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2024 Snapshot: Mason County

Mason County LB Cole Messer (photo from: Facebook/Mason County Royals Football)

What a foundation Mason County Head Coach Joe Wynn has to work with in 2024. The Royals are a veteran and deep team that knows the effort it takes to make a run in the playoffs. Less than two years removed from the schools third regional title, the sophomores on that squad are now seniors. They have lofty aspirations for the mark they want to leave on the program.

“We will be big and strong on both sides of the ball. We return a senior class of 25. With many having experience at the varsity level,” Wynn states.

Most positions on the team have proven commodities and identities but Wynn still has some concerns. “We need to develop depth at the wide receiver position.” The group that returns at receiver has talent but looks for several players step their games up to the next level.

Don’t be alarmed if Mason County drops a couple of games during the regular season. It’s a tough schedule. This senior-laden team is going to be tenacious They aren’t going to go down without a fight especially in elimination games, the playoffs.  When it is all said and done, we wouldn’t be surprised if the Royals have one of the most successful and memorable campaigns school history.

Class 4A, District 5
2023 RECORD: 6-5, 3-1 Class 4A, District 5
COACH: Joe Wynn (28-10 at Mason County, three years, 46-23 overall, six years)

TOP RETURNEES
Izley Morales, Sr, LB – The heart-and-soul of the Royals defense. Morales has 167 total tackles, five sacks and three fumble recoveries in his career.

Bryce Moran, Sr, DB – One of the top pickpockets in the Bluegrass state. Moran heads into his senior campaign with nine interceptions including a pick-six. Moran should play a bigger role on offense after catching a touchdown pass and running for a score a year ago.

Mason County DB Bryce Moran (photo from: Facebook/Mason County Royals Football)

Colton Kinney, Sr, LB – Back for his third year as a starter, Kinney is a key piece of the defense. He has 93 total tackles and a fumble recovery in his career.

Cole Messer, Sr, TE/LB – Teams with Morales and Kinney to form the nucleus of a very good linebacking core. Messer tallied 27 total tackles in 2023.

Nazir Metts, Sr, WR/DB – A returning starter in a secondary (Moran, Horch, Johnson, Routtthat) that combined for 12 of the teams 16 interceptions, last season. Metts recorded 26 total tackles and had a pick as a junior.

Mason County DB Nazir Metts (photo from: Facebook/Mason County Royals Football)

Kenton Johnson, Sr, RB/DB – One of the Royals best athletes, Johnson is a valued asset on both sides of the ball. Expect Johnson to dramatically improve on the 270 yards and four touchdowns that he ran for as a junior. He also has 38 total tackles and two interceptions in his career.

Teegin Routt, Sr, QB/DB – Will move to quarterback where he has had some success as an underclassman. Routt has thrown for 910 yards and accounted for nine touchdowns (seven pass, two rush) in a Mason County uniform. Last fall Routt had 24 total tackles and two interceptions as a defensive back.

Mason County QB Teegin Routt (photo from: Facebook/Mason County Royals Football)

Garryon McClain, Sr, WR – One of the top options in the passing game, McClain is out to show he is a game changer. He has 20 receptions for 350 yards and two touchdowns at the varsity level.

Cole Horch, Sr, WR/S – A three-sport standout Horch is primed for a breakout senior season on offense. As a junior he had 28 total tackles, two sacks, three takeaways (two INTs, one FR), six receptions for 291 yards (48.5/rec), with three touchdown catches and a kickoff return for a score. Horch set the school record with a 95-yard touchdown reception versus Grant County.

Dylan Reed, Sr, OL/DL – Will be called upon to provide senior leadership in the trenches.

Mason County OL/DL Dylan Reed (photo from: Facebook/Mason County Royals Football)

Keagan Hilliard, Sr, OL/DL – A healthy Hilliard will be a welcomed presence up front. He has played in just 11 games over the past two seasons.

K’Vaughn Young, Sr, OL/DL – Will provide a huge jolt on both sides of the line after playing in just four games last fall. Young has 29 tackles at the varsity level.

C.J. Arthur, Sr, WR/DB/RS – A dangerous return man who will see an expanded role on offense. Arthur took two kickoffs to the house, had 10 receptions for 176 yards and ran for a touchdown as a junior. He set the school record for the longest kickoff return for a touchdown going 90-yards for a score versus Grant County.

Mason County WR/DB/RS C.J. Arthur (photo from: Facebook/Mason County Royals Football)

NEWCOMERS
Seniors Adler Cooper, OL/DL Theron Ritchie, OL/DL Kadyn Washington along with juniors OL/DL Kyler Burton, OL/DL Cash Cooke, DL Will Dodson, DL Maddox Spencer, RB/LB Hayden Horn, WR/DB Micah Payne, RB/LB Joey Staggs, TE/LB Hayden Workman and QB/TE Macen Grooms will all compete for starting spots and reps in the rotation. Washington has played in 20 games over the last three years. Horn has run for a touchdown as a freshman and a sophomore. Payne found the end zone twice in 2023.

2024 SCHEDULE
Fri – 08/23/24 – RUSSELL (7-5 in 2023) – 7:30 PM
Fri – 08/30/24 – at Montgomery County (3-8) – 7:30 PM
Fri – 09/06/24 – at Fleming County (6-5) – 7:30 PM
Fri – 09/13/24 – at Boyd County (6-6) – 7:30 PM
Fri – 09/20/24 – ROWAN COUNTY (1-9) – 7:30 PM
Fri – 09/27/24 – BYE
Fri – 10/04/24 – HOLMES (0-10) – 7:30 PM
Fri – 10/11/24 – HARRISON COUNTY (6-5) – 7:30 PM
Fri – 10/18/24 – at Grant County (3-8) – 7:30 PM
Fri – 10/25/24 – at Covington Catholic (14-1) – 7:30 PM
Fri – 11/01/24 – LAWRENCE COUNTY (8-4) – 7:30 PM

 

 

 

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