Rams' season ends with another loss

STRASBURG -- The Strasburg Rams finished off their season Friday night with a disheartening loss that summed up much of the season. Strasburg has struggled this season with a young squad who hoped to end the year with a win for the nine seniors who were playing the last game of their high school careers.

In their way stood the Mustangs from George Mason, who were looking to write the final chapter in a turnaround from a dismal season a year ago. The Mustangs have ridden their defense all year, carrying the team, and the game plan didn't change against the Rams.

"These kids have played six close games this year and won all six of them," Mustangs coach Tom Horn said. "They are not real explosive, but they play the scheme well and do what we ask of them."

After an early score, the Mustangs did just enough on offense as their defense played solidly, not allowing the Rams to take advantage of several opportunities to edge Strasburg, 21-14.

"I don't think they showed us anything different from when we played last year," Rams coach Mark Roller said. "We just weren't able to pick up some blitzes and we didn't make some plays. It's difficult to win when you can't capitalize on some of the drives like we had."

George Mason started the night with a grueling seven-minute drive as they pounded the Strasburg defensive line with their power running game. The Mustangs spread the ball to four different backs with similar success against the Rams' defense. Ben Taylor capped the drive with a 6-yard scamper into the end zone to put his team ahead 7-0.

After forcing the Rams' offense off the field quickly, the Mustangs went back to their bread and butter as they continued to chip away at the Rams. Another 6-yard touchdown run, this time by Chris Saraus, put the Mustangs up by two scores early in the second quarter.

The Rams responded quickly with a 43-yard kickoff return by Sheldon Stickley to give his team excellent starting position at the Mustangs' 42. Facing a third-and-5 situation, the Rams converted on a 17-yard pitch to Kaleb McKelvey to keep the drive alive, setting up a first-and-goal. Two plays later, Tanner Orndorff scored to cut the lead in half on a 3-yard touchdown run.

Still trailing as the second half began, Strasburg caught a break when the Mustangs' Henry Darmstadter's kickoff hit a teammate and the Rams recovered to start the opening possession at their own 47. The stingy Mustangs' defense forced Strasburg to punt however to end the drive.

"That kickoff that was a bad play that cost us field position," Horn said. "We just hung in there on defense and made some plays. Field position was a battle all night and we were very fortunate we only gave up the one score because of it."

Both teams traded punts through the third quarter, with the Rams backing up the Mustangs twice, but each time Strasburg was unable to convert. After a 23-yard punt by George Mason, returner Stickley made a big play on special teams again, returning a punt to the Mustangs' 27 to give the Rams their best starting field position all night.

After marching to the 12, the Rams faced a third-and-1 as they looked to swing the tide of the game. A run by Michael Reynolds failed, but the Rams stayed on the field, hoping to convert on fourth down. This time Reynolds dropped back to pass. A toss into the flats to a wide open Orndorff was dropped and the Rams turned the ball over on downs as they failed to capitalize again.

"When we lost here last year, we hit rock bottom," Horn said. "We told ourselves that we didn't want to be in that position or feel that way again. I am just real proud of these guys and how well they have stuck together this year."

The drive summed up the season for the Rams as they failed to take advantage of their opportunities. The Mustangs drove down the field on a nearly six-minute, 88-yard drive that was capped by a Saraus score.

Roller said losing Tanner and McKelvey will be tough.

"Tanner [Orndorff] and Kaleb [McKelvey] have been the heart and soul of this team this year," Roller said. "We missed that pass, but they made plays and split most of the carries tonight. They have just been the backbone for our team this year and we will miss them."

Strasburg scored on a late touchdown, but it was too late as they ran out of time and now must look forward to next season.

"We have some young guys who have been playing for a couple of years, so we have some experience," Roller said. "I think the biggest thing we need to do is get in the weight room this offseason. We played bigger and stronger teams this year that just pushed us around. The key is the weight room and we need guys that will dedicate themselves to that to help us next year."

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