Royals use big plays to beat Montgomery Co. 35-14

An 85 yard kickoff return by Jordan Gilbert to start the second half followed by a 45-yard fumble return by Josh Harris helped the Mason County Royals beat the Montgomery County Indians 35-14 Friday night. The Royals outscored the Indians 28-7 in the second half. Montgomery County scored on the opening drive of the game. Mason County didn't score until the 2:19 mark of the second quarter. After Harris' fumble return put the Royals up 21-7, the Indians put together an eight-play, 80 yard drive to cut it to 21-14. Mason County then pulled away by scoring touchdowns on its next two possessions. Harris rushed for 141 yards and a touchdown. Neal Pawsat completed 9-of-14 passes for 161 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for a touchdown. Mason County (2-0) has an open date this coming week before playing at Bourbon County on Sept. 11.

Mont. Co 1st Q 5:26 Seth Dotson 5 yard run (Mac Huff kick) Mont. Co 7, Mason Co. 0
Mason Co. 2nd Q 2:19 Bradley Lang 54 yard pass from Neal Pawsat (Jordan Gilbert kick) Mont. Co. 7, Mason Co. 7
Mason Co. 3rd Q 11:46 Jordan Gilbert 85 yard kickoff return (kick failed) Mason Co. 14, Mont. Co 7
Mason Co. 3rd Q 9:17 Josh Harris 45 yard fumble return (Tyler Black pass from Colt Fearis) Mason Co. 21, Mont. Co 7
Mont. Co. 3rd Q 5:30 Tyler Murphy 29 yard run (Mac Huff kick) Mason Co. 21, Mont. Co. 14
Mason Co. 3rd Q 1:12 Josh Harris 2 yard run (Jordan Gilbert kick) Mason Co. 28, Mont. Co. 14
Mason Co. 4th Q 11:44 Neal Pawsat 2 yard run (Jordan Gilbert kick) Mason Co. 35, Mont. Co. 14

Notes:

• Neal Pawsat moved into fourth place on the Royals' lists for career passing yards (2,200) and career passing completions (149)

Edited to delete reference to Mason County's all-time record being 164-163. The correct record is 164-164.