George Mason High School Volley Ball Loses Finale, Prepares for District Tournament

The George Mason High School freshman football team concluded its season last week on the road with a 27 – 14 victory over Manassas Park High School.

Freshmen Sean Mondragon and Michael Schwengel played the roll of “Thunder and Lightening” in the backfield jointly racking up 185 yards on the ground – more than the Manassas Park production for the game (137 yards).

Mondragon repeatedly dragged Manassas Park defenders in his punishing runs up the middle. In contrast, Schwengel found success running around the end and cutting back against the grain for five notable runs of 12 yards or more.

The Mason defense also was active. Freshmen Brady Hatfield produced a timely sack for a nine yard loss in the third quarter and in the fourth quarter, Niko Hall came up big by pushing a lead blocker back into the running back for a five yard loss. In addition, freshman Charlie Khaliq recovered a fumble and Schwengel had two interceptions.

The Mason coaching staff was pleased to end the season on a high note. “We learned a lot this year,” said head coach LaBryan Thomas. “We learned the importance of competing as a team and not taking any plays off,” he said. Mason finished the 2004 campaign 4 – 3 overall, 3 – 2 in the Bull Run District; Manassas Park finished with one win this year.

Offensive contributions for the game included: Mondragon (10 carries, 65 yards and one touchdown); Schwengel (9 – 120 – 2); freshman Lonnie Millard (1 – 4); freshman Tasso McCarthy (1 – 3); eighth grader Arthur Wilson (2 – 8). Freshman quarterback Mike Straub had a 41-yard touchdown strike to Schwengel, a 7-yard pass to Mondragon, and a 5-yard completion to McCarthy (3 completions, 7 attempts, 1 interception). Next week: a final look at the season in a Q-&-A with the Mason freshman coaching staff.