Royals rally and hang on for a 34-28 win over Montgomery County

The Mason County Royals rallied from a seven-point third quarter deficit and were able to hang on for a 34-28 win over the Montgomery County Indians Friday night in Mt. Sterling. The game was tied 14-14 at the half. Montgomery County took a 21-14 lead with 6:29 left in the third quarter. Mason County scored back-to-back touchdowns to lead 28-21 late in the third quarter. Montgomery County put together a 15-play, 65-yard scoring drive to tie the game at 28-all. Mason County went back in front on a touchdown pass from Neal Pawsat to Jordan Gilbert. After a penalty, Gilbert missed the PAT. Montgomery County advanced to the Royals' 44 yard line, but a couple of penalties on the Indians and a defensive stop on fourth down gave the ball back to Mason County with 2:36 left. The Royals picked up a first down and ran out the clock. Josh Harris rushed for 136 yards and two touchdowns. Pawsat completed 15-of-25 passes for 214 yards and two touchdowns. He also threw two interceptions. Gilbert had seven receptions for 151 yards and two touchdowns. Mason County's fourth touchdown of the game- a four-yard run by Xavia Shurn- was set up by a 71-yard run by Troy Chenault. On the previous play, Xavion Johnson intercepted a Montgomery County pass in the end zone. Shurn also has an interception and recovered an onside kick. Mason County (1-1) has an open date on September 3. The Royals play their home opener September 10 against the Bourbon County Colonels.

Mason Co. 1st Q 9:06 Josh Harris 10 yard run (Jordan Gilbert kick) Mason Co. 7, Montgomery Co. 0

Montgomery Co. 2nd Q 7:57 Seth Dotson 6 yard run (Daryl McCane kick) Mason Co. 7, Montgomery Co. 7

Mason Co. 2nd Q 00:53 Josh Harris 7 yard run (Jordan Gilbert kick) Mason Co. 14, Montgomery Co. 7

Montgomery Co. 2nd Q 00:03.1 Seth Dotson 32 yard pass from Matt Tuttle (Daryl McCane kick) Mason Co. 14, Montgomery Co. 14

Montgomery Co. 3rd Q 6:29 Seth Dotson 18 yard pass from Matt Tuttle (Daryl McCane kick) Montgomery Co. 21, Mason Co. 14

Mason Co. 3rd Q 4:48 Jordan Gilbert 53 yard pass from Neal Pawsat (Josh Harris run) Mason County 22, Montgomery Co. 21

Mason Co. 3rd Q 00:19.2 Xavia Shurn (kick failed) Mason Co. 28, Montgomery Co. 21

Montgomery Co. 4th Q 7:25 Blake Preston 3 yard run (Daryl McCane kick) Mason Co. 28, Montgomery Co. 28

Mason Co. 4th Q 5:04 Jordan Gilbert 34 yard pass from Neal Pawsat (kick failed) Mason Co. 34, Montgomery Co. 28