The George Mason High School varsity football team traveled to Luray High School this past Friday night and lost 21-12. However, for the players, coaching staff and fans, the subplot to the whole game was almost more compelling than the game itself.

In the past ten days the list of injured players has grown, with most of the names belonging to either starters or significant contributors. And most of the injured are lost for the season.

“For this game, the team had to rely on several players who were experienced only at the sub-varsity level,” Mason Head Coach Tom Horn said. “At the start of the game there were some nerves and anxiety being in a varsity football environment for the first time,” said Coach Horn. “Mistakes were made but the players worked through it. We started making plays more consistently by the fourth quarter,” Horn said.

At least on paper the game looked competitive. Unofficially, George Mason had 242 total yards and 15 first downs, compared to 225 total yards and eight first downs for Luray. Both teams had three turnovers apiece. Mason senior linebacker Ben Zorn recovered two fumbles and Sean Mondragon picked up a third.

Mason junior quarterback Lonnie Millard guided the team on two drives that resulted in a pair of one-yard touchdown runs. Senior running back Eddie Huber scored the first halfway through the second quarter, bringing Mason within one at 7 – 6. The second touchdown came early in the fourth quarter by junior running back Antoneo Folks bringing Mason within nine at 21 -12. 

Following Friday’s game the Mustangs have a record of 1 – 3, though with a few breaks in a earlier near-loss to Dominion High School, and again against Luray, the Mustangs could well be 3 – 1.

The Mustangs play next Friday, Oct. 6 at home against Goochland High School. The gates at Moore Cadillac Stadium open at 6:45 p.m. and kickoff is at 7:30 p.m.

Next Friday, Oct. 13, marks Mason’s annual homecoming game and the start of the Bull Run District schedule against Madison County.