Royals edged by Rowan County 22-21

Blake Carver rushed for 245 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Rowan County Vikings to a 22-21 come-from-behind win over the Mason County Royals Friday night in Morehead. Mason County, which fell to 0-3, committed three turnovers. Rowan County overcame four turnovers.

Mason County grabbed its first lead of the season on a six-yard touchdown run by Chris Dunaway in the first quarter. The scoring drive was set up by Jesse Morgan's interception on the third play of the game.

On Rowan County's next possession, DaRell Henry picked off a pass and returned it deep into Vikings' territory. But Mason County was called for a personal foul penalty and started the drive on its own 18 yard line.

After and a three and out by the Royals, Rowan County drove to the Mason County five yard line but lost a fumble. Mason County returned the favor with a fumble on the very next play. Four plays later, Carver scored a one-yard run.

On Mason County's next play, Tyrion Fox ran 62 yards for a touchdown. Rowan County answered with a 65-yard scoring drive and the game was tied at 14-14 at halftime.

The Royals opened the third quarter with a 12-play, 65-yard scoring drive that was capped off by a one-yard run by Luke Morgan who started at quarterback for the first time.

Mason County was stopped on fourth and three at the Rowan County 45 yard line late in the third quarter. On the next play, Carver ran 54 yards for a touchdown and gave the Vikings the lead with the conversion run.

Mason County drove from its own 12 yard line to the Rowan County 49 yard before losing the ball on a fumble with 9:28 to play. The Royals went three and out on their final possession and the Vikings were able to run out the clock.

"Just got to be more consistent at it, turnovers kill you," Coach Jonathan Thomas said on the post game show.

Mason County hosts North Laurel next Friday night.

MC 1st Q 7:56 Chris Dunaway 6 yard run (Travis Whisman kick)
RC 2nd Q 9:28 Blake Carver 1 yard run (kick failed)
MC 2nd Q 9:11 Tyrion Fox 62 yard run (Travis Whisman kick)
RC 2nd Q 6:01 Tyler Stephens 15 yard run (Tyler Stephens run)
MC 3rd Q 6:53 Luke Morgan 1 yard run (Travis Whisman kick)
RC 3rd Q 1:53 Blake Carver 54 yard run (Blake Carver run)

Royals vs. Vikings in Morehead Friday Night

The Mason County Royals, looking for their first win of the season, travel to Morehead Friday night to play the Rowan County Vikings. Mason County has committed six turnovers and only scored six points in losses to Somerset and Fleming County.

Rowan County routed Clay County 55-26 in the season opener and lost to Bath County 21-19 last week. The Vikings only attempted one pass against Clay County while racking up 508 rushing yards. Three players rushed for more than 100 yards- running back Blake Carver ran for 190 yards and three touchdowns, quarterback Devin Helvey rushed for 130 yards and three touchdowns, and running back Jeffrey Masters rushed for 118 yards and one touchdown.

Last week, Rowan County had just 76 rushing yards, but Helvey passed for 151 yards and two touchdowns. The Vikings allowed 199 rushing yards.

Mason County junior Tyrion Fox is Mason County's leading rusher with 101 yards on 25 carries.

Notes:

- Rowan County leads the series 17-11. The Royals have won the last two meetings including 26-6 last season in Morehead.

- Rowan County quarterbacks coach and junior varsity offensive coordinator Boone Goldsmith is the son of former Maysville High School and Morehead State University standout Billy Goldsmith.