Royals fall to Bardstown 38-28 in state semifinals

In a Class AAA state semifinal showdown between two athletic 13-0 football teams, the Bardstown Tigers defeated the Mason County Royals 38-28 tonight in Bardstown.

The two teams combined to score 35 points in the second quarter, and Bardstown led 28-20 at halftime.

After a scoreless third quarter, Mason County tied the game at 28-28 early in the fourth quarter on a 13-yard run by Brady Sanders and a two-point conversion run by Keshaun Thomas.

Three plays later, Bardstown took the lead for good when running back Tyleeq Willliams scored his fifth touchdown of the night.

Mason County went three-and-out on its next possession, and Bardstown padded its lead with a 23-yard field goal with 2:28 remaining in the game.

The Royals final possession ended with an interception.

Thomas, Mason County's junior quarterback, threw two touchdown passes (one to Isaac Marshall and one to Landon Scilley) and ran for a touchdown in addition to his conversion run.

Williams, Bardstown's 5-foot-5, 150 pound junior running back rushed for 175 yards and four touchdowns on 26 carries. He also had a touchdown reception.

Bardstown will play Christian Academy-Louisville in the Class AAA state championship game next week at Kroger Field on the University of Kentucky.

Mason County's 13 wins are a school record.

B 1st Q 5:10 Tyleeq Williams 3 yard pass from Brayden Clark (Tate Blincoe kick) B 7, MC 0 

MC 1st Q 1:49 Keshaun Thomas 4 yard run (kick failed) B 7, MC 06

B 2nd Q 11:05 Tyleeq Williams 8 yard run (Tate Blincoe kick) B 14, MC 6

B 2nd Q 6:46 Tyleeq Williams 6 yard run (Tate Blincoe kick) B 21, MC 6

MC 2nd Q 4:16 Isaac Marshall 20 yard pass from Keshaun Thomas (run failed) B 21, MC 12

B 2nd Q 1:30 Tyleeq Williams 1 yard run (Tate Blincoe kick) B 28, MC 12

MC 2nd Q 00:08 Landon Scilley 10 yard pass from Keshaun Thomas (Brady Sanders run) B 28, MC 20

MC 4th Q 10:37 Brady Sanders 13 yard run (Keshaun Thomas run) B 28, MC 28

B 4th Q 9:47 Tyleeq Williams 9 yard run (Tate Blincoe kick) B 35, MC 28

B 4th Q 2:28 Tate Blincoe 23 yard field goal B 38, MC 28

Royals run their record to 11-0 with a 33-0 first-round victory over Rockcastle

Mason County junior quarterback Keshaun Thomas passed for two touchdowns and ran for two more to lead the Royals to a 33-0 victory over the the Rockcastle County Rockets in the first round of the Class AA playoffs tonight at home. The Royals are 11-0.

After a scoreless first quarter, Thomas threw touchdown passes to Landon Scilley and Isaac Marshall in the second quarter. 

                                                   (Isaac Marshall touchdown reception)

On the opening drive of the third quarter, Thomas ran 46 yards for a touchdown. He scored on a one-yard quarterback sneak late in the fourth quarter.

Brady Sanders ran 37 yards for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter.

Mason County will host the Estill County Engineers in the second round next week. Estill County routed Lewis County 52-18.

MC 2nd Q 4:45 Landon Scilley 4 yard pass from Keshaun Thomas (Carter Sanders pass from Carson Pugh) MC 8, RC 0

MC 2nd Q 00:20 Isaac Marshall 25 yard pass from Keshaun Thomas (pass failed) MC 14, RC 0

MC 3rd Q 11:19 Keshaun Thomas 46 yard run (Austin Moreland kick) MC 21, RC 0

MC 4th Q 9:29 Brady Sanders 37 yard run (pass failed) MC 27, RC 0

MC 4th Q 2:18 Keshaun Thomas 1 yard run (pass failed) MC 33, RC 0

Survive and Advance!

11-0… Next up Estill County! pic.twitter.com/FUKOKj7Esi

— Mason Co. Athletics (@RoyalsAth1etics) November 5, 2022

Royals beat Greenup County 34-29 to close out a 10-0 regular season.

The Mason County Royals completed a 10-0 regular season, just the third in school history, by defeating the Greenup County Musketeers 34-29 at home tonight. 

The game was not decided until Terrell Henry intercepted a Greenup County pass on the final play of the game. It was Henry's second pick of the night. 

Henry's first interception was followed by a 16-yard touchdown pass from Keshaun Thomas to Isaac Marshall that gave the Royals a 34-14 lead with 10:29 to play in the fourth quarter.

Greenup County answered with back-to-back touchdowns and it was a one score game with a 1:22 remaining. After going three-and-out, the Royals punted with 19 seconds to go. Two plays later, Henry picked off a pass over the middle as time expired.

Mason County got off to a fast start by recovering a fumble on the opening kickoff return. Then, on the Royals' first snap, they surprised the Musketeers with a trick play--wide receiver KG Walton hit a wide open Henry on an option pass for a touchdown 17 seconds into the game.

Thomas scored on a one-yard run to put the Royals up 14-0 in the first quarter.

Two Mason County turnovers led to two Greenup County touchdowns and the score was tied.

Brady Sanders rushed 16 yards for a touchdown to put the Royals back on top with 38 seconds to play in the first half.

Thomas ran 70 yards for a touchdown on Mason County's first drive of the second half.

Mason County will host Rockcastle County in the first round of the playoffs next Friday.

MC 1st Q 11:43 KG Walton 39 yard pass from Keshaun Thomas (Austin Moreland kick) MC 7, GC 0

MC 1st Q 6:12 Keshaun Thomas 1 yard run (Austin Moreland kick) MC 14, GC 0

GC 1st Q 1:59 Ike Henderson 4 yard run (Carson Wireman kick) MC 14, GC 7

GC 2nd Q 1:23 Carson Wireman 65 yard interception return (Carson Wireman kick) MC 14, GC 14

MC 2nd Q 00:38 Brady Sanders 16 yard run (Austin Moreland kick) MC 21, GC 14

MC 3rd Q 10:13 Keshaun Thomas 70 yard run (Austin Moreland kick) MC 28, GC 14

MC 4th Q 10:29 Isaac Marshall 16 yard pass from Keshaun Thomas (kick failed) MC 34, GC 14

GC 4th Q 5:43 Tyson Sammons 4 yard run (Tyson Sammons kick) MC 34, GC 22

GC 4th Q 1:22 Tyson Sammons 5 yard run (Carson Wireman kick) MC 34, GC 29

Royals clinch second straight district title and No. 1 seed with a 48-6 win over Lewis County

The Mason County Royals clinched their second straight district title and a No. 1 seed in the playoffs with a 48-6 victory over the the Lewis County Lions at home tonight.

Keshaun Thomas threw three touchdown passes. Brady Sanders rushed for two touchdowns and had an interception.

The Royals led 36-0 with the 3:24 to play in the second quarter and the rest of the game was played with a running clock.

Mason County is 8-0 overall and 3-0 in district games. The Royals travel to Stanton next week to play the Powell County Pirates.

MC 1st Q 5:06 Brady Sanders 65 yard run (Izley Morales run) MC 8, LC 0

MC 1st Q 1:50 Isaac Marshall 66 yard pass from Keshaun Thomas (pass failed) MC 14, LC 0

MC 2nd Q 9:02 KG Walton 28 yard pass from Keshaun Thomas (Ryan Skaggs kick) MC 21, LC 0

MC 2nd 6:53 Brady Sanders 61 yard run (Izley Morales run) MC 29, LC 0

MC 2nd Q 3:24 Terrell Henry 22 yard pass from Keshaun Thomas (Ryan Skaggs kick) MC 36, LC 0

MC 3rd Q 7:27 Landon Scilley 68 yard pass from Teegin Routt (run failed) MC 42, LC 0

LC 4th Q 8:43 Austin Howard 6 yard run (kick failed) MC 42, LC 6

MC 4th Q 1:10 Hayden Horn 28 yard run (took a knee) MC 48, LC 6

Royals defense makes big plays in a 40-28 win over Fleming County

With Mason County clinging to a five-point lead and Fleming County driving deep into Royal territory, Caden Clark-Roberts returned a fumble 63 yards for a touchdown with 2:42 left in the game.

On Fleming County's next possession, Terrell Henry came up with his second interception of the game and the Royals left Flemingsburg with a 40-28 victory tonight.

There were four lead changes.

Keshaun Thomas threw a 45-yard touchdown pass to Isaac Marshall on the Royals' first play.

Thomas also rushed for two touchdowns. The second one was set up by an interception return to the six yard line by Trey Walker.

Caden Clark-Roberts had a rushing touchdown in addition to his scoop-and-score.

Brady Sanders also ran for a touchdown.

Mason County is 7-0 overall and 2-0 in district play. The Royals are at home vs. Lewis County next week.

MC 1st Q 8:30 Isaac Marshall 45 yard pass from Keshaun Thomas (Ryan Skaggs kick) MC 7, FC 0

MC 1st Q 00:41 Brady Sanders 4 yard run (kick failed) MC 13, FC 0

FC 1st Q 00:17 Austin Trent 71 yard run (Parker Sills kick) MC 13, FC 7

FC 2nd Q 2:55 Landon Johnson 22 yard pass from Nate Ruark (Parker Sills kick) FC 14, MC 13

MC 3rd Q 8:36 Keshaun Thomas 8 yard run (pass failed) MC 19, FC 14

FC 3rd Q 5:51 Landon Johnson 45 yard pass from Nate Ruark (Parker Sills kick) FC 21, FC 19

MC 3rd Q 2:38 Keshaun Thomas 6 yard run (Brady Sanders run) MC 27, FC 21

MC 3rd Q 1:04 Caden Clark-Roberts 8 yard run (run failed) MC 33, FC 21

FC 4th Q  7:37Austin Trent 15 yard run (Parker Sills kick) MC 33, FC 28

MC 4th Q 2:42 Caden Clark-Roberts 63 yard fumble return (Ryan Skaggs kick) MC 40, FC 28

(Game statistics courtesy of WFTM's Travis Scaggs and Drew Spangler.)

Mason County defeats Montgomery Co. 42-14

The Mason County Royals outscored the Montgomery County Indians 28-0 in the second half for a 42-14 victory on Friday night in Mt. Sterling.

It's the second straight game in which the Royals have scored 28 straight points.

Brady Sanders rushed 17 times for 88 yards and two touchdowns. Mason County (2-0) travels to Lexington next Friday to play the Tates Creek Commodores.

Ma. Co. 1st Q KG Walton 5 yard run (Austin Moreland kick) Ma. Co. 7, Mo. Co. 0

Mo. Co. 1st Q Harrison Haddix 8 yard pass from Alex Hatton (Ben Thomerson kick) Ma. Co. 7, Mo. Co. 7

Ma. Co. 2nd Q Brady Sanders 2 yard run (Austin Moreland kick) Ma. Co. 14, Mo. Co. 7

Mo. Co. 2nd Q Devin Taul 46 yard pass from Alex Hatton (Ben Thomerson kick) Ma. Co. 14, Mo. Co. 14

Ma. Co. 3rd Q Brady Sanders 14 yard run (kick failed) Ma. Co. 20, Mo. 14

Ma. Co. 3rd Q Caden Clark-Roberts 6 yard run (KG Walton run) Ma. Co. 28, Mo. 14 

Ma. Co. 4th Q Keshaun Thomas 1 yard run (Austin Moreland kick) Ma. 35, Mo. 14

Ma. Co. 4th Q Kayne Jones 33 yard fumble return (Austin Moreland kick) Ma. 42, Mo. 14

(Game statistics courtesy of WFTM's Travis Scaggs and Drew Spangler.)

Mason County routs Newport 48-6 in season opener

The Mason County Royals scored 28 points in the second quarter on their way to a 48-6 season-opening victory over the Newport Wildcats Thursday night at Thomas More University.

Keshaun Thomas completed 10-of-16 passes for 205 yards and two touchdowns. He also threw two interceptions.

Brady Sanders rushed for two touchdowns and Chad Clark-Roberts had a touchdown reception and ran for another TD.

The Royals' defense did not give up any points. Newport's only touchdown came on an interception return.

Mason County travels to Mt. Sterling next Friday night to play the Montgomery County Indians.

MC 1st Q Chad Clark-Roberts 24 yard pass from Keshaun Thomas (kick failed) MC 6, N 0

MC 2nd Q Brady Sanders 2 yard run (Caden Clark Roberts run) MC 14, N 0

MC 2nd Q Caden Clark-Roberts 4 yard run (Carson Pugh run) MC 22, N 0

MC 2nd Q Isaac Marshall 54 yard pass from Keshaun Thomas (kick failed) MC 28, N 0

MC2nd Q Brady Sanders 3 yard run (Caden Clark-Roberts run) MC 34, N 0

N 3rd Q Quincy Barber interception return (run failed) MC 34, N 6

MC 3rd Q Chad Clark-Roberts 3 yard run (Caden Clark-Roberts run) MC 42, N 6

MC 3rd Q Teegin Routt 10 yard run (kick failed) MC 48, N 6

(Game statistics courtesy of WFTM's Travis Scaggs and Drew Spangler.)

Royals fall to East Carter 38-10

The Mason County Royals’ season ended with a 38-10 loss to the East Carter Raiders in the region championship game Friday night in Grayson.

East Carter running back Charlie Terry rushed 65 yards for a touchdown on the first play of the game. Terry rushed for 236 yards and four touchdowns on 19 carries.

Mason County’s scores came on a four yard run by Brady Sanders and 39 yard field goal by Ashton Adams in the first quarter. 

The Royals had four red zone drives in the second half, but we’re unable to score.

Mason County ends the season with a 9-4 record under first year coach Joe Wynn.

East Carter will host Belfry in the Class AAA state semifinals.

EC 1st Q Charlie Terry 65 yard run (pass failed) EC 6, MC 0

EC 1st Q Nikk Barnett 3 yard run (Kanyon Kozee run) EC 14, MC 0

MC 1st Q Brady Sanders 4 yard run ( Ashton Adams kick) EC 14, MC 7

EC 1st Q Charlie Terry 3 yard run (Nikk Barnett run) EC 22, MC 7

MC 1st Q Ashton Adams 39 yard field goal EC 22, MC 10

EC 2nd Q Charlie Terry 12 yard run (Conner Goodman pass from Kanyon Kozee) EC 30, MC 10

EC 4th Q Charlie Terry 84 yard run (Kanyon Kozee run) EC 38, MC 10

(Game statistics courtesy of  WFTM’s Travis Scaggs and Drew Spangler)

Royals defeat the Lewis County Lions 21-0

Brady Sanders rushed for 124 yards and two touchdowns and Caden Clark-Roberts rushed a touchdown and a two-point conversion to lead the Mason County Royals to a 21-0 district victory over the Lewis County Lions tonight in Vanceburg.

Mason County is 5-3 overall and 2-1 in district games. The Royals will play host to the Powell County Pirates next week.

MC 2nd Q 1:31 Caden Clark-Roberts 30 yard run (run failed) MC 6, LC 0

MC 3rd Q 3:49 Brady Sanders 26 yard run (Caden Clark-Roberts run) MC 14, LC 0

MC 4th Q 4:57 Brady Sanders 7 yard run (Ashton Adams kick) MC 21, LC 0

(Game statistics courtesy of WFTM radio's Travis Scaggs and Drew Spangler)

Royals fall to Tates Creek 22-12

The Mason County Royals were outscored 16-6 in the second half in a 22-12 loss to the Class 6A Tates Creek Commodores tonight at home. 

A one-yard touchdown run by Brady Sanders tied the game at 6-6 in the second quarter. 

Tates Creek scored the first 16 points of the second half to lead 22-6 with 9:02 remaining in the game.

Anthony Bozeman ran 12 yards for a Mason County touchdown with 5:29 left to play.

The Commodores drove deep into Mason County territory and ran out the clock.

Mason County falls to 1-2. The Royals have an open date next week before hosting Boyd County on Homecoming on September 17

Tates Creek snapped an eight-game losing streak and is also 1-2 this season.

TC 1st Q 3:09 Taveaon Williams 65 yard interception return (kick failed)

MC 2nd Q 8:06 Brady Sanders 1 yard run (pass failed) TC 6, MC 6

TC 3rd Q 5:56 Mathew Underwood 15 yard run (Ke'shon Douthitt pass from Andrew Witherington)

TC 14, MC 6

TC 4th Q 9:02 Mathew Underwood 35 yard run (Andrew Witherton run) TC 22, MC 6

MC 4th Q 5:29 Anthony Bozeman 12 yard run (pass failed) TC 22, MC 12

Royals lose home opener to Montgomery County 41-14

The Mason County Royals had three red zone defensive stops including two in the first quarter, but lost to the Montgomery County Indians 41-14 tonight in the Meadowview Regional Medical Center Kickoff Classic.

Interceptions by Terrell Henry and Ashton Adams stopped Montgomery County's first two red zone drives, but the Indians later scored 22 straight points and built a 28-point lead.

Montgomery County running back Jacob Diallo rushed for three touchdowns and quarterback Alex Hatton threw two touchdown passes.

Keshaun Thomas threw a 77-yard touchdown pass to Isaac Marshall, and Brady Sanders rushed for a touchdown for Mason County.

The Royals (1-1) host the Tates Creek Commodores next week.

Mo C 1st Q 3:02 Tanner Donathan 29 yard pass from Alex Hatton (Edgar Diaz kick) Mo C 7, Ma C 0

Mo C 2nd Q 11:07 Tanner Donathan 48 yard pass from Alex Hatton (kick failed) Mo C 13, Ma C 0

Ma C 2nd Q 9:49 Isaac Marshall 77 yard pass from Keshaun Thomas (Ashton Adams kick) Mo C 13, Ma C 7

Mo C 2nd Q 3:18 Jacob Diallo 3 yard run (Jacob Diallo run) Mo 21, Ma C 7

Mo Co 2nd Q 00:19 Alex Ison 23 yard run (Edgar Diaz kick) Mo C 28, Ma C 7

Mo C 3rd Q 2:53 Jacob Diallo 4 yard run (Brian Martinez kick) Mo 35, Ma 7

Ma C 3rd Q 1:01 Brady Sanders 3 yard run (Ashton Adams kick) Mo 35, Ma C 14

Mo C 4th Q 5:46 Jacob Diallo 2 yard run (kick failed) Mo 41, Ma C 14