by Matthew Hochberg

Down by just single digits heading into the second half, George Mason’s High School football team had put themselves in striking distance against Strasburg. But after another Rams’ score in the third quarter, the outcome appeared glim for Mason. Then, though, junior quarterback Thomas Creed slung a 25-yard touchdown pass to freshman wide receiver Enzo Paradiso and cut the lead to just four.

That, however, would be the last time the Mustangs would find the end zone, losing to Strasburg 25-14 and falling to 2-3 on the season.

A pivotal moment came in the second half, when Mason appeared to stop their opponent on downs before a personal foul was called on the defense, allowing the Rams additional offensive plays and a momentum swing in their favor.

Despite three consecutive defeats, the Mustangs have lost the last two by a combined total of just 19 points. “We have been in these games. We need to figure out ways to make the plays to win and work hard,” head coach Tony Green said.

Senior running back Dustin Green has expectedly been leading the team on the offensive end, but another upperclassmen who appears to be improving is the aforementioned junior quarterback.
“Thomas is getting better, he’s setting his feet better. We’re working with him every day,” Green said following Creed’s 4-of-8, one touchdown and one interception performance.

Moving forward, Mason will welcome Riverside at home on Friday night. Green describes the next opponent as a young team with noticeable speed, specifically on the edges. “We don’t have any more pushovers,” he said.