Mason County's season ends with a 43-0 loss to Johnson Central

The Mason County Royals had five turnovers in a 43-0 loss to defending state champion Johnson Central in the first round of the Class 4A football playoffs Friday night in Paintsville.

Mason County muffed the opening kickoff and the Golden Eagles recovered the ball at the Royals' 40 yard line.

Five plays later, Johnson Central quarterback Riley Preece scored on a 10-yard run.

On Mason County's first play from scrimmage, Johnson Central forced a fumble and recovered the ball at the Royals' 37 yard line.

Six plays later, Preece scored on a three-yard run.

The Royals threatened to score on their next possession when Chandler Dunaway threw a 46-yard pass to Leevi Dunaway, but Johnson Central made a touchdown-saving tackle on the play at the Golden Eagles' 17 yard line. That drive ended with an interception. 

Johnson Central drove 93 yards in nine plays for a 21-0 lead with 11:31 remaining in the second quarter.

Preece, who also plays safety, returned two interceptions for touchdowns 62 seconds apart in the second quarter and Johnson Central had a 36-0 lead with 4:27 left in the first half. The rest of the game was played with a running clock.

On their first possession of the second half, the Royals advanced to the Johnson Central 21 yard line, but Preece intercepted a pass in the end zone.

The Golden Eagles put together an 82-yard scoring drive capped by a 50-yard touchdown pass by Preece.

Johnson Central had 289 yards of total yards of offense including 212 rushing yards.

Mason County was held to 101 total yards (55 passing and 46 rushing).

Mason County coach Jonathan Thomas said he thought the Royals were excited to play, but "we just didn't have it right off the bat early. We just can't make those mistakes that early and dig yourself in a hole against a team this good with the number of kids we have."

Mason County only had 23 players dressed for the game.

The loss snapped the Royals' four-game winning streak.

Mason County ends the season with a 7-4 record, two years after going 1-9.

"Very proud of our kids," Thomas said. "You know, tonight's performance cannot take away from what they've meant to this program, this team and this school."

JC 1st Q 9:29 Riley Preece 10 yard run (Dalton Collins kick) JC 7, MC 0

JC 1st Q 6:01 Riley Preece 3 yard run (Dalton Collins kick) JC 14, MC 0

JC 2nd Q 11:31 Blake Gamble 15 yard run (Dalton Collins kick) JC 21, MC 0

JC 2nd Q 5:29 Riley Preece 66 yard interception return (Dalton Collins kick) JC 28, MC 0

JC 2nd Q 4:27 Riley Preece 60 yard interception return (Devin Johnson run) JC 36,MC 0

JC 4th Q 8:13 Blake Gamble 50 yard pass from Riley Preece (Dalton Collins kick) JC 43, MC 0

Mason Co. faces Johnson Central in first round of playoffs

The Mason County Royals travel to Paintsville tonight to play the Johnson Central Golden Eagles in the first round of the Class 4A football playoffs.

The Royals are 7-3, have won four straight games and are undefeated on the road this season.

The Golden Eagles, the defending state champions, are 8-2 and have lost back-to-back games to Ashland and Belfry.

Johnson Central's huge offensive line is anchored by 6-6, 315 pound senior tackle Ethan Bingham.

The Golden Eagles average 359 rushing yards per game.

Running back Blake Gamble has rushed for 1,380 yards and 17 touchdowns on 177 carries.

Johnson Central averages just 8.5 passes per game, but quarterback Riley Preece has thrown for 892 yards and 10 touchdowns,

Mason County tailback Malkolm Devine has rushed for 1,180 yards and 11 touchdowns on 183 carries.

Chandler Dunaway has passed for 1,269 yards and 20 touchdowns. He has also rushed for six touchdowns.

Kickoff is at 7:30

Games notes:

• Johnson Central leads the series with Mason County 2-0. The Golden Eagles beat the Royals in  2005 (35-14 at Johnson Central) and in 2006 (40-0 at Mason County) when they were Class 3A District 8 opponents.
• Johnson Central and Mason County have one common opponent this season- Rowan County. The Golden Eagles beat the Vikings 61-7 at home. The Royal defeated Rowan County 51-16 at Morehead State University.
• This is the 18th season that Mason County has qualified for the playoffs. 
• The Royals all-time playoff record is 19-18 and they have lost three straight playoff games including 35-14 to Ashland last season.
• Mason County's last win in the playoffs was in 2013 in the second round (49-7 over Garrard County).
• The Royals have not won a road playoff game since 2002 (49-21 vs. Lloyd).
• Johnson Central routed Franklin-Simpson 48-0 in last year's state championship game.
• The loss to Ashland two weeks ago snapped the Golden Eagles' 13-game winning streak going back to last season.

Royals close out regular season with a 36-6 win over Lewis County

The Mason County Royals scored on six of their first seven possessions and closed out the regular season with a 36-6 victory over the Lewis County Lions tonight in Vanceburg.

Malkolm Devine, who rushed for 188 yards on 17 carries, ran 30 yards for a touchdown on the third play of the game.

Mason County led 29-0 at halftime and scored on their first possession of the second half  to invoke the running clock with 4:47 left in the third quarter.

Camdyn Washington had a receiving touchdown and rushing touchdown.

Tykeise Henry rushed for a touchdown and had an interception.

Chandler Dunaway completed 4-of-8 passes for 80 yards and a touchdown. He also scored a touchdown on a one-yard quarterback sneak.

Mason County had 314 yards of total offense while holding Lewis County to 202 yards.

Lewis County tailback Garrett Applegate rushed for 142 yards on 24 carries.

Mason County (7-3) plays Johnson Central in Paintsville next week in the first round of the Class 4A playoffs.

Lewis County ends the season with a 2-8 record.

MC 1st Q 11:11 Malkolm Devine 30 yard run (Brock Gilligan kick) MC 7, LC 0

MC 1st Q 6:29 Camdyn Washington 18 yard pass from Chandler Dunaway (Carson Brammer run) MC 15, LC 0

MC 2nd Q 7:42 Tykeise Henry 4 yard run (Brock Gilligan kick) MC 22, LC 0

MC 2nd Q 4:02 Camdyn Washington 28 yard run (Brock Gilligan kick) MC 29, LC 0

MC 3rd Q 4:47 Chandler Dunaway 1 yard run (Brock Gilligan kick) MC 36, LC 0

LC 4th Q 5:00 Justin Howard 10 yard pass from Zach Lehn (run failed) MC 36, LC 6

Mason Co. tops Grant Co. 28-8 for sixth win of the season

Chandler Dunaway completed 8-of-13 passes for 148 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Mason County Royals to a 28-8 victory over the Grant County Braves tonight on Senior Night. 

Leevi Dunaway had five receptions for 115 yards and two touchdowns. He also had an interception on defense.

Malkolm Devine rushed for 76 yards on 17 carries and had a touchdown reception.

The Royals outscored the Braves 21-8 in the second half.

Mason County had 313 yards of total offense to 245 yards for Grant County.

With the Royals missing two starters on the offense line due to injuries, coach Jonathan Thomas said they used a basic offense.

Mason County (6-3) closes out the regular season next week at Lewis County. The Royals will travel to Paintsville in two weeks to play defending state champion Johnson Central in the first round of the Class 4A playoffs. Johnson Central lost to Ashland 21-18 tonight.

Grant County is 0-9. Braves quarterback Austin Knipp completed 13-of-23 passes for 139 yards and one touchdown.

MC 1st Q 2:20 Leevi Dunaway 36 yard pass from Chandler Dunaway (Brock Gilligan kick) MC 7, GC 0

MC 3rd Q 9:36 Leevi Dunaway 45 yard pass from Chandler Dunaway (Brock Gilligan kick) MC 14, GC 0

GC 3rd Q 6:50 Dalton Inggulls 25 yard pass from Austin Knipp (Austin Knipp run) MC 14, GC 8

MC 3rd Q 3:06 Malkolm Devine 24 yard pass from Chandler Dunaway (Brock Gilligan kick) MC 21, GC 8

MC 4th Q 3:02 Seth Chambers 7 yard run (Brock Gilligan kick) MC 28, GC 8

Mason County finishes district play with a 20-16 road win over Holmes

The Mason County Royals used a time-consuming run game in the second half to defeat the Holmes Bulldogs 20-16 Friday night in Covington and clinched at least the No. 3 seed in Class 4A District 7.

After trailing 10-7 at halftime, Mason County opened the third quarter with a 16-play, 70-yard scoring drive that took eight minutes and 27 seconds. Chandler Dunaway capped the drive with a one-yard quarterback sneak for the touchdown.

Holmes went three and out and Mason County started its second drive at its 30 yard line again.

The Royals drove to the Holmes one-yard line but the Bulldogs took over on downs after a goal line stand.

On the next play, Jaylen Lofton intercepted a pass, and three plays later Malkolm Devine scored a touchdown on a five-yard run to give the Royals a 20-10 lead with 4:09 left in the game.

Holmes made it interesting with a 63-yard touchdown pass with 3:38 to go.

The Bulldogs tried to get ball back with an onside kick but Carson Brammer fell on the football at the Royals' 49 yard line and Mason County picked up three first downs to run out the clock.

Mason County only dressed 27 players and two left the game with injuries.

"To have the numbers that we had and have the kids we had to throw in the game at the end, and I mean I couldn't be happier for our kids and the way they fought," Mason County coach Jonathan Thomas said. "I have said it all year- they're a gritty, gritty bunch."

Thomas said the team leaned on the offensive line. "It was very,very tough, we had guys step up to the challenge," Thomas said. "Our full backs were great, blocking backs were great."

Holmes had 274 yards of total offense, but just 39 rushing yards.

Mason County had 251 yards of total offense including 165 rushing yards.

Holmes had four turnovers. All were interceptions. Seth Chambers and Tykeise Henry both picked off passes in the end zone. Jeremiah Jones also had an interception.

Devine rushed for 125 yards and two touchdowns on 32 carries. Ninety-seven of his rushing yards were in the second half.

"I can't say enough about Malkolm and his toughness," Thomas said.

Mason County is 5-3 overall and finished district play with a 2-2 record. 

The Royals host Grant County next week.

H 1st Q  3:56 Cortez Blassingame 12 yard pass from James Walker (Corter Blassingame pass from James Walker) H 8, MC 0

MC 1st Q 1:25 Malkolm Devine 3 yard run (Brock Gilligan kick) H 8, MC 7

H 2nd Q 11:09 safety H 10, MC 7

MC 3rd Q 3:33 Chandler Dunaway 1 yard run (Brock Gillian kick) MC 14, H 10

MC 4th Q 4:09 Malkolm Devine 5 yard run (kick failed) MC 20, H 10

H 4th Q 3:38 Cortez Blassingam 63 yard pass from James Walker (pass failed) MC 20, H 16

Mason County football weekly award winners

Here are the Mason County football weekly award winners based on the Royals' 54-48 double overtime victory over Harrison County Friday night:

Brian Payne Player of the Game- Chandler Dunaway

Offensive Lineman of the Game- Will Caudill and Dalton Kindt

Defensive Players of the Game- Tykeise Henry, Seth Chambers and Dalton Kindt

Special Teams Players of the Game- Mario Soto, Jaylen Lofton, Chander Dunaway and Tykeise Henry

Scout Team Player of the Week- Allen Powell

Bourbon Co. stops conversion, edges Mason Co. 27-26

Bourbon County stopped Mason County's conversion run with 41 seconds left in the game and the Colonels edged the Royals 27-26 tonight in a district game on Mason County's Homecoming.

Bourbon County had taken a 27-20 lead with a touchdown and a two-point conversion with 4:28 remaining in the game.

Mason County quarterback Chandler Dunaway scored a touchdown on a 15-yard run, but he was stopped on a run as the Royals tried for a two-point conversion.

Coach Jonathan Thomas said it was an easy call to go for two.

"Just because, you know, we had marched the ball down the field, and you look over here on the sideline and we've got multiple kids hurt, multiple kids gassed, multiple kids that can't do a whole lot, so I really didn't think that playing for overtime was a wise decision with, you know, our numbers and, you know, as tired as everybody was," Thomas said. 

For the second straight game, Mason County scored in the opening minute of the game. Tykeise Henry returned an interception 25 yards for touchdown on the fourth play.

Henry also had a 25-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter.

Bourbon County led 19-13 at the half.

The Royals regained the lead on a 31-yard touchdown run by Malkolm Devine and a PAT by Brock Gilligan with 3:15 left in the third quarter.

Mason County had a turnover and a three-and-out before Bourbon County took the lead for good.

Bourbon County had 413 total yards to 274 for Mason County.

Quarterback Dalen Landrum, who missed the Colonels' last two games with an injury, completed 26 of 36 passes for 306 yards and four touchdowns,

Bourbon County receiver Titus Ransom had 13 receptions for 97 yards and two touchdowns.

Devine rushed for 117 yards and a touchdown on 20 carries.

Mason County, 3-3 overall and 0-2 in the district, plays at Harrison County next week.

MC 1st Q 11:14 Tykeise Henry 25 yard interception return (kick failed) MC 6, BC 0

BC 1st Q 3:24 TJ Whitstine 55 yard pass from Dalen Landrum (kick failed) MC 6, BC 6

MC 1st Q 00:22 Tykeise Henry 25 yard pass from Chandler Dunaway (Brock Gilligan kick) MC 13, BC 6

BC 2nd Q 10:22 Titus Ransom 15 yard pass from Dalen Landrum (Parked Atwood kick) MC 13, BC 13

MC 3rd Q 3:15 Malkolm Devine 31 yard run (Brock Gilligan kick) MC 20, BC 19 

BC 4th Q 4:28 Justin Blankenship 27 yard pass from Dalen Landrum (Justin Blankenship pass from Dalen Landrum) BC 27, MC 20

MC 4th Q 00:41 Chandler Dunaway 15 yard run (run failed) BC 27, MC 26

Royals fall to Scott 27-21 in overtime

Nelson Perrin rushed 10 yards for a touchdown on Scott's first play in overtime to give the Eagles a 27-21 victory over the Mason County Royals tonight at Mason County in the district opener for both teams.

Mason County, which rallied from a 21-7 first quarter deficit, got the ball first in overtime but failed to score. 

Malkolm Devine returned the opening kickoff of the game with a school record-tying 90 yards for a touchdown, but Scott answered with 21 straight points.

The Royals tied the game in the second half on a five-yard run by Devine and a 22-yard touchdown reception by Caleb Boyd.

Both teams threatened to score in the closing minutes. Mason County stopped Scott on the Royals' 10 yard line with 2:18 to play. The Royals drove to the Scott 23 yard line, but on 2nd down and three, quarterback Chandler Dunaway was sacked. Dunaway spiked the ball on third down, and his pass on fourth down fell incomplete in the end zone with 31 second remaining.

Scott had 473 yards of total offense including 342 rushing yards.

Mason County had 366 total yards with 287 rushing yards

Nelson Perrin rushed for 164 yards and two touchdowns on 14 carries.

Quincy Perrin had 20 carries for 119 yards and one touchdown.

Devine rushed for 164 yards and one touchdown on 28 carries.

Mason County falls to 3-2. The Royals will host the Bourbon County Colonels on Homecoming next week.

Mason Co.1st Q 11:45 Malkolm Devine 90 yard kickoff return (Brock Gilligan kick) MC 7, S 0

Scott 1st Q 8:17 Quincy Perrin 1 yard run (Kai Ellison kick) MC 7, Scott 7

Scott 1st Q 6:46 Aerik Barbour 40 yard pass from Chad Ohmer (Kai Ellison kick) S 14, MC 7

Scott 1st Q 00:19 Nelson Perrin 43 yard run (Kai Ellison kick) S 21, MC 7

Mason Co. 3rd Q Malkolm Devine 5 yard run (Brock Gilligan kick) S 21, MC 14

Mason Co. 4th Q Caleb Boyd 22 yard pass from Chandler Dunaway (Brock Gilligan kick) S 21, MC 21

Scott OT Nelson Perrin 10 yard run S 27, MC 21

Mason Co. host Scott in district opener tonight

The Mason County Royals, coming off their bye week, host the Scott Eagles tonight in the district opener for both teams.

Mason County routed Morgan County 67-14 on September 8th to run its record to 3-1.

Scott is 2-2 with wins over Dixie Heights (42-27) and Holy Cross (62-13), and losses to Newport Central Catholic (17-7) and Conner (47-27).

The Eagles have rushed for 1,263 yards this season with the Perrin brothers leading the way.
Quincy Perrin has racked up 550 yards and five touchdowns on 54 carries. Nelson Perrin has rushed for 273 yards and three touchdowns.

David Patrick has rushed for 222 yards and five touchdowns.

Chad Ohmer, the brother of former Scott basketball standout Jake Ohmer, is the Eagles' starting quarterback. Chad Ohmer has only attempted 36 passes this season.

In the last two games, Mason County quarterback Chandler Dunaway has passed for 548 yards and 10 touchdowns.

Kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.

Here are a few game notes:

• Mason County's win over Morgan County in West Liberty was the 100th road victory in the history of the program. The Royals' all-time road record is 100-112.
• The Royals' 10 touchdowns in the win over Morgan County tied the school record.
• Mason County leads the series with Scott 5-3. The Royals beat the Eagles 21-15 in Taylor Mill last season.
• Tonight's game is sponsored by US Bank.
• The 1967 Maysville Bulldogs football team will be recognized at halftime.

Mason County football weekly award winners

Here are the Mason County football weekly award winners based on the Royals' 67-14 victory over the Morgan County Cougars Friday night:

Brian Payne State Farm Player of the Game- Chandler Dunaway

Defensive Players of the Game- Chase Lykins and Tykeise Henry 

Offensive Lineman of the Game- Dalton Kindt

Special Teams Players of the Game- Shane Sizemore and Will Caudill

Scout Team Player of the Week- Carson Brammer


(Edited to correct the score of the game)

Chandler Dunaway throws a school record six TD passes in Mason County's 67-14 win over Morgan County

Mason County senior quarterback Chandler Dunaway completed 13 of 19 passes for 325 yards and a school record six touchdowns to lead the Royals to a 67-14 win over the Morgan County Cougars in West Liberty Friday night.

Leevi Dunaway had seven receptions for 177 yards and a school record-tying four touchdowns.

Chandler Dunaway also had a 61-yard rushing touchdown. 

Jaylen Lofton and Jayden Riggs each had a touchdown reception. 

Jared Collins returned a fumble 34-yards for a touchdown.

Carson Brammer and Jeremiah Jones each rushed for a touchdown in the fourth quarter.

Mason County jumped out to a 26-0 lead, but Morgan County closed the gap to 12 points by scoring a touchdown in the final minute of the second quarter and returning the third quarter kickoff for a touchdown.

The Royals answered by scoring 28 points in the third quarter. Mason County scored on five of its six possessions in the second half.

Mason County had 517 yards of total offense and held Morgan County to 99 total yards. The Cougars only had two rushing yards.

Mason County is 3-1 heading into its bye week. The Royals begin district play September 22 at home against the Scott Eagles.

Mason Co. 1st Q 7:02 Leevi Dunaway 34 yard pass from Chandler Dunaway (Brock Gilligan kick) Mason Co. 7, Morgan Co. 0

Mason Co. 1st Q 3:13 Jaylen Lofton 66 yard pass from Chandler Dunaway (Brock Gilligan kick) Mason Co. 14, Morgan Co. 0

Mason Co. 2nd Q 5:26 Leevi Dunaway 12 yard pass from Chandler Dunaway (kick blocked) Mason Co. 20, Morgan Co. 0

Mason Co. 2nd Q 2:16 Jayden Riggs 23 yard pass from Chandler Dunaway (pass failed) Mason Co. 26, Morgan Co. 0

Morgan Co. 2nd Q 00:17 Michael Prater 58 yard pass from Garrett Adkins (run failed) Mason Co. 26, Morgan Co. 6

Morgan Co. 3rd Q 11:44 Michael Prater 85 yard kickoff return (Garrett Adkins run) Mason Co. 26,

Morgan Co. 14

Mason Co. 3rd Q 10:09 Leevi Dunaway 46 yard pass from Chandler Dunaway (Brock Gilligan kick) Mason Co. 33, Morgan Co. 14

Mason Co. 3rd Q 5:41 Leevi Dunaway 30 yard pass from Chandler Dunaway (Brock Gilligan kick) Mason Co. 40, Morgan Co. 14

Mason Co. 3rd Q 2:58 Jared Collins 34 yard fumble return (Brock Gilligan kick) Mason Co. 47, Morgan Co. 14

Mason Co. 3rd Q 00:30 Chandler Dunaway 61 yard run (Brock Gilligan kick) Mason Co. 54, Morgan Co. 14

Mason Co. 4th Q 4:00 Carson Brammer one yard run (Brock Gilligan kick) Mason Co. 61, Morgan Co. 14

Mason Co. 4th Q 1:15 Jeremiah Jones 25 yard run (kick failed) Mason Co. 67, Morgan Co, 14

Mason County football weekly award winners

Here are the Mason County football weekly award winners based on the Royals' 51-16 victory over the Rowan County Vikings Saturday:

Brian Payne State Farm Player of the Game- Leevi Dunaway

Offensive Lineman of the Game- Will Caudill

Defensive Player of the Game- Tykeise Henry

Special Teams Players of the Game- Brock Gilligan and Jaylen Lofton

Scout Team Player of the Week- Chandler Dunaway

Mason County rolls past Rowan County 51-16

Chandler Dunaway completed 18 of 28 passes for 223 yards and four touchdowns and the Mason County defense had four interceptions in a 51-16 victory over the Rowan County Vikings today at Morehead State University's Jayne Stadium.

Dunaway threw touchdown passes to Leevi Dunaway and Jayden Riggs in the first half and completed a touchdown pass to Camdyn Washington on the opening drive of the third quarter.

After Rowan County returned the ensuing kickoff for a touchdown to cut the deficit to 21-10, Mason County scored 30 straight points.

Malkolm Devine ran 44 yards for a touchdown, the Dunaway brothers connected for another TD, Tykeise Henry returned an interception 30 yards for a touchdown and Jeremiah Jones ran 14 yards for a touchdown.

Rowan County scored a touchdown against the Royals' second team defense with just 18 seconds left in the game.

Mason County racked up 392 yards offense compared to 173 yards for Rowan County.

Leevi Dunaway had six receptions for 97 yards and two touchdowns. He had an interception on defense.

Devine rushed for 84 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries.

Austin Blake had two interceptions in the first half.

Mason County is 2-1. The Royals play the Morgan County Cougars in West Liberty Friday.

Morgan County, which lost its season opener to Rowan County 54-36, routed Jenkins 60-0 today.

MC 1st Q 1:24 Leevi Dunaway 33 yard pass from Chandler Dunaway (Brock Gilligan kick) MC 7, RC 0

MC 2nd Q 10:48 Jayden Riggs 22 yard pass from Chandler Dunaway (Brock Gilligan kick) MC 14, RC 0

RC 2nd Q 4:26 Nick Tiedeman 23 yard field goal  MC 14, RC 3

MC 3rd Q 7:38  Camdyn Washington 14 pass from Chandler Dunaway (Brock Gilligan kick) MC 21, RC 3

RC 3rd Q 7:23 Vincent Harper 69 yard kickoff return (Nick Tiedeman kick) MC 21, RC 10

MC 3rd Q 3:17 Malkolm Devine 44 yard run (Brock Gilligan kick) MC 28, RC 10

MC 4th Q 7:09 Leevi Dunaway 24 yard pass from Chandler Dunaway (Brock Gilligan kick) MC 35, RC 10

MC 4th Q 6:22 Tykeise Henry 30 yard interception return (Jaylen Lofton pass from Leevi Dunaway) MC 43, RC 10

MC 4th Q 3:12 Jeremiah Jones 14 yard run (Jaylen Lofton pass from Leevi Dunaway) MC 51, RC 10

RC 4th Q 00:18 Chris Bolton 9 yard run (kick failed) MC 51, RC 16

Long 4th quarter scoring drive gives Fleming County an 18-14 win over Mason County

The Fleming County Panthers drove 96 yards for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter to defeat the Mason County Royals 18-14. It's Fleming County's fourth straight win over Mason County.

The Royals scored two touchdowns in the final minute of the second quarter to lead 14-6.

Chandler Dunaway threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Jaylen Lofton with 48 seconds left in the first half.

On the ensuing kickoff, Tykeise Henry ripped the ball away from the returner and Mason County started its drive on the Fleming County 26 yard line.

Dunaway threaded a 25-yard pass to Shane Sizemore followed by a one-yard touchdown run by Malkolm Devine.

Mason County failed to cash in on outstanding field position to start the third quarter. After a return to near midfield by Leevi Dunaway, Fleming County was whistled for an unsportsmanlike conduct penalty and the Royals started the drive on the Panthers' 36 yard line. The drive ended with an interception in the end zone.

Fleming County drove 80 yards in just over four minutes with Nick Clark scoring a touchdown on an eight-yard run.

Mason County drove to the Fleming County four yard line but failed to convert on fourth down and two.

The Panthers took over with 5:40 to play. Clark capped the 18-play drive with a four-yard touchdown run with less than two minutes play.

Mason County was unable to pick up a first down in the ensuing series and Fleming County was able to run out the clock.

The officials had to keep the time on the field and after the clock on the scoreboard malfunctioned with about two and a half minutes remaining in the game.

Mason County falls to 1-1. The Royals play at Rowan County next week.

FC 2nd Q 8:01 Brad Glascock four yard pass from Josh Crump (kick blocked) FC 6, MC 0

MC 2nd Q 00:48 Jaylen Lofton 25 yard pass from Chandler Dunaway (Brock Gilligan kick) MC 7, FC 6

MC 2nd Q 00:22 Malkolm Devine one yard run (Brock Gilligan kick) MC 14, FC 7

FC 3rd Q 4:24 Nick Clark eight yard run (pass failed) MC 14, FC 12

FC 4th Q Nick Clark four yard run (pass failed)

 

Mason County football weekly award winners

Here are the Mason County football weekly award winners based on the Royals' win over the North Adams Green Devils Friday night:

Brian Payne State Farm Player of the Game- Malkolm Devine

Offensive Lineman of the Game- Dalton Kindt

Defensive Lineman of the Game- Tykeise Henry

Special Teams Player of the Game- Nailen Billie

Scout Team Players of the Game- Jaylen Lofton and Chandler Dunaway

Mason County football statistic leaders for the season

Passing
Chandler Dunaway 88 of 179 1,087 yards 4 TD 10 Int.

Rushing
Malkolm Devine 140 carries 746 yards 11 TD
Austin Lucas 50 carries 449 yards 5 TD
Tyrion Fox 38 carries 329 yards 6 TD
Seth Chambers 45 carries 244 yards 1 TD
Chandler Dunaway 78 carries 125 yards 4 TD
Leevi Dunaway 4 carries 71 yards 1 TD

Receiving
Leevi Dunaway 28 receptions 368 yards
Jaylen Lofton 18 receptions 270 yards 2 TD
Montez Johns 8 receptions 122 yards 1 TD
Malkolm Devine 8 receptions 90 yards 1 TD
Demetric Preston 7 receptions 79 yards
Landon Prather 5 receptions 72 yards

Place Kicking
Travis Whisman 23 PAT 1 FG

Royals' season ends with 35-14 playoff loss to Ashland

The Mason County Royals opened the game with a time-consuming scoring drive, but  were outscored 21-7 in the fourth quarter in a 35-14 loss to the Ashland Tomcats in the first round of the Class 4A football playoffs Friday night at Ashland.

Chandler Dunaway's one-yard quarterback sneak capped off the 12-play opening drive that began at the Royals' 37-yard line. The drive used over seven minutes of the game clock.

On the fifth play of Ashland's first possession, Jaylen Lofton returned an interception to the Tomcats' 22-yard line. Mason County only picked up five yards before missing a 34-yard field goal attempt.

Mason County's top running back, Malkolm Devine, was injured in the second quarter while playing defense, and did not return to the game.

Ashland tied the game with 4:39 remaining in the second quarter and took the lead on the first drive of the third quarter. 

On the ensuing drive, Mason County reached the Ashland 36-yard line but failed to convert on 4th-and-five, 

Ashland scored on its next two possessions to lead 28-7 with 5:20 left in the game.

Dunaway scored on a 13-yard run with 3:55 to go.

Ashland added a touchdown with 1:59 to play.

Ashland had 402 yards of total offense including 247 yards on the ground.

Mason County rushed for 132 yards. Dunaway completed 12 of 23 yards for 166 yards.

Leevi Dunaway had nine receptions for 92 yards.

The Royals had three turnovers (two interceptions and a fumble).

The first quarter interception was the Tomcats' only turnover.

Mason County ends the season with a 4-7 record.

Ashland improved to 8-3. The Tomcats will play Bourbon County in the second round.

MC 1st Q 4:49 Chandler Dunaway  1 yard run (Travis Whisman kick) MC 7, A 0

A 2nd Q 4:39 Aroq Colburn 2 yard run (Blaine Collins kick) MC 7, A 7

A 3rd Q 8:41 Aroq Colburn 1 yard run (Blaine Collins kick) A 14, MC 7

A 4th Q 11:20 Braxton Ratliff 53 yard run (Blaine Collins kick) A 21, MC 7

A 4th Q 5:20 Noah Roberts 5 yard run (Blaine Collins kick) A 28, MC 7

MC 4th Q 3:55 Chandler Dunaway 13 yard run (Travis Whisman) A 28, MC 14

A 4th Q 1:59 Noah Roberts 1 yard run (Blaine Collins kick) A 35, MC 14

(Updated to add the turnovers)

Mason County edges Holmes 35-34 in OT

The Mason County defense made a goal-line stand on Holmes' two-point conversion run in overtime to a secure a 35-34 victory and clinch third place in the district.

Holmes scored on the opening drive but Leevi Dunaway blocked the extra point attempt. 

Mason County led 21-7 at halftime and 28-6 early in the third quarter but Holmes tied the game with 22 straight points. 

The Bulldogs had a chance to take lead but the Royals stopped the two-point conversion run with 7:32 left in the game.

Mason County drove to the Holmes seven yard line but missed a 24-yard field goal attempt with 52 seconds remaining.

With the Royals on offense first in overtime, Malkolm Devine scored a touchdown on a six-yard run and Travis Whisman kicked the extra point.

Holmes was facing 3rd down and nine when Jashaun York threw a touchdown pass to Tahj Campbell.

York's conversion pass was incomplete but Mason County was called for pass interference.

York was stopped short on his two-point conversion run and Mason County had its third win of the season.

Devine rushed for 184 yards and three touchdowns.

Holmes running back Seth Hille ran for 182 yards and a touchdown. York rushed for two touchdowns.

Mason County is 3-5 overall and 2-2 in the district.

Holmes is 2-6 overall and 0-3 in district play.

Mason County hosts West Union next week.

H 1st Q 7:42 Jashaun York 2 yard run (kick blocked) H 6, MC 0

MC 1st Q 00:29 Chandler Dunaway 39 yard run (Travis Whisman kick) MC 7, H 6

MC 2nd Q 9:25 Malkolm Devine 60 yard run (Travis Whisman kick) MC 14, H 6

MC 2nd Q 3:11 Seth Chambers 8 yard run (Travis Whisman kick) MC 21, H 6

MC 3rd Q 10:21 Malkolm Devine 35 yard run (Travis Whisman kick) MC 28, H 6

H 3rd Q 9:14 Seth Hille 17 yard run (Seth Hille run) MC 28, H 14

H 3rd Q 2:48 Salih Abdullah 15 yard run (Seth Hille run) MC 28, H 22

H 4th Q 7:32 Jashaun York 1 yard run (run failed) MC 28, H 28

MC OT Malkolm Devine 6 yard run (Travis Whisman kick) MC 35, H 28

H OT Tahj Campbell 9 yard from Jashaun York (run failed) MC 35, H 34

Turnovers doom Mason County in 24-13 loss to Bourbon County

The Mason County Royals committed six turnovers in a 24-13 district loss to the Bourbon County Colonels tonight in Paris.

Mason County lost a fumble on the first play of the game. Bourbon County threw an interception on its first play. The Colonels lost a fumble on the second play of its second series.

Mason County took a 13-0 lead on touchdown runs by Tyrion Fox and Malkolm Devine. The Royals had driven from their own 31 yard line to the Bourbon County 36 yard line when they lost a fumble with 3:28 left in the first half.

Quarterback Trevor Lucky got the Colonels on the scoreboard with a four-yard touchdown run with 12 seconds remaining in the half.

Mason County was unable to take advantage of  back-to-back opportunities deep in Bourbon County territory in third quarter.

After the Colonels punted from the end zone, Mason County started on the Bourbon County 24 yard line, but could not pick up a first down.

Three plays later, Bourbon County lost a fumble on the Colonels' 25 yard line. But on 3rd down and 17 from the 32 yard line, Chandler Dunaway threw an interception.

Bourbon County drove to the Mason County 10 yard line, but had to settle for a field goal.

Mason County lost a fumble on their own 35 yard line, and seven plays later, Bourbon County took lead on a one-yard run by Lucky.

On the ensuing drive, Keaton Edwards returned an interception for a touchdown,

Mason County drove to the Bourbon County 15 yard line, but Edwards picked off another pass near the goal line with 30 seconds to play.

Bourbon County overcame four turnovers.

The Colonels had 280 yards of total offense. Mason County had 235 total yards.

The Royals fall to 2-4 overall and 1-1 in district play. Mason County hosts Harrison County next Friday night.

MC 1st Q 7:27 Tyrion Fox 41 yard run (Travis Whisman kick) MC 7, BC 0
MC 2nd Q 7:54 Malkolm Devine 60 yard run (kick missed) MC 13, BC 0
BC 2nd Q 00:12 Trevor Lucky 4 yard run (Landon Bowman kick) MC 13, BC 7
BC 4th Q 11:23 Landon Bowman 28 yard field goal MC 13, BC 10
BC 4th Q 3:25 Trevor Lucky 1 yard run (Landon Bowman kick) BC 17, MC 13
BC 4th Q 2:22 Kenton Edwards 40 yard interception return (Landon Bowman kick) BC 24, MC 17

Mason Co. beats Scott 21-15 in district opener

The Mason County Royals used a defensive stand in the red zone to secure a 21-15 road victory over the Scott Eagles tonight in the district opener for both teams.

Seth Chambers sacked Scott quarterback Ryan Muck on fourth down with 7:38 to play. The Eagles had driven to the Mason County nine yard line. An illegal procedure penalty pushed Scott back to the 14 yard line. Muck was looking to pass for just the second time when he was sacked and left the game with an injury,

Mason County picked up two first downs, but had to punt with just under three minutes to play.

Chambers had a tackle for a four-yard loss, and Leevi Dunaway broke up a pass. Mason County took over on downs with 1:24 remaining and ended the game in victory formation.

Scott had three turnovers, Mason County did not commit a turnover. Mason County had 254 total yards of offense (197 rushing and 57 passing). Scott had 282 rushing yards and no passing yards.

Mason County tailback Malkolm Devine rushed for 120 yards. Austin Lucas, Tyrion Fox and Chandler Dunaway each rushed for a touchdown.

Mason County (2-3) plays Bourbon County in Paris Friday night.

MC 1st Q 9:45 Austin Lucas 17 yard run (Travis Whisman kick) MC 7, S 0

S  2nd Q 9:39 Quincy Perrin 19 yard run (Seth Rosenhagen kick MC 7, S 7

MC 2nd Q 1:06 Tyrion Fox 17 yard run (Travis Whisman kick MC 14, S 7

S 3rd Q 5:46 David Patrick 5 yard run (Alex Thurza run) S 15, MC 14

MC 3rd Q Chandler Dunaway 1 yard run (Travis Whisman kick) MC 21, S 15