Sports - OnLine

Varsity Football

Mustangs Close Out Season
5-5 Overall, 2-2 Districts

By Adam Knudsen (November 23, 2004)

The varsity football team finished its season at 5-5 following consecutive losses to Manassas Park (21-7) and Strasburg (12-9). The Mustangs’ record in the Bull Run district was 2-2.

In the Manassas Park game, the Mustangs came up short against Manassas Park, losing 21-7.

 In the first quarter Mason was able to control the Cougars’ aggressive offense and keep them from scoring. Mason drove the ball into Manassas Park’s red zone numerous times but would be called back time and time again with penalties.

In the second quarter Manassas Park’s wide receiver caught a 29-yard pass from quarterback Zach Terrel for a touchdown, making the score 7-0 at the end of the half. Mason’s defense was inexorable in the second half, but star quarterback Terrel nonchalantly gained two more touchdowns for Manassas Park, throwing a 36 yard touchdown and carrying the ball five yards for a touchdown, making the score 21-0.

In the fourth quarter the Mustangs drove the ball again into the Cougars’ red zone and junior Eric Blush threw a 17-yard pass to senior Matt Lemen for a touchdown. Mason’s new enthusiasm soon faded as the last few seconds of the clock ticked down.
 Mason contains star quarterback Zach Terrel, who
completed only 7 of his 13 passes, but they were
enough to beat the Mustangs 21-7 in Bull Run
 District competition. (Photo by Adam Kndusen)

George Mason led in overall rushing yards with senior Steve Williams carrying the ball 16 times for 48 yards, junior Travis Greene 23 times for 107 yards, and junior John Schwengel nine times for 33 yards. Mason occasionally went to their passing game with quarterback Blush throwing the ball for 5 completions on the 11 attempts, gaining 50 yards. In the Strasburg game, the Mustangs lost 12-9 to Strasburg in their final game of the season. In the first quarter Mason quickly got a touchdown on a one-yard run by junior Travis Greene. Strasburg answered back scoring on a nine-yard run, but they failed on their attempt for two points.

Mason began showing its durability as most of the players playing were injured. In the fourth quarter Strasburg scored on a five-yard run, but again failed to get the two extra points. Later in the fourth quarter, Strasburg again was in control of the ball, but were very close to their own end zone.

The Strasburg coach then made a sagacious decision to have his quarterback run out of their own end zone, which gave the George Mason Mustangs 2 points. This also gave Mason possession of the ball near their end zone, with 18 seconds on the clock and very wet conditions. The Strasburg coach thought this was his best chance to stay ahead and Mason was unable to capitalize on his decision and score on a long pass. Mason was in control of the ball most of the game, but couldn’t finish their drives and score.

Senior Steve Williams led in rushing yards with 19 carries for 125 yards. Quarterback Eric Blush was only one for five in the passing game due to the slippery conditions. You could see in the Mustang players’ eyes how much they had wanted to win this game; their persistence is what drove players aching from head to toe to stay in the game and try to get a win.
Senior Steve Williams carries against the Cougars’
 defense. Williams had 16 carries for 48 yards.
 (Photo by Adam Knudsen)
 Senior Steve Williams stiff-arms the Manassas Park
 defender, gaining four extra yards for the Mustangs
 against the Cougars. (Photo by Adam Knudsen)


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