Royals' season ends in 26-23 loss to Pike Co, Central

The Pike County Central Hawks upset the Mason County Royals 26-23 tonight in the second round of the Class 3A football playoffs. The Royals were unable to overcome four turnovers- two in each half. After trailing 14-3 at the half, Mason County rallied to take a 16-14 lead in the third quarter. Josh Harris threw a 75-yard touchdown pass to Robert Collier out of the Hog formation and Jordan Gilbert returned a punt 70 yards for a TD. It looked like Mason County was going to get the ball back with the two-point lead early in the fourth quarter when Tyler Black sacked Hawks quarterback Aaron McGuire on a fourth down play. But Mason County was called for defensive holding. On fourth-and-goal from the eight, Cody Meade made a diving catch on a tipped passed in the end zone to put Pike Central up 20-16. The Hawks took a 10 point lead on a three-yard run by Meade with 2:06 left. The Royals didn't quit. Josh Harris scored a touchdown on a 45 yard run with 1:41 to go. But Pike Central fielded the onside kick and ran out the clock. Mason County ends the season with an 11-1 record. Pike Central (7-5) will host Sheldon Clark in the region championship game. Sheldon Clark upset Belfry 20-14.

MC 1st Q 00:26 Jordan Gilbert 35 yard field goal MC 3, PCC 0
PCC 2nd Q 6:49 Cody Meade 3 yard run (kick failed) PCC 6, MC 3
PCC 2nd Q 00:02 Cody Meade 1 yard run (Cody Meade run) PCC 14, MC 3
MC 3rd Q 11:31 Robert Collier 75 yard pass from Josh Harris (Jordan Gilbert kick) PCC 14, MC 10
MC 3rd Q 2:35 Jordan Gilbert 70 yard punt return (kick failed) MC 16, PCC 14
PCC 4th Q 9:44 Cody Meade 8 yard pass from Zach Johnson (pass failed) PCC 20, MC 16
PCC 4h Q 2:06 Cody Meade 3 yard run (kick failed) PCC 26, MC 16
MC 4th Q 1:41 Josh Harris 45 yard run (Jordan Gilbert kick) PCC 26, MC 23

Mason County football weekly awards

Here are this week's Mason County football player awards based on last week's play:

Special Teams
Akeem Jackson

Scout Team
Trae Lofton and Robert Collier

Defense
Josh Harris

Offensive Line
Matt Eads