By Chris Campanelli (November 7, 2002)

The Mustangs did little to change what went wrong during last Saturday’s 28-0 loss to Manassas Park, losing by the same score to Brentsville on Tuesday’s in a cold and rainy game under the lights. The Mustangs once again were unable to stop the offensive drive of the Tigers early on, and so fell behind 7-0 less than four minutes into the game.

Tiger quarterback Sam Huff threw for two completions tha together accumulated 55 yards and two touchdowns. Tiger running-back Stuart Crane provided two additional rushing touchdowns.
 

Senior quarterback Chris Campanelli looks wistfully at the football field that he will no longer play on due to knee injuries sustained in last week's game. (Photo by John Ruffino)

Although the Mustangs emerged scoreless once again, they did manage to control the ball well into the second quarter. Rookie quarterback Matt Lemen, starting for the first time because of injuries to Matt Williams and Chris Campanelli, led the Mustangs on an 80- yard drive deep into Tiger territory. Eric Powell provided clutch running yardage up the middle, and Reggie Whittaker provided a legitimate sweep threat. But the Mustangs turned the ball over in the end-zone with a short pass which was intercepted. The Mustangs held on this Tiger possession, sacking the quarterback on two consecutive plays, and sacking the punter on fourth down. But the Mustangs’ luck did not hold, as the Tigers intercepted yet another pass in the end-zone. The Mustangs’ defense was led by Stephen Williams’ tough and persistent play, sacking the quarterback and making backfield tackles consistently thoughout the game.

Tbe Mustangs were unable to generate any positive effort on either side of the ball in the second half, allowing Brentsville to score once more on a short lob pass for a long run. The Mustangs’ inability to perfrom was partly due to its inexperience and its chronic mishaps which have plagued the team throughout the season.

This Friday the Mustangs will face the Rams in Strausburg for their final game. Injured middle linebacker Matt Williams should return to help his team’s last efforts.