Big Plays Doom Strasburg
STRASBURG, VA – For four quarters Friday night, Strasburg stood toe-to-toe with forth-ranked team in the state of Virginia. While the Rams displayed impressive determination, a few critical mistakes and the Cougars’ explosive offense ultimately led to a 30-20 Manassas Park victory.
Strasburg (4-2, 0-1 Bull Run) opened the game with a promising drive, culminating in a 35-yard touchdown run by freshman Josh Kibler, who powered his way into the end zone despite two Manassas Park defenders clinging to him. This early 7-0 lead, however, quickly evaporated.
The ensuing kickoff was mishandled by Strasburg, with the ball squirting towards the sideline and being recovered by a Cougar lineman near the 50-yard line. Manassas Park capitalized on this advantageous field position, with quarterback Zach Terrell connecting with receiver A.C. Fitchett for a 51-yard touchdown pass.
Terrell and Fitchett continued to exploit the Strasburg secondary, connecting again for a 31-yard touchdown. Although the extra point was partially blocked, the Cougars held a 13-7 lead with 11:14 remaining in the second quarter.
Strasburg responded with another successful drive, capped by a second rushing touchdown from Josh Kibler, giving the Rams a narrow one-point lead. Kibler finished the game with 86 rushing yards on 16 carries.
Following a series of punts, a critical mistake occurred in Strasburg territory. A miscommunication between returners Caylin Valentine and Josh Kibler resulted in the ball bouncing off Kibler’s chest. After a brief review, possession was awarded to Manassas Park at the Strasburg 40-yard line.
The Cougars advanced 21 yards before the Rams’ defense forced a field goal attempt. Robbie Mele’s 36-yard field goal gave Manassas Park a 16-14 lead at halftime.
In the third quarter, Terrell extended the Cougars’ lead with a one-yard rushing touchdown. However, Strasburg quickly responded. Brandon Holbert, the Rams’ leading rusher, powered his way into the end zone for a four-yard touchdown, narrowing the deficit to three points. Holbert had a strong game, rushing for 90 yards on 12 carries.
Strasburg twice threatened to score in the fourth quarter, reaching the red zone on both occasions, but failed to capitalize. Manassas Park sealed the victory with a 71-yard touchdown run by Terrell.
Led by the strong performances of Holbert and Kibler, the Rams amassed 254 rushing yards. Senior fullback Brian Blevins also contributed significantly, gaining 68 yards on nine carries.
Junior quarterback Parker Neal was injured in the third quarter. Senior Jeff Musterman, the backup quarterback, replaced him and completed three of four passes for 44 yards.
Overall, the Rams generated 341 total yards of offense, while their defense surrendered 336 yards, including 153 yards on three significant scoring plays.