Madison gets back on winning track

FALLS CHURCH — Madison County quarterback Will Taylor threw two interceptions, but made up for it with a pair of touchdown runs to lead the Mountaineers to a 16-6 victory over George Mason on Friday.

The victory snapped a two-game losing streak for Madison (6-2, 1-1 Bull Run District).

Taylor didn’t actually get the start under center for the Mountaineers, as Dustin Kirby played quarterback on Madison County’s opening drive. From there the two juniors shared snaps, but it was Taylor who had the biggest impact.

A 22-yard field goal by Andre Carter gave the Mountaineers a 3-0 lead in the first quarter, then Taylor helped expand the lead with 11:21 remaining in the second period when he capped a methodical Madison drive with a 1-yard sneak across the goal line.

Parker’s extra point made it 10-0 Madison and the Mountaineers were able to extend their lead to 16-0 at halftime after Taylor rushed in from 17 yards out with 7:13 to go in the half.

The Madison defense shut down the Mustangs’ offense all night long, but George Mason (1-6, 0-2) threatened to get back in the game with 8:13 remaining in the third quarter. Taylor, who completed 3 of 8 passes for 48 yards, threw his second interception of the night and Mason’s Ben Taylor returned the pick 80 yards for a score.

In all Madison turned the ball over three times, but the Mustangs were even worse, losing four fumbles. With leading rusher Devon Boone out, the Mountaineers relied on backfield-mate Logan Terrell to carry much of the load. Terrell finished with 78 yards on 18 carries and got help from junior Chris Fincham, who carried 15 times for 64 yards. Taylor finished with 31 yards on three carries.

Charlie Mann led Mason with 64 yards on 18 carries. Mustangs quarterback George Kalatzis completed 3 of 4 passes for 15 yards.