Varsity Football
Bulldogs Defeats Mustangs in
Heartbreaker, 20-14, Face
Madison
Tonight Away
By Gregg Curtin
(October 14, 2005)
As the Mustangs’ defense geared
up to go into overtime in a consistently intense battle against the Region
B Goochland Bulldogs last Monday, the final eight seconds of the game proved
to be decisive as the Bulldogs’ running back Bruce Lewis snatched a 47-
yard touchdown pass out of the air from backup quarterback Ovell Hicks
to win the game with no time remaining. The Goochland stands erupted in
cheers for their victorious homecoming team as the disheartened Mustangs
were left to watch in silence. For the first time throughout the contest
the Mustangs trailed in the score, but without any time left on the clock
there was no chance of resurgence. The final whistle blew, and without
even kicking an extra point the teams shook hands and returned to the locker
rooms.
The Mustangs held their own against the Bulldogs nonetheless,
as running back Travis Greene ran for 54 yards total and two touchdowns,
and Eddie Huber, Eric Blush and Jon Schwengel combined
for 36 yards total. The Mustangs’ offense also integrated their passing
game throughout the contest, which is not entirely typical for the running-based
team. Senior tight-end Gregg Curtin caught a six-yard pass and ran 45 yards
after the catch, and junior tight-end Cody Roden-Reynolds
caught a deflected pass for a 50-yard reception; both receptions set up
the good field position for the Mustangs to score their two touchdowns
on the ground.
Although the score seemed even throughout the match, the
Goochland defense held the Mustangs to one of their worst offensive performances
in the last few years; considering the quick striking, counter-based offense
that the Mason coaching staff has established. Last Monday was the only
game in which the Mustangs have not put up at least 100 total rushing yards.
The Mustangs totaled 191 total yards throughout the game; however, with
104 passing and 87 rushing. The Goochland Bulldogs moved the ball for 276
total yards, with 105 passing and 171 rushing. Offensive possession for
each team was lopsided towards the Bulldogs, putting the Mustang defensive
starters on the field for more than 60 percent of the game.
Turnovers and imperfect pass defense seemed to be the
prevalent errors that weakened the Mustangs, as the second and fourth quarters
showed signs of fatigue and defensive errors. The Bulldogs completed four
passes in the second quarter for 67 yards, two of them for 17 yards and
the other two for 19 and 24 yards respectively. The final pass of the drive
was a 24-yard trick running back pass from D.J Coles to wide receiver Kameron
Wilds who caught the pass over the head of cornerback Eric Blush to end
the drive and tie the game.
The second half showed signs of defensive
improvement as safety Travis Greene picked off a Bulldog pass at the Mustangs’ 14-yard
line, but the offense was unable to capitalize on possession and were forced
to punt shortly after. Another big defensive stop on fourth down gave the
Mustangs another chance to score, but the offense was unable to break the
strong Goochland run defense and had to punt again. Another interception
by the defensive backfield, this one by cornerback Eric Blush, gave the
Mustangs great field position on the Bulldogs 23-yard line with a very
good chance to take the lead. However, a big hit by a Bulldog linebacker
on Mustang running back Sean McCrary on the first play of the drive forced
a fumble and turned the ball right back over. When neither team could capitalize
on offense to put the ball in the end zone, the Mustangs looked as if they
would have the ball for the last few plays of the game, and give themselves
a chance to score before the time expired. However, with 15 seconds left
the ball was turned over by quarterback Eric Blush and
pressure was put on the exhausted defense to keep the game tied and force it
into overtime; which was never needed. A deep Hail-Mary pass to the far
left corner of the field on the last play of the game sealed the victory
for the Goochland Bulldogs.
The Mustangs kept their assurance however, knowing that
they will be a very strong team coming into the next four Bull
Run district games and possibly have a chance to play Goochland
again if both teams make it to the Regional Playoffs. The
Bulldogs were a Region B finalist last year (before losing to Manassas Park),
and without having graduated any senior starters they still remain a prominent
team in the region. The Mustangs travel to their first Bull-Run district
opponent Madison County tonight,
October 14th. Their next home game will be the Mustangs’ legendary
Homecoming game on October 21st against Rappahannock.
