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Mason County sustained four drives within striking distance of the end zone; however, the Tomcat defense made the Royal offense turn the ball over on downs twice and forced two fumbles to end potential scoring drives early in the game.

Ashland crossed the goal line on its second drive of the game as the Tomcats marched 68 yards, which was finished by senior quarterback LaBryant Strader scoring on a 1-yard touchdown run. Troy BarnettÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™s extra point made it 7-0.

On the Tomcats' next scoring drive, Jennings had a 60-yard run to the Mason County 3-yard line and scored on the next play. Ashland then went up 21-0 after a 10-play, 92-yard drive.

Strader found junior wide receiver Cameron Davis for a 44-yard gain to cross midfield. Five plays later, Strader ran it in for his second touchdown from the 9-yard line. Strader then found Maverick Ashby in the end zone for a two-point conversion and a 21-0 lead.

The Royals responded and drove to the Ashland 6-yard line. But, facing a fourth-and-goal from there, Mason County senior quarterback Teegin Routt was called for an illegal forward pass, which resulted in a loss of down and possession went to the Tomcats.

Ashland then drove 90 yards in five plays for a 28-0 lead. The drive was highlighted by a 45-yard run by Jennings and a 35-yard run by Ashby, who was tackled at the Royals' 2-yard line. Strader scored on the next play on a run for a touchdown and a 28-0 advantage.

The Royals kept fighting. After getting good field position on the ensuing kickoff, Routt found senior wide receiver Garryon McClain on an under routem and he ran through the Tomcat secondary to the 15-yard line. Two plays later, sophomore tailback Leonard Avery scored to cut the Ashland lead to 28-7.

The Tomcats tried to put another score on the board before halftime. They drove to the Royal 13-yard line when Strader dropped back to pass, and Royal defensive back Cole Horch undercut the throw and returned the interception 94 yards for a touchdown as time expired for the half, which cut the margin to 28-14 after a Micah Payne extra point.

The second half was all Tomcats. After forcing the Royals into the first punt of the game, the Ashland offense had good field position at the Royal 47-yard line. Ten plays later, Strader crossed paydirt for his fourth touchdown of the game and a 35-14 lead.

Jennings then took over the game on both sides of the ball. He intercepted a pass on the RoyalsÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥™ next possession and returned it to the 25-yard line. He then scored five plays later with a 5-yard touchdown run and his second score of the night.

ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œBraxton played great tonight. He is a man. He stepped up when we needed him," Tackett said. "He played one of his best games as a Tomcat, and I am glad he did it here in his last home game at Putnam Stadium."

ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œI just saw great blocking from my offensive line all night," Jennings said. "They just gave me great holes all night and I just hit them full speed, so I got loose."

Mason County coach Joe Wynn was pleased with the Royals' effort for the game.

ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œI thought we battled," he said. "When the chips were down, we turned to make it 28-14. Jennings ran through tackles that we normally make. We battled with this team and we came out and competed right away.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥�

Ashland will travel next week to face Corbin.

ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥œThis point in the playoffs, you do not play any bad teams," Tackett said. "They will present their set of challenges, but I like the way we match up with them. We will just have to go down there and execute, travel well and give them a good game.ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥�

Mason County;0;14;0;0;-- 14

Ashland;13;15;7;7;-- 42

First quarter

AHS ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥“ Strader 1-yard run (Barnett kick)

AHS ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥“ Jennings 3-yard run (kick failed)

Second quarter

AHS ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥“ Strader 9-yard run (Strader Pass to Ashby)

AHS ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥“ Strader 2-yard run (Barnett kick)

MHS ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥“ Avery 4-yard run (Payne kick)

MHS ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥“ Horch 94-yard interception return (Payne kick)

Third quarter

AHS ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥“ Stader 4-yard run (Barnett kick)

Fourth quarter

AHS ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥“ Jennings 5-yard run (Barnett kick)

Team statistics

;;;MCHS;AHS;

First downs;;10;22

Rushes-yards;;21-37;49-467

Passes;;11/29;13/17

Passing yards;;245;113

Total yards;;282;580

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥“ Mason County: Avery 8-17, Staggs 10-16, Horn 2-3, Routt 1-1; Ashland: Jennings 24-300, Strader 11-64, Ashby 12-74, Farrow 1-2, Turner 1-27.

PASSING ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥“ Mason County: Routt 11-28-1, Gregory 0-1; Ashland: Strader 13-17-1.

RECEIVING ÃÛÁÄÖ±²¥“ Mason County: Horch 4-112, Staggs 1-20, McClain 2-82, Avery 4-20; Ashland: Davis 3-56, Jennings 2-9, Lyons 3-25, Duckwyler 2-12, Ashby3-11