Kibler Leads Rams to Victory Despite Turnovers

STRASBURG, VA – Strasburg (7-3, 2-2 Bull Run) overcame wet conditions and three turnovers to secure a 12-9 victory over district opponent George Mason (5-5, 2-2 Bull Run) on Senior Night. The victory earned the Rams home-field advantage for the first round of the Region B, Division 1 playoffs, where they will host the No. 3 seed, Stonewall Jackson, on Friday night.

Despite playing their second consecutive week without key starters in several positions, Strasburg found themselves trailing early. The Mustangs capitalized on their first possession, driving 59 yards in eight plays, culminating in a 1-yard touchdown run by Travis Greene.

The 7-0 lead was short-lived, as the Rams responded with their own score. Freshman Josh Kibler found the end zone from seven yards out, but the two-point conversion attempt failed, leaving the score at 7-6 in favor of George Mason.

The score remained unchanged for the next two and a half quarters until Strasburg finally regained the lead. Starting from their own 24-yard line, the Rams executed two significant plays to set up Kibler’s second touchdown. Running back Tim Rodrigues caught a screen pass from Parker Neal and gained 33 yards before being tackled at the Mustang’s 41-yard line. He might have reached the end zone had he not accidentally collided with Kibler, who was blocking downfield.

On the very next play, Neal connected with Kibler on a wide-open pass down the left sideline, gaining another 33 yards and bringing the ball to the Rams’ 8-yard line. Kibler then carried the ball twice to cover the remaining distance, giving the Rams a 12-7 lead.

With only 5:28 remaining on the clock, George Mason drove as far as Strasburg’s 20-yard line but failed to convert on fourth down. The Rams then attempted to run down the clock.

Cory Spiker intentionally took a safety out of the punt formation, leaving just 18 seconds on the clock. The three-point lead held when Kibler intercepted Stephen Williams’s halfback pass attempt on the ensuing play.

George Mason outgained Strasburg in yardage (268 to 190) and had a touchdown in the fourth quarter nullified by a penalty. Williams led the Mustangs in rushing, accumulating 125 yards on 19 carries (6.58 yards per carry) from his fullback position. Greene added 17 rushes for 106 yards (6.24 yards per carry).

Kibler led the Rams with 74 rushing yards on 20 carries (3.70 yards per carry) and scored both of their touchdowns. Senior Brandon Holbert contributed 12 rushes for 37 yards (3.08 yards per carry). Neal completed 3 of 8 passes for 75 yards.

Winchester Star: Strasburg Slips Past Mustangs

Senior Stars on Senior Night

STRASBURG, VA – On a night dedicated to honoring senior members of the cheerleading squad, band, and football teams, senior Jason Gutierrez added another impressive performance to his resume. Playing in his final home game, Gutierrez intercepted two passes (one returned for a touchdown), caught four passes for 64 yards, including a 30-yard touchdown reception, and led Strasburg (8-2, 4-1 Bull Run) to a resounding 37-8 victory over George Mason (2-8, 0-5 Bull Run).

The Rams opened the scoring with senior Paul Ziacoma’s fifth field goal of the season.

After recovering a Mason fumble on the ensuing kickoff, Strasburg quickly extended their lead. Cody Miller connected with Gutierrez on a 30-yard touchdown pass, putting the Rams ahead 10-0.

Although this early lead proved sufficient, the Rams continued their offensive onslaught. George Mason’s next two drives stalled, resulting in turnovers on downs. The second turnover gave Strasburg possession at their own 20-yard line, and the Rams capitalized.

Running back Selvin Martinez burst through a hole in the line and raced 80 yards for the longest touchdown run of the season. The extra point was unsuccessful, but Strasburg took a 16-0 lead into halftime.

The Rams further solidified their dominance in the third quarter. A methodical eight-play, 59-yard drive culminated in Cody Miller’s touchdown run.

Just 20 seconds later, Gutierrez intercepted his second pass of the game, returning it 33 yards for another touchdown.

Joe Stout capped off another scoring drive with a 12-yard touchdown run. In a span of five minutes, the Rams scored 21 unanswered points, extending their lead to 37-0. George Mason finally scored against Strasburg’s reserves late in the game.

Junior Aaron Barnes contributed 43 rushing yards to the Rams’ offensive output. Robbie Starkey and Terry Pearce each caught one pass to complement Gutierrez’s four receptions.

Despite gaining more total yards (284 to Strasburg’s 260), George Mason committed five turnovers, which consistently provided the Rams with excellent field position.

Winchester Star: Strasburg Handles Mustangs