in the Large School division behind regional rival Highlands.
The Lady Royals were lead by Junior Rachel White who finished 5th. White lead a tight pack of Lady Royals with all 5 runners medalling in the meet. Following White were Blaine Menke, Iretta Carpenter, Samantha Grayson, and Alexi Loving. Both Mason County and Highlands were preseason top 10 picks in the state wide rankings.
The boys team was lead by Sophomore Jim Myers who finished 9th. Senior and first year runner Braun Applegate had the teams second fastest time and was closely followed by Freshmen Connor Appelman and Nathan Woods. All four royals medalled in the meet.
The Mason County Middle school girls team also had a very strong showing winning the middle school division and placing their top 5 runners in medal spots.
Medallist in the middle school and 6th grade divisions for Mason County were Valerie Rice, Julia Woods, Raylee Kirkland, Sara Bellingham, Jessica Shotwell, Daniel Appelman, Cara Woods, Alex Robinson, and Nick Robinson.

Mauk Beats Out Grutza and Others as UC Starting QB

Ben Mauk has been named the starting quarterback for the Cincinnati Bearcats over Dustin Gurtza of Maysville and two others. Here's a link to the Cincinnati Enquirer report.

Soccer Schedule

Here is this week's soccer schedule:

Monday
(Girls) Mason County at Bath County
(Girls) St. Patrick at Harrison County

Tuesday
(Boys) Pendleton County at Mason County
(Boys) Holmes at St. Patrick

Thursday
(Girls) Mason County at Fleming County
(Girls) St. Patrick at Harrison County
(Boys) Mason County at Covington Latin
(Boys) St. Patrick at East Carter

Royals Win Season Opener Over Paris 27-7

Junior tailback Jeremy Thompson rushed for 178 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Mason County Royals to a season opening 27-7 win over the Paris Greyhounds tonight the Joseph K. Ford Bluegrass Bowl at Lexington Catholic. Thompson was named the Most Valuable Player. Mason County led 13-0 in the second quarter. Paris did not have a first down until Tiion Thomas ran 45 yards for a touchdowns with 4:53 left in the first half. Richie Cox completed three of six passes for 66 yards. All three completions were to Jackson Tolle.

Here's the scoring summary and some statistics:

Mason County 1st Qtr 01:44 Richie Cox 1 yard run (kick failed) 6-0

Mason County 2nd Qtr 05:14 Jeremy Thompson 3 yard run (Jessica Batey kick) 13-0

Paris 2nd Qtr 04:53Tiion Thomas 45 yard run (Austin Brooks kick) 13-7

Mason County 3rd Qtr 02:34 Jeremy Thompson 2 yard run (Jessica Batey kick) 20-7

Mason County 4th Qtr 08:31 Jeremy Thompson 6 yard run (Jessica Bateykick 27-7

First Downs

Mason County 24, Paris 5

Rushing Yards

Mason County 368, Paris 94

Passing Yards

Mason County 66, Paris 45

Total Offense

Mason County 434, Paris 176

Penalties

Mason County 4 for 30 yards, Paris 3 for 15 yards

Time of Possession

Mason County 31:33, Paris 16:27

Lewis Plays Well in UIF All-Star Game

Harry Lewis of the Lexington Horsemen had four catches for 59 yards and a touchdown in the Eastern Conference All-Stars' win in the United Indoor Football All-Star game last week. Here is a link to the UIF press release.

Royals Open with a Bowl Game for 6th Straight Year

The Mason County Royals football team will open the season in a bowl game for the sixth straight season. The Royals play the Paris Greyhounds Saturday at 5:30 p.m. in the "Joseph K. Ford" Bluegrass Bowl at Lexington Catholic. I'm not sure what happened, but it had been known as the St. Joseph Healthcare Bluegrass Bowl. Lexington Catholic will play Althoff Catholic of Belleville, Illinois in the second game at 8:35 p.m. Here is a look at Mason County's bowl history:

2002 Bob Allen Pigskin Classic
Mason County 19, Rockcastle County 12

2003 Recreation Bowl
Mason County 48, Breathitt County 6

2004 Recreation Bowl
Elizabethtown 35, Mason County 21

2005 Recreation Bowl
West Jessamine 14, Mason County 13

2006 Recreation Bowl
Lafayette 21, Mason County 6

Three Wins and a Tie in Local Soccer

The Mason County Lady Royals routed the Fleming County Lady Panthers 10-0 last night.
Jessica Batety had a hat trick. Rebecca Batey and Taylor Houchens each scored two goals.
Carolyn Morris, Porsha Green and Alana Green each scored a goal.
The St. Patrick Lady Saints blanked the East Carter Lady Raiders 2-0.
The St. Patrick Saints shutout the Bath County Wildcats 3-0. John Stwarka had a goal and an assist. Chris Owens and Edward Jiminez each scored a goal.
The Mason County Royals and the Fleming County Panthers played to a 1-1 tie.

Rigg Leads Saints in Last Two Matches

Freshman Russell Rigg had the low scores for the St. Patrick boys golf team in two matches this week. Rigg shot 46 against Fleming County on the back nine at the Maysville Country Club Monday, and fired a high school career-best 39 Tuesday against Newport Central Catholic at A.J. Jolly Golf Course in Campbell County.

Six Class Football Ready to Start

The 2007 Kentucky high school football season brings a big change in the alignment of the schools. Instead of four classes, Kentucky now has six classes. Mason County remains in Class 3A, but it's not the same as last year's 3A. Mason County is now the biggest school in 3A, and two of the Royals' district opponents last season- Ashland and Johnson Central- are now in 5A.
The new alignment puts Mason County back in the same district with most of its old Class 2A district opponents- East Carter, Lewis County, Russell and West Carter. Fleming County was originally scheduled to be in that district but was granted its request to move to another district.
Here is the alignment for Class 3A:


District1- McLean County, Muhlenberg South, Paducah Tilghman, Union County, Webster County
District 2- Adair County, Butler County, Edmonson County, Hart County, Russellville
District 3- Central, Elizabethtown, Moore, Shawnee
District 4- Henry County, North Oldham, Spencer County, Western Hills
District 5- Casey County, Garrard County, Jackson County, Somerset, Taylor County, Wayne County
District 6- Breathitt County, Cawood, Estill County, Fleming County, Powell County
District 7- East Carter, Lewis County, Mason County, Russell, West Carter
District 8- Belfry, East Ridge, Magoffin County, Pike County Central, Sheldon Clark

Soccer Roundup

The St. Patrick Saints blanked the Pendleton County Wildcats 2-0 Tuesday night. It was goalkeeper Steven Mason's first shutout. Edward Jiminez and Chris Owens each scored a goal for the Saints who are 2-0-2.
Carolyn Morris scored a first half goal on a corner kick and Jessica Batey had a goal in the second half in the Mason County Lady Royals' 2-0 win over the Montgomery County Lady Indians.
The Mason County Royals lost to the Rowan County Vikings 4-0.

Lady Royals Defeat Pendleton County

The Mason County girls golf team defeated Pendleton County 230-246 Monday at the Maysville Country Club. Freshman Tierra Harris led the Lady Royals.

Royals Golf Team Beats Pendleton County

The Mason County boys' golf team beat Pendleton County 168-179 Monday at Laurel Oaks Golf Club. Mason County senior Dustin Orme was the medalist with a 39. Tanner Walton shot 41.
Eric White had a 42 and Bradley Litzinger shot 46. The Royals are 3-1.
The Mason County junior varsity team (2-0) won 199-228 and was led by Ryan Hamm and Justin Lang with 46s.

Saints Take Second Place in Thorobred Classic

The St. Patrick Saints tied Simon Kenton 2-2 Saturday night in the third round of the Thorobred Classic at Harrison County and took second place. Edward Jimenez and Chris Owens each scored a goal. Nick Anderson had an assist on Owens' goal. Under the point system for the classic, Simon Kenton took first place. Jimenez, Owens and Anderson were named to the all-tournament team.

Football Season Starts This Week

The high school football season starts this week. Here is Mason County's schedule:

Aug. 25 Paris at Lexington Catholic 5:30 p.m.

Aug. 31 Boone County Home 7:30 p.m.

Sep. 7 Lewis County Away 7:30 p.m

Sep. 14 East Carter Home 7:30 p.m.

Sep. 21 West Carter Away 7:30 p.m.

Sep. 28 Campbell County Home 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 5 Open

Oct. 12 Bourbon County Away 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 19 Russell Home 7:30 p.m.

Oct. 26 Fleming County Home 7:30 p.m.

Nov. 2 Greenup County Away 7:30 p.m.

The opening game against Paris is in the St. Joseph Healthcare Bluegrass Bowl. Games in bold are district games.

This Week's Soccer Schedule

Here is this week's soccer schedule:

Monday
(Girls) Rowan County at St. Patrick

Tuesday
(Girls) Montgomery County at Mason County
(Boys) Mason County at Rowan County
(Boys) Pendlton County at St. Patrick

Thursday
(Girls) St. Patrick at East Carter
(Girls) Fleming County at Mason County
(Boys) Bath County at St. Patrick
(Boys) Mason County at Fleming County

Royals scrimmage Tomcats in Final Tune-up for the Season Opener

The Mason County Royals scrimmaged the Ashland Tomcats tonight. The Royals won the first quarter 13-0. The Tomcats won the second quarter 14-6. Mason County took the third quarter 7-0. and Ashland won the fourth quarter 7-0. The teams finished up by running 10 plays each.

Ashland scored a touchdown right before I left. Mason County quarterback Richie Cox threw two touchdowns and one interception. He picked off one pass while playing safety. Here is the Mason County scoring summary:

1st Q Daniel Reed pass from Richie Cox (kick failed)

1st Q Jeremy Thompson run (Jessica Batey kick)

2nd Q Scott Brooks reception (kick failed)

3rd Q Cameron Polliitt run (Jessica Batey)

The Royals open the season Aug. 28 against Paris in the St. Joseph's Bluegrass Bowl at Lexington Catholic. Kickoff is at 5:30 p.m.

Vols Win Final Game in Europe

The Tennessee Volunteers ended their European tour with a win tonight. Here's the link to utsports.com

Royals in Courier-Journal Top 10, Scrimmage Ashland Tonight

The Mason County Royals are ranked 8th in the Courier-Journal's Class 3-A pre-season rankings. The Royals host the Ashland Tomcats in a scrimmage tonight at 7:30. Mason County and Ashland were district rivals the past four seasons. Under the re-alignment, Ashland moved up to Class 5-A. Tonight's scrimmage will be played like a game. A tailgate party will be held from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. The menu will include country ham and chicken salad sandwiches. While supplies last, tailgaters will receive a royal blue “Find A Way To Win” wristband.

Soccer Games Cancelled

All four local soccer teams had their games cancelled last night due to the strong storms.
The St. Patrick vs. Pendleton County boys' game in the Thorobred Classic at Harrison County is rescheduled today at 5:30 p.m.

Mason County Girls Cross Country Team No. 10 in Class AA

Here's a press release from Mason County cross country coach Mark Kachler:

Pre season rankings just released by the Kentucky Track and Cross County Coaches Association have the Mason County Lady Royals Cross Country team ranked 10th in the AA division of the KHSAA. This marks the first time in team history that a Mason Co girls cross country team has achieved a top 10 ranking during the pre or regular season. The Lady Royals finished 10th overall in the state meet last year and return all their runners plus a new crop of talented young runners that will make their first appearance in varsity action this year. “ We have had an excellent first month of practice. Everyone seems to be focused on making a return trip to the State Meet this year and finishing better than we did last year.” said coach Kachler. The top 10 field, as always includes regional rivals Highlands and Lloyd Memorial, ranked 4th and 6th respectively. Spencer County enters the season as the number one ranked team following a third place finish last year. Warren East is number two and last years state champions, Muhlenberg South is number 3. Both Spencer Co. and Warren East are returning their entire squad from last year.

In AA boys rankings the youthful Mason County Royals will be matched up in Regional action this year with number two-ranked Pendleton Co who return all but one runner, number three ranked Highlands, and number eight ranked Lloyd Memorial. Owensboro Catholic returns their entire squad after winning the state championship last year and is a consensus favorite to repeat again this year entering the pre season as the number one ranked team. While the Royals team has only 2 Seniors and 1 Junior, the future looks bright with 9 Sophomores and Freshman on the squad. “This is by far the largest group of high school age boys we have ever had on the team. The opportunity for advancement to the State Meet is there for the boys if we develop as a group over the next 2 months” said Coach Kachler.

The Runnin’ Royals open the season August 25, 2007 at the Dayton Relays.

Vols Win Tuesday, Lose Today

The Tennessee Volunteers continued their European tour with a win over SPU Nitra Tuesday and a loss to Pezinok BK today.

Mason County Boys' Golf Team Defeats Campbell County

The Mason County boys' golf team defeated Campbell County 166-186 Tuesday at the Maysville Country Club. Mason County senior Dustin Orme was the medalist with a 39.
The Royals' next match is tomorrow at 4:30 p.m. against Bishop Brossart at A. J. Jolly Golf Course in Campbell County.

Saints Tie, Royals Lose in Soccer Openers

The St. Patrick Saints soccer team opened the season last night with a 4-4 tie with Harrison County in the Thorobred Classic at Harrison County. The Thorobreds scored the tying goal in the 79th minute. Chris Owens scored two goals for the Saints. Nick Anderson and John Stwarka each scored a goal. St. Patrick play Pendleton County in the Thorobred Classic tomorrow at 5:30 p.m.
The Mason County Royals were shutout by Villa Madonna 8-0 in their season opener.
The Royals host Greenup County tomorrow at 6 p.m.

Tailgate Party and Football Scrimmage Friday

A tailgate party will be held prior to the Mason County Royals hosting the Ashland Tomcats in a football scrimmage Friday night. The tailgate party will be held from 5:30 to 6:45 p.m. The menu will include country ham and chicken salad sandwiches. While supplies last, tailgaters will receive a royal blue “Find A Way To Win” wristband. The scrimmage, which will be played as a game, starts at 7:30.

Royals Golf Team Defeats Deming

The Mason County boys' golf team defeated Deming 154-179 Monday at Kenton Station Golf Course. The Royals were led by 8th grader Bradley Litzinger with an even par 35 and sophomore Eric White with a 38. Mason County, 1-1, hosts Campbell County today at the Maysville Country Club.

Gaunce Wins Spirit Gear Design Contest

J'kari Gaunce was the winner of the Mason County football spirit gear design contest. Gaunce is pictured with his teacher, Amy Lambert. The shirt he is wearing is the winning design.
Spirit gear forms can be picked up at Mason County High School or Mason County Intermediate School (MCIS) and turned in toPaula Marshall at MCIS.

Lady Royals 7, Ludlow 0

The Batey twins- Jessica and Rebecca- scored three goals apiece to lead the Mason County Lady Royals to a 7-0 season opening win over Ludlow last night. Ashley Deatley scored the other goal. Jessica Batey, Caitlin Cox, Porsha Green and Carolyn Morris each had an assist.
The Lady Royals travel to Lexington Thursday night to play Bryan Station.

Soccer Season Starts Tonight

The high school soccer season starts tonight. The St. Patrick Lady Saints play at Walton-Verona,
and the Mason County Lady Royals travel to Ludlow. The boys' teams open the season tomorrow night. The St. Patrick Saints play Harrison County in the Thorobred Classic in Cynthiana, and the Mason County Royals host Villa Madonna.

Schumacher Wins Mason County Open for 4th Time

Eric Schumacher won the Mason County Open for the fourth time today. Schumacher shot a
2-under-par 70 in the final round at Laurel Oaks Golf Club and edged Deron Feldhaus by one shot. Schumacher won the tournament at 12-under 202. It was his second Mason County Open title in three years. He also won in 1995 and 1997. Feldhaus, who had a 67, was shooting for his third Open title. Robert Walton also shot 67 and finished third at 206.
First round leader Chris Morris had a 72 and was fourth at 207. Defending champion Drew Traxel, who began the day one shot back, had a 75 and finished in fifth place at 208. Steve Grayson had the low round of the day, a six-under 66.

Here are the winners of the other flights:

First Flight
Kevin Clark 223*

Second Flight
Jeff Cracraft 231*

Third Flight
Greg Grooms 237

Fourth Flight
Randy Bailey 244

Fifth Flight
Scott Thacker 256

* Won flight in a playoff

Vols 2-0 in Europe

The Tennessee Volunteers won their second straight game in Eupore. Chris Lofton scored 16 points in the Vols' 110-70 victory over BK Kolin Saturday. Here's the story from utsports.com.

Schumacher Leads the Mason County Open

Three time champion Eric Schumacher shot a 3-under-par 69 today at the Maysville Country Club and has the lead after two rounds of the 13th Mason County Open. Schumacher has a
36-hole total of 10-under 132. Defending champion Drew Traxel also shot 69 today and is one shot back. Shane Lippert shot 70 and is tied with first round leader Chris Morris for third place at 135. Morris had a 73 today. Two time champion Deron Feldhaus shot an even par 72 and has a two day total of 136. Robert Walton (70) and Kenny Ray Haggard (71) are next at three-under 139. The final round is Sunday at Laurel Oaks Golf Club.

Lofton Leads Vols to Win with 20 Points

Chris Lofton led all scorers with 20 points as the Tennessee Volunteers opened their

European tour with 113-64 victory over BK Sadska tonight in the Czech Republic.

Morris Leads Mason County Open After First Round

Chris Morris shot an eight-under-par 62 today at Kenton Station Golf Course and has a one shot lead over three time champion Eric Schumacher after the first round of the 13th Mason County Open. Morris had a 32 on the front nine and a 30 on the back nine. Defending champion Drew Traxel, two time champion Deron Feldhaus and Troy Grooms are tied for third after shooting 64s. Seventeen golfers broke par. The second round will be played Saturday at the Maysville County Club. The final round is Sunday at Laurel Oaks Golf Club.
Here is a list of the golfers who broke par today:

Chris Morris 62
Eric Schumacher 63
Drew Traxel 64
Deron Feldhaus 64
Troy Grooms 64
Shane Lippert 65
Steve Grayson 66
Joe Bigelow 67
Bud Lykins 68
Josh Weber 68
Kenny Ray Haggard 68
Matthew Grayson 68
Jason Burns 68
Mike Kennedy 69
Robert Walton 69
Dave Grayson 69
Coy Cummins 69

12 and Under Softball Tournament Rescheduled Again

The 12 and Under Wald Park Softball League Tournament that was postponed twice has been rescheduled for Saturday. Mason County plays Pendleton County at 5 p.m. on Field 2 with winner to play Bracken County in the upper bracket semifinal at 6:30 p.m on Field 2. Tollesboro and St. Patrick meet in the lower bracket semifinal at 6:30 p.m. on Field 1. The championship game is scheduled at 8 p.m. on Field 1. Russellville dropped out of the tournament.

Blakefield Ties for 17th place in Ky Open

Mark Blakefield shot an 81 today in the final round of the Fifth Third Bank/Callaway Golf Kentucky Open at Hurstbourne Country Club in Louisville and finished tied for 17th place. Blakefield had a three round total of 226, 10 shots behind the champion, Philip Hendrickson of Danville.

Blakefield Two Off the Lead at Ky Open

Mark Blakefield of Maysville is tied for third, two shots off the lead heading into the final round of the Fifth Third Bank/Callaway Golf Kentucky Open at Hurstbourne Country Club in Louisville. Blakefield had the low round Wednesday with a three-under-par 68. He has a 36 hole total of 145. Justin Moore of Somerset and Philip Hendrickson of Danville are tied for the lead at 143. Blakefield will be in the next to last pairing for the final round and has a 12:20 p.m. tee time.

Mason County Open this Weeekend

The 13th Mason County Open will be played this weekend. Kenton Station Golf Course will host the first round Friday. The second round takes place Saturday at the Maysville Country Club. The final round will be played Sunday at Laurel Oaks Golf Club. Drew Traxel is the defending champion. Here is a list of the former champions:

1995 Eric Schumacher
1996 Ben Hensley
1997 Eric Schumacher
1998 Deron Feldhaus
1999 Steve Grayson
2000 Ben Hensley
2001 Deron Feldhaus
2002 Mark Blakefield
2003 Robert Walton
2004 Steve Grayson
2005 Eric Schumacher
2006 Drew Traxel

Goldsmith and Son Getting Ready for Football Season

The Ashland Daily Independent had a good story on former Maysville Bulldog Billy Goldsmith and his son, Boone.

C-Lo and the Vols Headed to Europe

The Tennessee men's basketball team leaves today for a tour of Europe.
Here's the link to utsports.com.

Grutza Update from the Cincinnati Enquirer

The Cincinnati Enquirer has this preseason report on UC quarterback Dustin Grutza.

Bowman and Schild Win Ladies 2-Day Tourney at Kenton Station

Debbie Bowman and Laura Schild won the Ladies 2-Day Tournament Sunday at Kenton Station Golf Course. Bowman and Schild beat Sharon Voehler and Donna Linley in a playoff after both teams finished regulation play tied with a 27 hole total of 105. Tammy Stanfield and Lisa Houchens finished third at 107. Sunday's play was shortened to nine holes due to the storms. Here are the other flight winners:

First Flight
Diane Ferguson and Margaret Wilkerson 112

Second Flight
Peggy Heflin and Lee Anne Feldhaus 120

Third Flight
Debbie Jones and Pam Doyle 128

Fourth Flight
Virgie Miller and Suzi Hamm 137
Trudi Bravard and Dawn Finn 137
Judy Murray and Martha Meffingschlager 137
Brenda Hopkins and Kathy Kreyling 137

Horsemen Lose a Heartbreaker

The Lexington Horsemen almost pulled off the upset in United Bowl III, but lose by three points.

Morris Ties for 5th in Trusted Choice Big "I" Junior Classic

Chris Morris tied for fifth place in the 39th Trusted Choice "Big I"Junior Classic at Crane Creek Country Club in Boise, Idaho. Morris shot a one-under-par 70 in the final round Thursday and had a four round total of six-over, 290, nine shots behind the champion. Here is a link to the leaderboard.
The boys division featured 108 junior golfers from across the United States. Here is a link to a video of the awards ceremony. Click on "Ceremony" and scroll over to the 22 minute mark to see Morris receive his award. Morris is a 2007 graduate of Mason County High School. He will attend Centre College.

Lewis and Horsemen in S.D. for United Bowl III

Former Mason County standout Harry Lewis and his Lexington Horsemen teammates took a 900 mile bus trip to South Dakota to play in United Bowl III, the championship game of the United Indoor Football playoffs. The Horsemen play the undefeated Sioux Falls Storms Saturday night. I recorded a phone interview with Lewis Thursday as the team was traveling through Sioux Falls.Gabcast! Harry Lewis and Horsemen in United Bowl III #2

Enquirer Q and A With UC Football Coach Brian Kelly

Some interesting comments by University of Cincinnati football coach Brian Kelly in this Cincinnati Enquirer story by Bill Koch.

Royals Tee it up Friday

The Mason County boys' golf team, under new coach John Arn III, open the season Friday. Here is the Royals' schedule:



Aug. 3 Greenup County Tournament at Grayson Lake 7:30 a.m.
Aug. 6 Harrison County at Maysville Country Club 5 p.m.
Aug. 13 Deming at Kenton Station 4:30 p.m.
Aug. 14 Campbell County at Laurel Oaks 4:30 p.m.
Aug. 16 Bishop Brossart at A.J. Jolly 4:30 p.m.
Aug. 20 Pendleton County at Laurel Oaks 4:30 p.m.
Aug. 22 St. Patrick at Laurel Oaks 4:30 p.m.
Aug. 25 Tates Creek Tournament in Lexington 8 a.m.
Aug. 28 West Union at Maysville Country Club 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 3 Fleming County at Fleming Country Club 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 4 Campbell County at A.J. Jolly 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 8 Montgomery County Tournament at Mt. Sterling Country Club 8 a.m.
Sept. 10 Bishop Brossart at Laurel Oaks 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 11 Pendleton County at Pendleton County Country Club 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 12 Deming at Maysville Country Club 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 15 Mason County\St. Patrick Tournament at Maysville Country Club 9 a.m.
Sept. 17 Harrison County at Harrison County Country Club 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 18 Fleming County at Maysville Country Club 4:30 p.m.
Sept. 25 Regional Tournament at AJ Jolly

12 and Under Softball Tournament Rescheduled

The 12 and Under Wald Park Softball League Tournament that was postponed last month has been rescheduled for Sunday. Mason County vs. Pendleton County at 5 p.m. on Field 2 with winner to play Bracken County in the semifinals at 6:30 p.m on Field 2. Russellville vs. Tollesboro at 5 p.m. on Field 1 with the winner advancing to play St. Patrick in the semifinals at 6:30 p.m. on Field 1. The championship game is scheduled at 8 p.m. on Field 1.

Bryan Conway Memorial Junior Golf Tournament

Corey Richmond shot an par 70 to win the boys' 15-16 age division of the Bryan Conway Memorial Junior Golf Tournament today at Kenton Station Golf Course. Devin Brieske won the girls' 15-16 age division with a nine hole total of 43. Here's the list of the top four finishers in each age division:

Boys' 15-16 (18 holes)
1. Corey Richmond 70
2. Rex Schlach 75
3. Eric White 76
4. Dudley Sewell 78

Girls' 15-16 (9 holes)
1. Devin Brieske 43
2. Tiara Harris 47
3. Ashley Pugh 48
4. Taylor Houchens 56

Boys' 13-14 (9 holes)
1. Joshua Harris 38
2. Bradley Litzinger 39
3. Tanner Huntley 39
4. Conner Osborn 39

Girls' 13-14 (9 holes)
1. Christen Cropper 49
2. Haley Hart 52
3. Peyton Houchens 52
4. Haley Fardo 58

Boys' 11-12 (9 holes)
1. Jackson Frame 43
2. Trey Gustin 46
3. Ethan White 48
4. Bryce Gooding 48

Girls' 11-12 (9 holes)
1. Kristen Smith 44
2. Elizabeth Eglian 57
3. Lauren Vice 58
4. McKenzie Butler 62

Boys' 9-10 (7 holes)
1. Ryan Johnson 34
2. Jake O'Mara 37
3. Cameron Kielman 38
4. Andrew Smoot 39

Girls' 9-10 (7 holes)
1. Christian Arn 56

Lady Royals Start the Season with a Win

The Mason County Lady Royals golf team defeated Nicholas County 199-256 in the opening match of the season Tuesday at Kenton Station Golf Course. Mason County freshmen Tiara Harris was the medalist with a 47. Other scores for Mason County include:
Lauren Vice 48
Peyton Houchens 50
Christen Cropper 50
Bethany Foister 53
Taylor Houchens 57