Royals lose to Simon Kenton 68-43 in home opener

The Mason County Royals fell behind 11-0 and could not catch up in a 68-43 loss to the Simon Kenton Pioneers in the their home opener tonight.

Mason County shot 33.3 percent from the field for the second straight game.

Turnovers were a huge problem again for the Royals. Simon Kenton scored 29 points off Mason County's 27 turnovers. The Royals had 29 turnovers in their season-opening loss to Lexington Catholic.

Simon Kenton sophomore guard Kelly Niece scored  27 points on 9-of-15 shooting including 3-of-4 beyond the arc.

Jaylen Lofton led Mason County in scoring with 12 points. Seth Chambers added 10 points.

The Royals play at Bourbon County Tuesday night.

SK (1-0) Niece 27, Davis 3, Lair 13, Krohman 8, Hensley 6,

Swartz 1, Barnes 5, Comer 2, Hickey 2, Miller 1

MC (0-2) Lofton 12, My 3, Jones 7, Swolsky 2, Chambers 10,

Brammer 2, Black 2, Sweet 5

SK  20 18 13 17- 68

MC 11 13 10 09- 43

Applegate leads Lewis County past Mason County 36-18

Lewis County senior running back Garrett Applegate rushed for 343 yards and five touchdowns on 52 carries to lead the Lions to a 36-18 victory over the Mason County Royals in the rain tonight at Mason County.

"I knew he could play, you know, we talked about it all week long, we just didn't tackle well again," Mason County coach Jonathan Thomas said.

Applegate rushed for three touchdowns in the first half and the Lions led 22-6 at halftime.

Lewis County ran 21 plays to just four for Mason County in a scoreless third quarter.

Applegate scored a touchdown on a three-yard run on the first play of the fourth quarter and caught a two-point conversion pass to give the Lions a 30-6 lead.

Mason County closed the gap to 12 points on a four-yard touchdown run by Seth Chambers and a 13-yard touchdown pass from Carson Brammer to Austin Kitchen, but Applegate answered with a 45-yard touchdown run to make the score 36-18 with 3:15 left in the game.

Chambers ran 47 yards for a touchdown and Brammer scored on the conversion run with 2:30 left.

Lewis County fielded the ensuing onside kick and ran out the clock.

The Lions had 401 yards of total offense.

Mason County had 296 yards of total offense. The Royals rushed for 167 yards, and Brammer completed 10-of-15 passes for 129 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for a touchdown and threw an interception.

Chambers rushed for 151 yards and two touchdowns on 17 carries. He finished the season with 1,141 rushing yards.

Mason County ended the season with six straight losses and a 2-8 record.

The Royals drop down to Class 3A next season.

"With some of the kids we got coming in, and hopefully, some of the kids we're going to try to get to come out within our schools, hopefully, we'll be better in the future," Thomas said. 

Lewis County snapped a three-game losing streak and ended the season with a 3-7 record.

LC 1st Q 6:38 Garrett Applegate 33 yard run (Zach Lehn run) LC 8, MC 0

LC 2nd Q 8:36 Garrett Applegate 6 yard run (Zach Lehn run) LC 16, MC 0

MC 2nd Q 3:45 Carson Brammer 1 yard run (kick failed) LC 16, MC 6

LC 2nd Q 00:17 Garrett Applegate 5 yard run (pass failed) LC 22, MC 6

LC 4th Q 11:55 Garrett Applegate 3 yard run (Garrett Applegate pass from Zach Lehn) LC 30, MC 6

MC 4th Q 10:21 Seth Chambers 4 yard run (pass failed) LC 30. MC 12

MC 4th Q 6:21 Austin Kitchen 13 yard pass from Carson Brammer (pass failed) LC 30, MC 18

LC 4th Q 3:15 Garrett Applegate 45 yard run (run failed) LC 36, MC 18

MC 4th Q 2:30 Seth Chambers 47 yard run (Carson Brammer run) LC 36, MC 26

Mason County football weekly award winners

Here are the Mason County football award winners based on the Royals' 35-27 loss to the Grant County Braves last week:

Brian Payne State Farm Player of the Game- Seth Chambers

Offensive Lineman of the Game- Jacob Ledford

Defensive Player of the Game- Jared Collins

Special Teams Player of the Game- Mario Soto

Scout Team Player of the Week- Andrew Malone

Royals' rally comes up short in 35-27 loss to Grant County

The Mason County Royals' second half rally came up short in a 35-27 loss to the Grant County Braves Friday night in Dry Ridge.

It's Mason County fifth straight loss, dropping the Royals' record to 2-7.

Nate Kaiser rushed for 252 yards and a touchdown and Austin Knipp passed for 170 yards and two touchdowns as Grant County snapped a seven-game losing streak.

Grant County scored on its first three possessions and led 21-7 at the end of the first quarter and 35-13 at halftime.

Carson Brammer scored a touchdown on a quarterback sneak in the third quarter and Seth Chambers capped off a six-play, 60-yard drive with a three-yard touchdown run with 5:27 left in the fourth quarter, but Grant County was able to run out the clock to seal the victory.

Chambers rushed for 181 yards and three touchdowns on 29 carries.

Brammer completed 8-of-22 passes for 109 yards.

Grant County outgained Mason County 489-304 in yards of total offense.

Mason County closes out the season next Friday night at home against the Lewis County Lions.

GC 1st Q 10:30 Nate Kaiser 36 yard run (Cody Trenkamp kick) GC 7, MC 0

GC 1st Q 8:05 Damian Ingguls 40 yard pass from Austin Knipp (kick failed) GC 13, MC 0

MC 1st Q 5:52 Seth Chambers 3 yard run (Brock Gilligan kick) GC 13, MC 7

GC  1st Q 4:54 Caelin Nix 4 yard run (Austin Knipp run) GC 21, MC 7

GC 2nd Q 9:06 Austin Knipp 6 yard run (pass failed) GC 27, MC 7

MC 2nd Q 3:41 Seth Chambers 5 yard run (kick failed) GC 27, MC 13

GC 2nd Q 00:43 Damian Ingguls 15 yard pass from Austin Knipp (Austin Knipp pass from Damian Ingguls) GC 35, MC 13

MC 3rd Q 3:09 Carson Brammer 1 yard run (Brock Gilligan kick) GC 35, MC 20

MC 4th Q 5:27 Seth Chambers 3 yard run (Brock Gilligan kick) GC 35, MC 27

Mason County football weekly award winners

Here are the Mason Count football team awards based on the Royals' 39-14 loss to the Holmes Bulldogs Friday night:

Brian Payne State Farm Player of the Game- Seth Chambers

Offensive Lineman of the Game- Jacob Ledford

Defensive Player of the Game- Jared Collins

Special Teams Player of the Game- Mario Soto

Scout Team Player of the Week- Matthews Chambers

Royals lose to Holmes 39-14

The Mason County Royals suffered their fourth straight loss, falling to the Holmes Bulldogs 39-14 at home tonight in their final district game of the season.

Holmes led 21-0 at the half, 33-0 at the end of the third quarter and 39-0 early in the fourth quarter.

The Bulldogs racked up 27 first downs and 464 yards of total offense.

The Royals had four first downs and 180 yards of total offense. Mason County had just one first down and only 33 yards of offense in the first half.

Holmes running back Cortez Blassingame rushed for 141 yards and three touchdowns on nine carries.

Holmes quarterback James Walker completed 10 of 23 passes for 113 yards and one touchdown. Walker also rushed for a touchdown.

Mason County quarterback Carson Brammer threw touchdown passes to Seth Chambers (61 yards) and Jeremiah Jones (71 yards) on the Royals' final two possessions.

Brammer completed 4 of 15 passes for 163 yards and the two touchdowns. He also threw an interception.

Jones had two receptions for 96 yards.

Despite the loss, Mason County coach Jonathan Thomas liked how his team continued to play hard.

"Very proud of their effort and the way they keep playing," Thomas said.

Mason County falls to 2-6 overall and 0-4 in district play. The Royals play at Grant County Friday night.

H 1st Q 2:20 James Walker 3 yard run (kick blocked) H 6, MC 0

H 2nd Q 11:36 Tayquan Calloway 5 yard run (Tayquan Calloway pass from James Walker) H 14, MC 0

H 2nd Q 3:55 Dryus Glover 3 yard run (Damario Foster kick) H 21, MC 0

H 3rd Q 8:18 Tayquan Calloway 9 yard run (pass failed) H 27, MC 0

H 3rd Q 4:22 Damario Foster 30 yard pass from James Walker (pass failed) H 33, MC 0

H 4th Q 9:16 Tayquan Calloway 6 yard run (run failed) H 39, MC 0

MC 4th Q 8:32 Seth Chambers 61 yard pass from Carson Brammer (Brock Gilligan kick) H 39, MC 7

MC 4th Q 00:35 Jeremiah Jones 71 yard pass from Carson Brammer (Brock Gilligan kick) H 39, MC 14

Mason County football weekly awards

Here are the Mason County football award winners based on the Royals’ 19-0 loss to the Harrison County Thoroughbreds:

Brian Payne State Farm Player of the Game- Seth Chambers

Defensive Players of the Game- the defensive line

Special Teams Players of the Games- Dylan  Osgood and Ashton Adams

Scout Team Playet of the Week- J.J. McKee and Jared Collins

Royals host Harrison County tonight in the US Bank Football Classic

The Mason County Royals host the Harrison County Thorobreds tonight at 7:30 in the US Bank Football Classic.

Harrison County, winless last season, is 4-3 overall and 1-1 in district play.

Ray Graham is in the first season of his second tenure as head coach at Harrison County. He was the Thorobreds' coach for 25 seasons before retiring in 2008.

Mason County is 2-4 overall and 0-2 in the district.

Harrison County edged Scott 19-18 at home last week.

Mason County lost to Scott 50-0 two weeks ago at Scott.

The two teams have one other common opponent- Fleming County. Harrison County rushed for 480 yards and routed the Panthers 47-6 in the season opener. A week later, Mason County lost to Fleming County 35-14.

Harrison County is averaging 260.4 rushing yards per game. Fullback Devin Lewis has rushed for 713 yards and five touchdowns. Running back Chase Blanton has rushed for 532 yards and 10 touchdowns.

The Thorobreds have attempted just 34 passes this season.

Mason County rushed for 320 yards in last week's 50-43 loss to Bourbon County.

Seth Chambers rushed for 225 yards and three touchdowns last week and has rushed for 760 yards this season.

Harrison County leads the series 12-7.

Last year, Mason County rallied from a 19-point fourth quarter deficit and beat the Thorobreds 54-48 in double overtime in Cynthiana.

Mason County football weekly awards

Here are the Mason County football award winners based on the Royals' 50-43 loss to the Bourbon County Colonels:

Brian Payne State Farm Player of the Game- Seth Chambers

Defensive Player of the Game- Jared Collins

Offensive Lineman of the Game- Chase Lykins

Special Teams Players of the Game- Brock Gilligan and Josh Irwin

Scout Team Players of the Week- Andrew Malone and Cody Wachter

Royals rally for a brief lead, but lose to Bourbon County 50-43

The Mason County Royals rallied from a 21-point fourth quarter deficit to take a one point lead with 57 seconds to play, but Bourbon County scored with 13 seconds remaining and the Colonels beat the Royals 50-43 Friday night in Paris.

The two teams combined for 833 yards of total offense.

Bourbon County scored two touchdowns in the third quarter to lead 42-21.

Mason County's comeback started with a five-yard touchdown run by Seth Chambers with 6:38 left in the game.

After a three and out and the only Bourbon County punt of the game, Carson Brammer threw a 62-yard touchdown pass to Jayden Riggs with 4:37 remaining.

Mason County recovered an onside kick and the Royals capped off a 54-yard drive with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Brammer to Mason Baxer. Brammer scored on the conversion run to give the Royals a 43-42 lead.

After picking up two first down and reaching the Mason County 29 yard line, Bourbon County quarterback Jake Broughton was nearly sacked, but completed a pass to CaMarr Myers at the 30 yard line. Myers broke a tackle and scored the game-winning touchdown. Broughton scored on the conversion run

Mason County was stopped near midfield as time expired.

Myers rushed for 160 yards and four touchdowns on 21 carries.

Broughton completed 11 of 20 passes for 134 yards and two touchdowns.

Chambers rushed for 225 yards and three touchdowns on 30 carries.

Brammer completed 6 of 16 passes for 115 yards and two touchdowns. He also rushed for 104 yards and one touchdown. Brammer had a 70-yard run that set up Mason County's second touchdown of the game.

Mason County rushed for 320 yards and outgained Bourbon County 435-398 in total yards.

Mason County falls to 2-4 overall and 0-2 in the district. The Royals host Harrison County next Friday night.

BC 1st Q 4:13 Bryce Roy 13 yard run (Parker Atwood kick) BC 7, MC 0
MC 1st Q 3:27 Carson Brammer 1 yard run (Brock Gilligan kick) BC 7, MC 7
BC 1st Q 1:10 CaMarr Myers 3 yard run (Parker Atwood kick) BC 14, MC 7
BC 2nd Q 10:30 Dale Landrum 5 yard pass from Jake Broughton (Parker Atwood) BC 21, MC 7
MC 2nd Q 9:49 Seth Chambers 10 yard run (Brock Gilligan) BC 21, MC 14
BC 2nd Q CaMarr Myers 4 yard run (Parker Atwood kick) BC 28, MC 14
MC 2nd Q 00:09 Seth Chambers 8 yard run (Brock Gilligan kick) BC 28, MC 21
BC 3rd Q 7:47 CaMarr Myers 8 yard run (Parker Atwood kick) BC 35, MC 21
BC 3rd Q 00:04 CaMarr Myers 7 yard run (Parker Atwood kick) BC 42, MC 21
MC 4th Q 6:38 Seth Chambers 5 yard run (Brock Gilligan kick) BC 42, MC 28
MC 4th Q 4:37 Jayden Riggs 62 yard pass from Carson Brammer (Brock Gilligan kick) BC 42, MC 35
MC 4th Q 00:57 Mason Baxter 13 yard pass from Carson Brammer (Carson Brammer kick) MC 43, BC 42
BC 4th Q 00:13 CaMarr Myers 29 yard pass from Jake Broughton (Jake Broughton run) BC 50, MC 43

Mason County opens district play at Scott

The Mason County Royals begin district play tonight against the Scott Eagles in Taylor Mill.

Both teams are 2-2 and are coming off a bye week.

"Big opportunity in front of us, are we going to grab it or not?" Mason County coach Jonathan Thomas asked rhetorically. 

Scott is led by junior running back Quincy Perrin who has rushed for 431 yards and four touchdowns. He ran for 193 yards and two touchdowns in the Eagles' 21-14 victory over Dixie Heights.

Scott senior quarterback Chad Ohmer has only thrown 30 passes this season. 

Mason County senior running back Seth Chambers has rushed for 460 yards and four touchdowns.

Mason County junior quarterback Carson Brammer has completed 30 of 65 passes for 484 yards and five touchdowns. He has thrown three interceptions.

The last two meetings between the two schools have been close games. Mason County won 21-15 at Scott two years ago. The Eagles defeated the Royals 27-21 in overtime here in Maysville last season.

"We've been in some battles with these guys," Thomas said.

Mason County leads the series with Scott 5-4.

It's Homecoming tonight at Scott. Kickoff is at 7:30.

Mason County football weekly awards

Here are the Mason County football award winners based on the Royals' 35-32 victory over the Morgan County Cougars:

Brian Payne State Farm Player of the Game- Carson Brammer

Offensive Lineman of the Game- Gabe Devine

Defensive Players of the Game- Jayden Riggs and Jared Collins

Special Teams Player of the Game- Brock Gilligan

Big Hit Award- Seth Chambers

Scout Team Player of the Week- Eli Sweet

Royals rally from a 20-0 deficit for a 35-32 victory over Morgan County

The Mason County Royals rallied from a 20-0 deficit and defeated the Morgan County Cougars 35-32 tonight on Homecoming.

It looked like Morgan County was going to go up by four scores early in the second quarter after a high punt snap gave the Cougars the ball on the Royals' 13 yard line. But on the ensuing play Jayden Riggs intercepted a pass in the end zone.

Mason County got on the scoreboard with 3:38 left in the second quarter on a 30-yard run by quarterback Carson Brammer.

After the teams traded turnovers in the opening four minutes of the third quarter (Colton Riggs with an interception for the Royals), Brammer scored on a one-yard run.

Morgan County answered with a 41-yard touchdown pass.

Brammer threw a 16-yard touchdown pass to Jake Swolsky. Three plays later Cole Jones picked off a pass and the Royals took a 27-26 lead on a 13-yard touchdown pass from Brammer to Cody Jones.

Morgan County regained the lead with an 80-yard scoring drive.

Mason County answered with a 65-yard scoring drive capped off by a four-yard run by Seth Chambers with 3:02 to play. Brammer tossed a conversion pass to Jayden Riggs.

After back-to-back sacks by Jared Collins, Morgan County tried a double-reverse flea flicker on 3rd down and 22 from its own 31 yard line. The Cougars had a receiver behind the Royals' defense, but the pass was under thrown and was intercepted by Jayden Riggs with 51 seconds to play.

Mason County ran out the clock to even its record at 2-2.

"This is a huge win for us," Mason County coach Jonathan Thomas said.

Brammer completed 8-of-19 passes for 115 yards and two interceptions.

Chambers rushed for 150 yards and one touchdown on 17 carries.

Mason County has an open date next week before beginning district play at Scott on September 21.

Morgan Co. 1st Q 5:26 Zach Sexton 9 yard pass from Garrett Adkins (Kolby Ferguson kick) Morgan Co. 7, Mason Co. 0
Morgan Co. 1st Q 00:17 Zach Gilliam 6 yard pass from Garrett Adkins (kick blocked)
Morgan Co. 13, Mason Co. 0
Morgan Co. 2nd Q 11:53 Jeremiah Carty 30 yard interception return Kolby Ferguson kick) Morgan Co. 20, Mason Co. 0
Mason Co. 2nd Q 3:38 Carson Brammer 30 yard run (Brock Gilligan kick) Morgan Co. 20,
Mason Co. 7
Mason Co. 3rd Q 5:18 Carson Brammer 1 yard run (Brock Gilligan kick) Morgan Co. 20, Mason Co. 14
Morgan Co. 3rd Q 3:31 Zach Gilliam 41 yard pass from Garrett Adkins (run failed)
Morgan Co. 26, Mason Co. 21
Mason Co. 4th Q Cody Jones 13 yard pass from Carson Brammer (kick missed) Mason Co. 27, Morgan Co. 26
Morgan Co. 4th Q 6:03 Kaden Ballenger 1 yard run (run failed) Morgan Co. 32, Mason Co. 27
Mason Co. 4th Q 3:02 Seth Chambers 4 yard run (Jayden Riggs pass from Carson Brammer)
Mason Co. 35, Morgan Co. 32

Mason County football weekly player awards

Here are the Mason County football player awards based on the Royals' 35-14 loss to the Fleming County Panthers:

Brian Payne State Farm Player of the Game- Seth Chambers

Offensive Lineman of the Game- Max Moran

Defensive Player of the Game- Jacob Ledford

Scout Team Player of the Week- Josh Irwin

Fleming County tops Mason County 35-14

The Fleming County Panthers extended their winning streak over the Mason County Royals to five games with a 35-14 victory tonight at Panther Field in Flemingsburg.

Fleming County scored on a 73-yard punt return by Cole Saunders, and two of Panthers' other touchdowns were set up by a blocked punt and a fumbled punt snap.

After Fleming County led 14-0 in the first quarter, Mason County cut the deficit in half on a six-yard touchdown run by Seth Chambers in the opening minute of the second quarter.

Fleming County scored touchdowns on their first two possessions of the second half- both on passes from Jonathan Maher to Saunders.

Mason County cut the deficit to 14 points on a five-yard run by quarterback Carson Brammer on the first play of the fourth quarter.

A high snap on the Royals' next possession resulted in the Panthers taking over on downs at the Mason County 15 yard line.

It only took Fleming County three plays to punch it in with 6:56 left in he game.

Despite the loss, Mason County coach Jonathan Thomas said he couldn't be happier with his team.

"I don't think people understand where we were last week, where we are this week, where we could possibly be the week after that," Thomas said. 

He added he is very, very proud of his players.

"We had a lot of young kids who grew up tonight," Thomas said.

Seth Chambers rushed for 181 yards and a touchdown.

Brammer completed 8-of-21 passes for 102 yards.

Maher completed 10-of-20 passes for 132 yards and 3 touchdowns.

Saunders had eight receptions for 108 yards and two touchdowns.

Mason County hosts Rowan County next week.

FC 1st Q 9:45 Cole Saunders 73 yard punt return (Austin Paige kick) FC 7, MC 0

FC 1st Q 1:19 Kaleb Flannery 18 yard pass from Jonathan Maher (Austin Paige kick) FC 14, MC 0

MC 2nd Q 11:01 Seth Chambers 6 yard run (Brock Gilligan kick) FC 14, MC 7

FC 3rd Q 10:21 Cole Saunders 37 yard pass from Jonathan Maher (Austin Paige kick) FC 21, MC 7

FC 3rd Q 2:27 Cole Saunders 40 yard pass from Jonathan Maher (Austin Paige kick) FC 38, MC 7

MC 4th Q 11:53 Carson Brammer 5 yard run (Brock Gilligan kick) FC 28, MC 14

FC 4th Q 6:56 Tanner Weaver 4 yard run (Austin Paige kick) FC 35, MC 14 


(Updated to include more statistics and correct the stats for Chambers and Brammer after a review of the game video.)

Royals rout North Adams 53-0 in season oepner

The Mason County Royals routed a shorthanded North Adams club team 53-0 tonight in the Meadowview Regional Medical Center Kickoff Classic.

North Adams only had 12 players and the Green Devils turned the ball over on a fumble at their own eight yard line on the third play of the game

The Royals scored two plays later on a one-yard run by quarterback Carson Brammer.

On Mason County's next possession Brammer threw an 85-yard touchdown pass to Jayden Riggs.

Riggs set up the Royals' next touchdown with an interception. Two plays later Seth Chambers scored on a 22-yard run.

Chambers and Mason Baxter each had a touchdown run in the second quarter.

Riggs scored a touchdown on a 57-yard punt return late in the second quarter.

Mason County led 40-0 at the half.

Freshman quarterback Ashton Adams scored two touchdowns in the second half- the first on a one-yard quarterback sneak and the second on a 75-yard run.

Mason County had 426 yards of total offense (317 rushing and 109 passing).

Chambers rushed for 102 yards and two touchdowns on six carries.

Brammer completed 2-of-3 passes for 98 yards and a touchdown. He threw one interception.

North Adams only had 82 yards of offense.

Mason County travels to Flemingsburg next week to play the Fleming County Panthers.

MC 1st Q 9:50 Carson Brammer 1 yard run (kick missed) MC 6, NA 0

MC 1st Q 5:50 Jayden Riggs 85 yard pass from Carson Brammer (Brock Gilligan kick) MC 13, NA 0

MC 1st Q 3:51 Seth Chambers 22 yard run (Brock Gilligan kick) MC 20, NA 0

MC 2nd Q 10:27 Seth Chambers 16 yard run (Brock Gilligan kick) MC 27, NA 0

MC 2nd Q 4:15 Mason Baxter 27 yard run (Brock Gilligan kick) MC 34, NA 0

MC 2nd Q 1:05 Jayden Riggs 57 yard punt return (kick missed) MC 40, NA 0

MC 3rd Q 7:10 Ashton Adams 1 yard run (kick missed) MC 46, NA 0

MC 4th Q 8:51 Ashton Adams 75 yard run (Brock Gilligan kick) MC 53, NA 0

Mason County football team weekly award winners

Here are the Mason County football team weekly award winners based on the Royals' 20-16 win over the Holmes Bulldogs Friday night:

Brian Payne Player of the Game- Malkolm Devine

Offensive Lineman of the Game- Will Caudill

Defensive Players of the Game- Tykeise Henry and Seth Chambers

Special Teams Player of the Game- Carson Brammer

Scout Team Player of the Week- Carson Brammer

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

Mason County football weekly award winners

Here are the Mason County football weekly award winners based on the Royals' 18-14 loss to the Fleming County Panthers Friday night:

Brian Payne State Farm Player of the Game- Tykeise Henry

Offensive Lineman of the Game- Will Caudill

Defensive Players of the Game- Shane Sizemore and Seth Chambers

Special Teams Player of the Game- Mario Soto and Brock Gilligan

Scout Team Player of the Week- Caleb Boyd