by Kate Karstens

George Mason High School’s varsity football team trampled over the Rappahannock County Panthers with a 55-0 victory on Thursday night, giving the Mustangs a 1-0 start to the season.

The Mustang attack was led by senior running back Hunter Sulc and junior wide receiver Dustin Green, who combined for over 200 yards rushing and scored five and three touchdowns, respectively.

The Mustangs came out swinging, with a 55-yard gain on their second play of the game by Sulc. On the next play, Sulc carried the the ball five more yards for the first touchdown of the game.

Defensively, the Mustangs remained diligent, even though most offensive players had to double back on defense.

“Our small roster means that most of our players are in the whole game,” said head coach Tony Green. “However, that helps our younger members get a good feel for the game and keep everyone focused.”

Even after the second touchdown by Green in the beginning of the second quarter, Sulc, who also starts at linebacker, forced a fumble by Rappahannock senior Logan Aumock, resulting in a turnover. With Mason’s possession, Sulc scored for the second time of the game on a 44-yard run.

With the score 20-0 after the first half, Dustin Green found his stride with a 48-yard run into the end zone for his second touchdown of the game.

The Rappahannock possession after Green’s touchdown was cut short when senior Matt Mineo intercepted a pass by the Panthers’ senior quarterback Jack Massie. Sulc finished out the quarter with two more touchdowns.

“This game shows that when we play to our full ability, we can do special things,” said Dustin Green, a third year varsity starting wide receiver.

“I really felt that I had great chemistry with the line. They were working hard to make sure I was making those runs and opened the opportunity for me to make big plays,” said Sulc.

Green closed out the game with a 67-yard touchdown run for the Mustangs’ final touchdown of the game.

Mason’s victory is bittersweet, however. Star running back, D’Montae Noble, a three-time first team all-district member, is no longer on the team. Coach Green said that Noble is on an “athletic suspension.” Noble declined to comment.

“I think that we can adjust and be successful without D’Montae,” said Sulc. “Everyone has to do their job and we have to be powerful and consistent, moving forward.”

The Mustangs are preparing for Sidwell Friends this week, who lost their season opener 41-8. Last year, Mason traveled to Rappahannock to deliver a shutout of 48-0, only to drop 42-0 to Wakefield High School the next week.

“I don’t think this game is a symbol for the rest of the season,” said Coach Green. “We play in a tough district, and Rappahannock is not in our district for football. The teams that we are going to play are much better and so we have to keep competitive.”

Mason will travel to Sidwell Friends, a non-district opponent, on Friday, Sept. 11.