Mustang Freshmen Top District Rival Strasburg

By Dave Schwengel

The George Mason freshman football team opened Bull Run District play last week by beating the Strasburg High School freshman football team 19 – 7 to improve its record to 2 – 1.

The Mason attack was varied by design to offset a Strasburg freshman team that is part of a perennially well-organized football program. But the Strasburg team was beset all night by a variety of mistakes preventing the team from getting on track, gaining only 82 total rushing yards. Strasburg’s only touchdown came on a passing play near the end of the first half.

On the other hand, Mason used seven running backs to generate 215 yards on the ground. Freshman Michael Schwengel started the scoring for the home team in the first quarter on a 30-yard touchdown run. Freshman Sean Mondragon scored two touchdowns – one in the second quarter when he bulled his way 13 yards, dragging Strasburg players with him into the end zone, and another in the third quarter on an equally powerful 23-yard run.

Other Mason running backs contributing to the cause were eighth graders Arthur Wilson and Antonio Folks, and freshmen Paul Lawlor, Lonnie Millard, and Niko Hall. Freshman quarterback Mike Straub completed two notable passes totaling 24 yards; and Arthur Wilson converted one point-after-touchdown attempt.

The coaches continue to stress the importance of players being mentally engaged from opening kickoff to final whistle. According to head coach LaBryan Thomas, “We are making progress and we will break down this game in the film room to see how we can execute even better. Improving on the little things will make us a better team.”

“On the offensive side we gained positive yards by executing many of our blocks and by having our running backs make most of the right reads,” Assistant coach Andre Jackson said. “On the other side we are starting to get the idea of what it means to be stingy on defense.” Coaches Thomas and Jackson noted the fan turnout and positive vocal support behind the Mason bench. The next freshman contest is at home against Bull Run District opponent Rappahannock High School next Wednesday, Oct. 20 starting at 6:30 p.m.