The George Mason High School football team was able to bust a two-season, 14-game losing streak with a homecoming victory over the visiting John Champe High School Knights, but a hard-fought game last Friday against William Monroe High School would dash any hopes the Mustangs had of stringing together a few wins. George Mason lost, 48-35.

A tough start left the Mustangs fighting from behind for much of the game.

“William Monroe took advantage of our slow start,” Coach Tony Green said.

The score at the half was 41-14; the Mustangs had a lot of ground to make up and, though they came back from halftime to play what Green considers “an inspired half as a team” and were able to post an additional 21 points, it wasn’t enough to overcome the lead the Dragons established in the first half.

“We are growing every week,” Green said. “Our seniors are doing a great job of keeping our team together and focused.”

The Mustangs will have two more chances to improve their one-win season record, hosting the Clarke County High School Eagles Friday and the Manassas Park High School Cougars next Friday.