Mason Co. vs. Paris to open the football season

The Mason County Royals host the Paris Greyhounds tonight in the Meadowview Regional Medical Center Kickoff Classic. It's Mason County's 30th season. It's Paris' 100th season.

The Royals beat the Greyhounds 27-7 last season in the only meeting between the two programs. Royals Coach David Buchanan was the head coach at Paris for four seasons before coming to Mason County in 1996. J.J. Everage is the new coach at Paris. He is the Greyhounds' eighth coach in 14 seasons. Mason County is 7-5 in season openers under Coach Buchanan. Sophomore Neal Pawsat takes over at quarterback for Mason County. Last season, Pawsat completed 11 of 26 passes for 135 yards. He threw one interception. In his only start, Pawsat rushed for three touchdowns in a 34-33 overtime win over Greenup County. Senior tailback Jeremy Thompson rushed for 868 yards and nine touchdowns last year. Paris' returning players include senior tailback Tiion Thomas and junior quarterback Cody Maggard. Thomas is a speedster who rushed for 822 yards and eight touchdowns last season. Maggard completed 28 of 83 yards and three touchdowns. He threw eight interceptions. Tonight's game begins at 7:30.

"Hawaiian Luau-Pig Roast" is the theme for the tailgate party. The menu includes pulled pork sandwiches, coleslaw, baked beans, dessert and drink. The cost is $5.