Strasburg Suffers First District Loss in Three Years
STRASBURG, VA – History was not in favor of Strasburg Friday night as the Rams (6-2, 1-1 Bull Run) suffered a 29-19 district loss to the Brentsville Tigers (5-1, 1-0 Bull Run). This marked the first district loss for the Rams in three years and a shocking end to their 20-year winning streak against Brentsville.
The game got quickly out of hand within the early first quarter. The Tigers capitalized on several Ram miscues, quickly establishing a 16-0 lead. Despite a late surge, the Rams were unable to overcome the early deficit.
The first blunder came on Strasburg’s opening possession. A fumble on their own 18-yard line led to a 9-yard touchdown run by Wes Basham, giving Brentsville an early 7-0 advantage.
The Rams’ next possession quickly stalled, forcing a punt. However, a high snap sailed through the end zone for a safety, increasing the Tigers’ lead to 9-0.
On the ensuing free kick, Dan Heiser returned the kick 72 yards for a touchdown, extending Brentsville’s dominance to 16-0. The Tigers added another touchdown on a 21-yard run by Terry Orr before the Rams finally found their rhythm.
Facing a 23-0 deficit, quarterback Cody Miller led the Rams on an 88-yard drive, connecting with Matt Kupeski for an 11-yard touchdown pass to narrow the gap.
Strasburg’s potent ground game, hampered by injuries to the offensive line and running backs, struggled throughout the first half. The Rams managed only six rushing yards in the first two quarters and finished the game with 53 total rushing yards (2.12 yards per carry).
The third quarter remained scoreless, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
Miller continued to air the ball out in the fourth quarter, finding Kupeski again for another 11-yard touchdown pass to bring the Rams within 10 points at 23-13.
Strasburg would get no closer, as a 6-yard Sam Huff run put the game away.
Ram’s running back Aaron Barnes finished all scoring with a 14-yard scamper with 14 seconds to go in the game.
Senior wide receiver Jason Gutierrez led the Rams with 117 receiving yards on five catches. Kupeski finished with four receptions for 47 yards and two touchdowns. Miller completed 13 of 30 passes for 227 yards without an interception.