By Chris Campanelli (October 30, 2002)

George Mason junior running back Reggie Whittaker’s 119 rushing yards and defensive lineman Chris "Trash" Epling’s touchdown were not enough to thwart Clarke County Monday night and the Mustangs succumbed 33-13 at the Eagles Homecoming Monday night.

Turnovers plagued both sides, but the Eagles proved more capable of capitalizing on these opportunities. The Eagles accumulated more yardage than the Mustangs by over 150 yards. The Eagles had consistent success with quarterback Underwood’s quick-pitch sweeps that accounted for a majority of Clarke County’s 313 total yards.

Although the Mustangs’ defense was able to hold the Eagles early on, the Mason offense was incapable of capitalizing, mainly due to turnovers. The Mustangs had four turnovers in the first half.

Whittaker provided a bright spot in the second quarter with an 82-yard rushing touchdown, the longest for the Mustangs this season. Stephen Gullikson’s extra point following Whittaker’s touchdown tied the score at 7-7 midway through the second half.

Clarke County, however, quickly responded with two unanswered touchdowns, making the score 20-7 at halftime.

In the second half, Epling stumbled into the end zone after a 30-yard fumble recovery, boosting the Mustangs who then trailed 26-13. However, this was the last time the Mustangs would reach the end zone.

Clarke County scored once more to start the fourth quarter to make the score 33-13 where it stood until time expired.

Because of postponements due to the recent sniper attacks, the Mustangs wil face three tough opponents in the next week and a half. First up is Manassas Park, then Brentsville and Strasburg. Mason head coach Tom Horn described Manassas Park as the best football team this district has seen in the last five years." The Mustangs will take on the Cougars at home this Saturday at 2 o’clock.