William Monroe dominated the glass and defeated the Mustang Boys 54-46 Friday night to tie for first place in the Bull Run District.  A George Mason win would have given the Mustangs the title, but it was not meant to happen that night in Stanardsville.  Philippe Griffiths and Noel Obusan led GM with 10 points apiece, while Will Nunley had 8 and Nate Ogle 7.

Both Monroe big men got to the rim at will against Mason, putting back several of their own misses, which was the difference in the game.  WM (14-6, 11-2 BRD) entered the final period up 40-30 after taking a 26-22 lead into the halftime locker room.  The Mustangs (17-4, 11-2) made a valiant attempt at a comeback going on a late 8-2 run led by two Griffiths three-pointers to cut the lead to 49-46 with 50 seconds left. However, Monroe went 6-7 from the line in the last minute to ice the game.

Both squads have one game remaining in the regular season – GM is at home against Manassas Park at 7:45pm Tuesday night for (their Senior Night) while WM plays Rappahannock.  Since the Mason and Monroe Boys have now each won against the other at home, if both teams win (or lose), a one game playoff for the regular season title will be played at the neutral Strasburg High School court on Wednesday at 7 PM. The winner of that game will host the semifinals of the Bull Run District tournament. Manassas Park is 3-9 in the District and 7-14 overall.

George Mason’s Boys Varsity basketball team traveled to Clarke County Friday for a key Bull Run District game with the Eagles, who stood one game behind GM in the standings. The hostile environment usually produces close games, but not this time, as the Mustangs roared out of the gate with a 20-2 first quarter run and never looked back, defeating Clarke 51-38 for their seventh straight victory. The win puts Mason at 13-3 overall but more importantly 8-1 in the BRD, and earned the Stangs a sweep over Clarke in the season series.

Seven Mustangs scored in the opening quarter. Philippe Griffiths, Eion Oosterbaan and Noel Obusan all nailed three pointers to spark the backbreaking rally. Clarke (10-6, 6-3) missed numerous point blank attempts in the period, and Mason pounced on the mistakes. The lead stretched to 25-4 at one point in the second before the Eagles closed to 29-13 at half.

A brief run in the third period pulled the home squad to within 8 at 39-31, but Nate Ogle scored 9 of his team high 16 points in the stanza to keep the lead safe. Noel Obusan added 11 points and Oosterbaan had 8 for the guests. Only a dismal 6-13 effort from the free throw line from Mason kept Clarke within shouting distance, as the Stangs managed to miss all 3 front ends of their one-and-one opportunities in the fourth quarter. Stellar defense on Clarke sharpshooter Ethan Emmart held him to 5 points, and with most of the other Eagles in early foul trouble, GM was able to hold a comfortable lead from the first period on.

Mason will travel to Central-Woodstock Wednesday night before hosting Strasburg Friday at MEH. Game time is 7:45 for both contests.

The George Mason High School boys varsity basketball team handed William Monroe its first loss in district play tonight as the Mustangs prevailed 64-60 at the Mary Ellen Henderson Gymnasium.

The Monroe Dragons came out firing in the first quarter, going up 16-7 lead with 3 minutes remaining in the period.  The Mustangs remained unrattled, however, chipping away until they took the lead mid-way through the second quarter.

The game remained close into the fourth period, with Mason able to gain no more than a six point advantage.  Monroe briefly regained the lead by one point with seven minutes left to play, but Mason stormed back with key baskets and free throws to thwart the Dragons’ effort. 

GMHS in a 2-3 zone defense to counter a taller Monroe front line.

On defense, George Mason went man-to-man most of the game, but switched to a 2-3 zone late in the game to counter a taller Monroe front line.  The move worked for the Mustangs, as the zone allowed them to bottle up the inside, force shots from the perimeter, and box out for rebounds.

Point guard Noel Obusan led the Mustang offense with 30 points, repeatedly penetrating the Monroe defense for shots in the paint and adding 8 of 9 from the free-throw line.  Nate Ogle had 13 points and 9 rebounds for the Mustangs, including key plays in the fourth quarter as Mason fought off Monroe’s comeback attempts. 

With the victory, Mason moves into a tie for first place in the Bull Run District, sharing the top spot with Monroe and Madison County.   The Mustangs are 5-1 in district play and10-3 overall.

Mason plays at Manassas Park Thursday at 7:45pm to complete the first round of Bull Run District play.

George Mason’s varsity boys basketball team drubbed winless Rappahannock County 71-29 last night for the Mustang’s  third straight win.  Noel Obusan scored 12 and Philippe Griffiths 11 for GM in limited action, and junior Angel Casteneda added a career-high 9 for Mason, which improves to 9-3 overall and 4-1 in the Bull Run District.  Nick Bourbeau scored 8 points and Will Nunley 7, including a 5-6 effort from the free throw line.

Mason has now held its last three district opponents under 40 points, outscoring them by an average of 70-31.  Things get markedly tougher for the Stangs Tuesday as league-leading William Monroe visits for a 7:45 contest at the Mary Ellen Henderson gymnasium.  Monroe is undefeated in Bull Run play at 5-0, including come from behind OT wins vs. Madison and Clarke County.  Mason and Madison County are both a game behind at 4-1.

January 4, 2011

It was announced today with great pride that the winner of this year’s FCCFA Annual Youth Football Scholarship is George Mason High School Varsity Football player Stephen Lubnow.  Pictured here receiving the award from FCCFA President Brian Sulc, this year’s scholarship amount grew to $1,000.00.

“As this tradition continues and as the FCCFA grows it will definitely be a highlight of the season to award a former youth player this honor and it will most definitely go on to become an integral part of the football season and a motivator for GMHS players,” stated Tom Horn, Head Coach of the George Mason Varsity football team.

This scholarship, awarded to a current senior who previously played organized youth football, is in recognition of his exemplary performance in abiding by the Mustang Football principles of “Pursuing Victory with Honor,” and contributing to the mission of ensuring that the George Mason Football Program rests on a foundation of strong character. In keeping with Mustang Football’s proud tradition, the board of the FCCFA and the GMHS coaches felt that Stephen demonstrated exceptional enthusiasm, and a superb sense of individual pride, personal responsibility, tolerance, respect, integrity and discipline. Additionally, his devotion to Mustang Football will serve as a model for current youth football players who may be aspiring George Mason Mustangs. By striving to reach these high expectations for a student-athlete in the areas of character and sportsmanship, Stephen stood out as an ambassador for, and a model of, the “Six Pillars of Character,” (Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship).

Stephen’s previous Arlington Youth Football experience, his personal initiative, dedication and loyalty to George Mason High School his teammates and coaches reflect great credit upon him and is in keeping with the highest traditions of George Mason Football. “In addition to receiving the scholarship, Stephen is also honored with a perpetual plaque that will be on display in the trophy case at GMHS and it will list him and all of the future awardees,” said Brian Sulc, the FCCFA’s President. The FCCFA was created with the goals of promoting participation in youth football to the City of Falls Church and developing a community connection with George Mason High School Football.

It’s been a busy year for the FCCFA.  In addition to giving the scholarship, the Association also held its annual football summer camp for boys between the ages of 7 and 14.  Over 40 local youth players came and worked on developing their football skills during some of the areas hottest days this past summer.  The camp is hosted and run by GMHS coaching staff and FCCFA volunteers, and varsity and junior varsity players also helped to instruct the young athletes all the while giving back to the youth programs that helped them get their starts.  This year the FCCFA also marked what it hopes to be an ongoing tradition: a gift to support the JV and Varsity football teams.  This year, the FCCFA donated a practice clock to the GMHS athletics department, the clock which cost $1,000.00, will help the team to stay focused and scheduled during their practices.

We all wish Stephen good luck in his future academic studies and on the field if he plans to continue his football career at the college of his choice.

About the FCCFA: The FCCFA is a non-profit 501 c 3 organization.  The current officers are Brian Sulc, Steven Valley, Kevin Creed, and Dave Hagigh. The association was founded with the mandate to increase awareness of and participation with local youth football clubs, host an annual football summer camp for kids 7-14, and handout one-time scholarships to graduating senior players who exemplify the game. For more information about the association and to view information on the benefits of playing youth football go to: http://www.thefccfa.org

To become a member of the board or to volunteer at the camp contact The FCCFA directly at: info@thefccfa.org

The George Mason boys varsity basketball team defeated Freedom-South Riding High School 50-37  Thursday night to take 3rd place in the  Joe Cascio Tournament at Falls Church High. 

The Mustangs played a strong defensive game, executing a man-to-man defense with efficiency, while riding the offensive performance of senior Co-Captains Nate Ogle and Phillippe Griffiths.  Ogle, named to the All-Tournament Team at evening’s end, finished with 20 points and 13 rebounds, while Griffiths had 16 points and nine rebounds. 

George Mason's Noel Obusan charges the basket (Photographer: Brendan Reals)

Special to the FALLS CHURCH TIMES
December 12, 2011

Nate Ogle scored 17 points and grabbed 11 rebounds to lead Mason to a 60-41 win over The Avalon School Friday at Mary Ellen Henderson’s gym.  Noel Obusan added 12 points and dished out a team-high 8 assists as GM (3-1) overcame a half-time deficit to shake off a pesky Black Knight squad for the victory.

Mason's Will Nunley goes high for a shot (Photographer: Brendan Reals)

GM was on fire out of the gate Friday as Philippe Griffiths (9 points) nailed three first quarter triples, with Ogle adding one of his own, staking the hosts to a 16-7 lead after one quarter.  Avalon took advantage of some sloppy play by Mason in the second however, and coupled with Griffiths third personal foul of the half, took a 23-22 lead into the locker room at the break.  The third quarter and first four minutes of the fourth were all Mason though, with the Stangs going on a 26-6 run bridging the two periods to put the game away.  Junior Will Nunley had a breakout game for GM, scoring 9 points, and classmate Nick Bourbeau was a sparkplug off the bench, dishing out 4 assists to go along with 3 steals.

Mason travels to Madison County Tuesday night (12/13) to take on the Mountaineers in the Bull Run District opener for both teams before hosting Clarke County Thursday (12/15) at Mary Ellen Henderson.  Game time is 7:45 for both contests.

Photo credit: Brendan Reals

Avalon can't get the shot off against Mason's Nate Ogle (Photographer: Brendan Reals)

High school club field hockey will make its debut in Falls Church City Friday night when newly-formed Mustang Field Hockey teams take on two Loudoun County opponents at George Mason High School’s Moore Cadillac Stadium. 

The first game will begin at 7:00pm against the U19 Highlanders, followed by a match against the U19 Pride at 8:15pm.  Admission is free.

Mustang Field Hockey is an independent community team comprised exclusively of George Mason High School girls in grades 8-11.  The twenty-six girls on the roster form two Mustang squads which will compete this year against teams in the Loudoun County-based Potomac Field Hockey League and plan to take on other area high school teams in the future. 

The Mustang club is coached by Jill Prince, Briana Solomita, Susan Martin and Kristen Terry.

BY STEVE SELBY
SPECIAL TO THE FALLS CHURCH TIMES

October 1, 2011

Fresh off a strong performance in its 42-8 win over Central Woodstock, the Mustang 9^th Grade football team traveled to Madison County Thursday evening to face their traditional rivals. Hoping to increase their record to 2-0 in Bull Run District play, the Mustangs quickly found themselves in a hole. In spite of some long gains, Mason was unable to get on the scoreboard, while giving up 14 unanswered points to Madison. Then, as the clock ran down for the first half, a Mustang turnover deep in its own territory proved costly, allowing Madison to grab a quick score and exit the field with a 21-0 lead. 

When Madison returned the opening kick off of the second half for a touchdown, spirits sagged and shoulders slumped on the Mustang side of the field. It looked like the route was on. But teams with character have ways of bouncing back.  On the next possession, running back D’Amonte Noble took a soft pass from quarterback Sam Selby, who narrowly escaped the grasp of a rushing Madison lineman, and raced some 50 yards up the sideline for Mason’s first score. 

After Mason’s Matthew Valley recovered a Madison fumble, Noble scored again on another long run, making the score 28-14 Madison.   After the ensuing kick off, Madison was pinned deep in its own territory.  On a crucial third down play, Mason defensive end Davis Hagigh, in what proved to be one of the turning points of game, burst into the Madison backfield, bringing down the ball carrier and pinning Madison on its one-yard line. The Madison punt attempt failed when the snap sailed over the punter’s head, resulting in a safety and bringing the score to 28-16. 

Following the safety, the Madison kick off was returned 35 yards by Daniel Donovan.  On the next play, Noble would score again – making it three scores on three touches for Mustang’s fleet back.  After Wynton Cobb connected on this third straight extra point – and his ninth straight for the season – Mason had pulled to within five points, 28-23.

A resurgent Mason defense continued to plague Madison in the fourth quarter.  Led by Aphonso Banks and Sean Brown, the Mustang “D” got strong contributions from many players, including a key stop by Austin Clark, strong play at nose guard by Omar Kassar, and several heads-up plays by the omnipresent Hunter Sulc.

As Madison moved down the field on what would be its last drive of the night, they tried a long pass, only to have Brandon Ward move in for an acrobatic interception.  With the ball back in their hands, the Mustangs turned again to Noble who ran for his fourth touchdown of the night and eighth in two games. With the score now 29-28, Mason fans could finally exhale.  In what was one the most stunning comebacks in the history of Mason football, the Mustangs finally ran out the clock, securing the win.

In addition to Noble’s scoring, a key to Mason’s second half revival was the fact that the Mustangs had no turnovers.  Throughout the night, forcing turnovers was key to Mason’s success on defense.  In addition to Ward, timely interceptions were made by Sulc and Dean Hinson.  Louis Lindsay added a critical fumble recovery.  And, before leaving with a sore back, nose guard Ryan Jones was, as the kids say, “a beast” on the D-line.  On offense, Nick Casillas continued his solid play as the unflappable center for the Mustangs.

As the victorious Mustangs boarded the bus, one tired but happy lineman said, “It’s going to be a fun bus ride home.”

The community is invited to the team’s yard sale this Saturday, September 17th at 500 Greenwich Street from 8 AM to noon. All proceeds and donations will go towards purchasing goals, goalie equipment and uniforms. For more information visit their website at https://sites.google.com/site/mustangfieldhockey/home.