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

Mason Co. hosts Holmes on Homecoming Friday night

The Mason County Royals host the Holmes Bulldogs on Homecoming Friday night. Here are few fast facts:

• Mason County can clinch third place in the district with a victory.
• Mason County is 2-5 overall and 1-2 in the district.
• Holmes is 2-5 overall and 0-2 in district play.
• The Royals will be without running back/linebacker Tyrion Fox for at least the rest of the regular season. He suffered an injury in the first half of last week's game.
• Holmes has scored seven or fewer points in their five losses. The Bulldogs were shutout by Walton-Verona and Lloyd Memorial in back-to-back games.
• The Bulldogs have wins over Paris (47-19) and Bellevue (32-7).
• Senior running back Seth Hille is Holmes' leading rusher. He has rushed for more than 500 yards and eight touchdowns.
• Tahj Campbell is the Bulldogs' leading receiver and is the kicker and punter.
• Holmes defeated Mason County 41-6 last season in the first meeting between the two schools.

Mason County football weekly award winners

Here are the Mason County football award winners based on the Royals' 35-21 loss to the Harrison County Thorobreds Friday night:

Brian Payne State Farm Player of the Game- Tyrion Fox

Defensive Player of the Game- Kenny Woodruff

Offensive Lineman of the Game- Cameron O'Hearn

Special Teams Player of the Game- Demetric Preston

Scout Team Player of the Week- Austin Blake

Tale of two halves as Harrison Co. beats Mason Co. 35-21

The Harrison County Thorobreds outscored the Mason County Royals 28-0 in the second half for a 35-21 victory tonight at Mason County.

Mason County tailback Tyrion Fox rushed for 101 yards and two touchdowns in the first half, but suffered an injury in the second quarter and sat out the rest of the game.

Mason County scored on its first two possessions and racked up 207 yards of total offense in the first half, but only had 64 yards in the second half.

Harrison County scored on its first three possessions of the  second half  and had 233 yards of offense in the second half after picking up just 60 yards in the first half.

Harrison County running back Luke Slucher rushed for 112 yards and three touchdowns.

Mason County had first and goal at  the Harrison County 8 yard line and first and 10 on the Thorobreds' 12 yard line on back-to-back possessions, but couldn't cash in.

Mason County (2-5 overall and 1-2 in the district) hosts Holmes on Homecoming next week.

Harrison County is 5-3 overall and 3-0 in the district.

MC 1st Q 6:36 Tyrion Fox 31 yard run (passed failed) MC 6, HC 0
HC 1st Q 2:50 Luke Slucher 1 yard run (Austin Jackson kick) HC 7, MC 6
MC 2nd Q 10:58 Tyrion Fox 3 yard run (Montez Johns run) MC 14, HC 7
MC 2nd Q 00:34 Malkolm Devine 5 yard run (Travis Whisman kick) MC 21, HC 7
HC 3rd Q 11:31 Luke Slucher 25 yard run (Austin Jackson kick) MC 21, HC 14
HC 3rd Q 8:05 Luke Slucher 8 yard run (Austin Jackson kick) MC 21, HC 21
HC 3rd Q 3:30 Chase Blanton 8 yard run (Austin Jackson kick) HC 28, MC 21
HC 4th Q 5:34 Ben VanHook 2 yard run (Austin Jackson kick) HC 35, MC 21

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

Royals top Rowan Co. 34-7 for first win

Chandler Dunaway completed 7-of-13 passes for 219 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Mason County Royals to a 34-7 victory over the Rowan County Vikings tonight at Mason County. It's the Royals's first win of the season.

After a long kickoff return, Rowan County scored on the third play of the game. But Mason County, using big plays, scored 34 unanswered points.

Jaylen Lofton scored Mason County's first touchdown on a 50-yard reception. Tyrion Fox added a 45-yard TD run. Lofton came up with an interception that led to a 22-yard touchdown reception by Malcolm Devine with 3.6 seconds left in the first half.

On the third play of the third quarter, Dunaway threw an 88-yard touchdown pass to Lofton.

Mason County stopped Rowan County on 4th down and inches at the Royals' 11 yard line. On the next play, Austin Lucas ran 89 yards for the final touchdown of the game.

Mason County had 424 yards of total offense. Rowan County rushed for 180 yards and passed for 10 yards. 

Lofton had three receptions for 143 yards and two touchdowns.

Mason County (1-2) travels to London Friday night to play North Laurel.

RC 1st Q 10:45 Dylan Fultz 15 yard run (Dylan Adkins kick) RC 7, MC 0

MC 1st Q 4:24 Jaylen Lofton 50 yard pass from Chandler Dunaway (Travis Whisman kick) MC 7, RC 7

MC 1st Q 00:44 Tyrion Fox 45 yard run (Travis Whisman kick) MC 14, RC 7

MC 2nd Q 00:03 Malkolm Devine 22 yard pass from Chandler Dunaway (run failed) MC 20, RC 7

MC 3rd Q 10:43 Jaylen Lofton 88 yard pass from Chandler Dunaway (Travis Whisman kick) MC 27, RC 7

MC 4th Q 10:05 Austin Lucas 89 yard run (Travis Whisman kick) MC 34, RC 7

Mason County at Fleming County Friday night

The Mason County Royals travel to Flemingsburg Friday night to play the Fleming County Panthers.

Here are a few fast facts:

• Mason County lost their season opener to the Somerset Briar Jumpers 34-7 last week. Somerset scored the final 34 points.
• The Royals were 1 for 3 in the red zone. Tyrion Fox scored Mason County's only touchdown on a five-yard run.
• Fleming County scored 49 unanswered points in a 49-7 season-opening victory over the Estill County Engineers.
• Fleming County quarterback Josh Crump passed for 200 yards and two touchdowns, and rushed for 102 yards and three touchdowns.
• Mason County leads the series with Fleming County 21-19. The Panthers have won the last two meetings (16-9 in 2014 and 20-0 last season) and will be trying to beat the Royals in three straight games for the first time since winning four in a row from 1992 to 1995.

Somerset tops Mason County 34-7 in season opener

The Somerset Briar Jumpers rushed for 290 yards and scored 34 unanswered points in a 34-7 victory over the Mason County Royals in the Meadowview Regional Hospital Classic tonight at Mason County.

The Royals, stopped at the Somerset one yard line on their second possession of the game, scored on a five-yard run by Tyrion Fox with 28 seconds to play in the first quarter.

Trailing 21-7 early in the fourth quarter, Mason County had a third down and goal from the Somerset three yard line, but failed to score after being whistled for an illegal procedure penalty.

The Briar Jumpers drove 92 yards on three plays to take a 27-7 lead on a 24-yard run by quarterback Mason Reese

Reese ran 30 yards for another touchdown with 2:36 remaining in the game. 

Somerset running back Jordan Doan rushed for 159 yards and a touchdown

Reese rushed for 117 yards and passed for 61 yards and a touchdown.

Mason County had 106 yards of total offense.

Despite the loss, Mason County coach Jonathan Thomas said there were a lot of good things to build on.

The Royals travel to Fleming County next week.

MC 1st Q 00:28 Tyrion Fox 5 yard run (Travis Whisman kick) MC 7, S 0
S  2nd Q 6:33 Chase Madden 6 yard pass from Mason Reese (Chance Stayton kick) MC 7, S 7
S  2nd Q 5:31 Peyton Hatcher funble recovery in the end zone (Cameron Sneed kick) S 14, MC 7
S  3rd Q 2:12 Jordan Doan 46 yard run (Cameron Sneed kick) S 21, MC 7
S  4th Q 9:32 Mason Reese 24 yard run (run failed) S 27, MC 7
S 4th Q 2:36 Mason Reese 30 yard run (Cameron Sneed kick) S 34, MC 7

Tyrion Fox Suffered a Season-Ending Injury in Friday Night's Loss to North Laurel

Mason County junior tailback and linebacker Tyrion Fox suffered a season-ending injury on the second play of Friday night's game against North Laurel. Fox was Mason County's leading rusher. In the first three games he had rushed for 283 yards and one touchdown on 44 carries.

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 edged by Rowan County 22-21

Blake Carver rushed for 245 yards and two touchdowns to lead the Rowan County Vikings to a 22-21 come-from-behind win over the Mason County Royals Friday night in Morehead. Mason County, which fell to 0-3, committed three turnovers. Rowan County overcame four turnovers.

Mason County grabbed its first lead of the season on a six-yard touchdown run by Chris Dunaway in the first quarter. The scoring drive was set up by Jesse Morgan's interception on the third play of the game.

On Rowan County's next possession, DaRell Henry picked off a pass and returned it deep into Vikings' territory. But Mason County was called for a personal foul penalty and started the drive on its own 18 yard line.

After and a three and out by the Royals, Rowan County drove to the Mason County five yard line but lost a fumble. Mason County returned the favor with a fumble on the very next play. Four plays later, Carver scored a one-yard run.

On Mason County's next play, Tyrion Fox ran 62 yards for a touchdown. Rowan County answered with a 65-yard scoring drive and the game was tied at 14-14 at halftime.

The Royals opened the third quarter with a 12-play, 65-yard scoring drive that was capped off by a one-yard run by Luke Morgan who started at quarterback for the first time.

Mason County was stopped on fourth and three at the Rowan County 45 yard line late in the third quarter. On the next play, Carver ran 54 yards for a touchdown and gave the Vikings the lead with the conversion run.

Mason County drove from its own 12 yard line to the Rowan County 49 yard before losing the ball on a fumble with 9:28 to play. The Royals went three and out on their final possession and the Vikings were able to run out the clock.

"Just got to be more consistent at it, turnovers kill you," Coach Jonathan Thomas said on the post game show.

Mason County hosts North Laurel next Friday night.

MC 1st Q 7:56 Chris Dunaway 6 yard run (Travis Whisman kick)
RC 2nd Q 9:28 Blake Carver 1 yard run (kick failed)
MC 2nd Q 9:11 Tyrion Fox 62 yard run (Travis Whisman kick)
RC 2nd Q 6:01 Tyler Stephens 15 yard run (Tyler Stephens run)
MC 3rd Q 6:53 Luke Morgan 1 yard run (Travis Whisman kick)
RC 3rd Q 1:53 Blake Carver 54 yard run (Blake Carver run)

Royals vs. Vikings in Morehead Friday Night

The Mason County Royals, looking for their first win of the season, travel to Morehead Friday night to play the Rowan County Vikings. Mason County has committed six turnovers and only scored six points in losses to Somerset and Fleming County.

Rowan County routed Clay County 55-26 in the season opener and lost to Bath County 21-19 last week. The Vikings only attempted one pass against Clay County while racking up 508 rushing yards. Three players rushed for more than 100 yards- running back Blake Carver ran for 190 yards and three touchdowns, quarterback Devin Helvey rushed for 130 yards and three touchdowns, and running back Jeffrey Masters rushed for 118 yards and one touchdown.

Last week, Rowan County had just 76 rushing yards, but Helvey passed for 151 yards and two touchdowns. The Vikings allowed 199 rushing yards.

Mason County junior Tyrion Fox is Mason County's leading rusher with 101 yards on 25 carries.

Notes:

- Rowan County leads the series 17-11. The Royals have won the last two meetings including 26-6 last season in Morehead.

- Rowan County quarterbacks coach and junior varsity offensive coordinator Boone Goldsmith is the son of former Maysville High School and Morehead State University standout Billy Goldsmith. 

Royals Open Football Season Friday Night at Somerset

The Mason County Royals, under first-year coach Jonathan Thomas, will open the football season Friday night against the Somerset Briar Jumpers in Somerset.

After five straight region titles, the Briar Jumpers were 0-10 last season. Sixteen seniors graduated from the 2013 team that lost to Newport Central Catholic 49-48 in double overtime in the Class AA state semifinals. Somerset was the Class AAA state runner-up in 2009. Somerset began playing football in 1907 and is eighth on Kentucky's all-time win list with 665 victories.

The Briar Jumpers are led by senior quarterback Castle Hatcher. Last season, Hatcher completed 119 of 260 passes for 1,649 yards and nine touchdowns. He threw 15 interceptions. Hatcher rushed for 330 yards and nine touchdowns. Josh Cornett had 44 receptions for 689 yards and five touchdowns as a freshman last year.

Mason County is moving up to Class AAAA after graduating 16 seniors from last year's 8-3 team. The Royals have a new head coach for the first time since 1996. Thomas is a 2000 graduate of Mason County High School. He was an assistant coach under David Buchanan for 12 seasons. Buchanan resigned from Mason County after 19 seasons to become the head coach at Mercer County.

Senior Kane Neal takes over at quarterback for the Royals. Mason County's leading rusher last season, Rico Hill (1,017 yards and 14 touchdowns), graduated,  and the second leading rusher, Andrew Kouns (425 yards and two touchdowns), transferred to a school in Virginia. Junior running back Tyrion Fox will be the Royals' main offensive threat. He rushed for 311 yards and five touchdowns in nine games last season. Senior Andrew Thacker is the top returning receiver. He had 14 receptions for 257 yards and two touchdowns.

This will be first meeting between the two schools. Somerset will come to Maysville next season.