By Chris Campanelli (October 18, 2002)

At the beginning of the fourth quarter in the mud-drenched match at Madison County last Saturday night, the Mustangs found themselves down 15-8 in a fourth and long situation. 

George Mason junior quarterback Matt Williams threw a 40-yard touchdown pass between two defenders to junior Reggie Whittaker, bringing the Mustangs within one point of the Mountaineers, 15-14.

The Mustangs decided to reach for the win by going for the two-point conversion, but the pass to Stephen Williams fell incomplete, leaving the Mustangs with a loss in their first Bull Run District game of the season.

Mason varsity football coach Tom Horn explained his decision, "A tie means nothing in a district as rigorous as the Bull Run District."

The Mountaineers’ victory gave Madison County’s legendary coach Eddie Dean his 301^st victory in his long career. 

The Mustangs fell behind early due to a bad snap in the second quarter that led to a Mountaineer safety. Madison also capitalized on their good field position, scoring on a 10-yard run up the middle to take an 8-0 lead. 

At the end of the second half, the Mustangs scored a touchdown on a ten-yard pass to Junior Sean Snider. The Mustangs then converted for two with a short bootleg pass to Stephen Williams in the back of the end zone. 

At the end of the first half, the Mountaineers scored again on a forty-yard touchdown pass to put Madison ahead, 15-8
 

Friday night’s game against Brentsville, along with many other games in the area, has been cancelled due to the recent dangers of the sniper attacks. All practices in the area have been either moved indoors or cancelled. The game has been postponed indefinitely. If this game is played it will be the last time the Mustangs will face their archrivals. Due to the immense growth of Brentsville High School, they will be moving up to a Double A division school.

Mason head football coach Tom Horn goes over game plan  with   quarterback Chris Campanelli. The plans will be put on  hold as tonight's game with Brentsville has been postponed  due to the sniper scare. (Photo by John  Ruffino)