Royals Shutout by North Laurel 40-0

The Mason County Royals played with North Laurel for a half, but the bigger and deeper Class 5A Jaguars scored 34 points in the second half for a 40-0 win tonight at Mason County.

North Laurel quarterback Cole McWhorter ran 11 yards for a touchdown on the Jaguars' first possesion for the only scoring play of the first half.

Mason County had first and goal from the eight yard in the second quarter, but on fourth and goal from the seven yard line missed a field goal attempt. The Royals recovered a pooch kickoff at the North Laurel 38 yard line to start the second half, but were unable to pick up a first down, and the Jaguars scored on four of their five possessions. North Laurel tacked on a touchdown with a 55-yard interception return by Nick Broughton with 30 seconds left in the game.

Mason County is 0-4 for the first time since 1994. North Laurel is 4-0

North Laurel tailback Steven Nelson rushed for 240 yards and two touchdowns. 

Mason County quarterback Luke Morgan completed 11 of 26 passes for 132 yards and rushed for 32 yards. North Laurel had 389 yards of total offense, Mason County had 215 total yards.

Mason County tailback/Tyrion Fox was injured on the Royals' opening drive and did not return.

The Royals have a bye week before hosting the Scott Eagles on Homecoming on September 25.

NL 1st Q 8:53 Cole McWhorter 11 yard run (run failed)

NL 3rd Q  8:46 Steven Nelson 48 yard run (Nick Broughton pass from Cole McWhorter)

NL 3rd Q 1:52 Cole McWhorter 1 yard run (run failed)

NL 4th Q 9:32 Jake McWhorter 1 yard run (Bradley Hundley kick)

NL 4th Q 3:10 Steven Nelson 44 yard run (Bradley Hundley kick)

NL 4th Q 00:30 Nick Broughton 55 yard interception return (kick failed)

Royals Host Class 5A North Laurel Friday Night

The Mason County Royals, off to an 0-3 start, host the 3-0 North Laurel Jaguars, a Top 10 team in Class 5A Friday at 7:30 p.m. Mason County showed a lot of improvement in last week's 22-21 road loss to the Rowan County Vikings. The Royals had three turnovers in the game and have nine for the season. North Laurel is averaging 50 points a game and has rushed for 1,190 yards. The Jaguars have only allowed 105 rushing yards but have played three teams that like to throw the ball. North Laurel prefers to run the ball. Tailback Steven Nelson has rushed for 536 yards and 10 touchdowns. Jaguars quarterback Cole McWhorter has rushed for 330 yards and six touchdowns while attempting just 17 passes in the first three games.

Notes;

- This is the first meeting between the two schools. Mason County will make the return trip to London next season.

- The Royals need a win to avoid an 0-4 start for the first time since 1994. That team lost its first five games.

- North Laurel head coach Chris Larkey is the son of Perry County Central coach Tom Larkey who is 8th on the Kentucky coaches wins list.

- This is the first of three straight home games for Mason County. After an open date next week, the Royals begin district play against the Scott Eagles on September 25. That's Homecoming. Mason County hosts Bourbon County on October 2.