Mason 8th grade football player, Aaron Kryk, in the red jersey, is at practice with varsity players.  Red jerseys are given solely to 8th graders, the rest of the team wears the traditional black jerseys to separate the two teams. (Photo Credit: Kate Karstens)

September is a month of many changes for Mason students and staff; this year, the Mason football team was in for an unexpected surprise. This is the first year that the junior varsity (JV) football team is not able to participate in any games due to a lack of players to play safely, according to JV head coach Mr. Ryan Larcamp.

The minimum of players needed on the field in order to play is 11 and currently there are only 18 JV players, which is not enough for substitutes in case of injuries.   

The George Mason High School Athletic Program has allowed eighth graders to have the opportunity to try out for the JV team since the feeder middle school Mary Ellen Henderson (MEH) does not have its own middle school athletic program. This year’s noncompetitive JV team is made up of all eighth and ninth graders.

“[The boys] have separate practice alongside the varsity team and do similar drills and conditioning” said varsity lineman coach and JV head coach Mr. Larcamp.

They have practice on Mondays through Wednesdays but they don’t practice on Thursdays and Fridays due to the varsity games. “The players also have practice scrimmages [against each other] so they can get actual game experience,” said the Assistant Athletic Director, Ms. Julie Bravin.  

It is no surprise that the JV players are not happy that they are not able to play in games.“It was pretty disappointing” said freshman Jacob Robbins. However, they continue to work hard and put their best efforts forward.   

The Mason coaches acknowledge the decrease in support and participation from the Falls Church community for the JV games, so they are trying hard to train and include the players as much as possible under these unfortunate circumstances.

During home games, the eighth graders serve as the waterboys of the team and wear a white jersey with their number on it. It is a chance for the eighth graders to bond and have fun amongst each other during the games. They look up to the varsity players and get a closer look at the plays.

Despite recent difficulties with the program, Mason players have accepted and understood their responsibilities.  By next season Mason hopes to be able to pull a JV team together so that all players can have a true football experience–games included.