MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan - Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron won the flag football Fall Classic against Marine Aircraft Group 12 at Penny Lake fields aboard Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan, Sept. 20, 2013.
The Fall Classic is an annual tournament between H&HS and MAG-12 that serves as an introduction into the flag football season that began Sept. 23.
The score at the end of the game was 35-28, with H&HS bringing home the trophy for a third consecutive year. MAG-12 may have lost but they gave H&HS a run for their money. With H&HS leading 14-0 at the end of the first half, MAG-12 came back in the second, scoring four touchdowns, but could not take the trophy from H&HS’ grasp.
“I think we won due to our hard work and dedication,” said Sgt. Otniel Abreu, H&HS air traffic controller and quarterback. “MAG-12 worked hard as well, but we were just better on the field.”
This is the second year that Otniel has played in the Fall Classic and he believes events such as this raise morale within the units.
“It’s extremely stressful being overseas, away from friends and family, so it gives us a chance to de-stress and build unit camaraderie,” said Abreu.
Sgt. Daniel Clary, Marine Aviation Logisticsm Squadron 12 aviation supply specialist and wide receiver, joined the game for the first time and was not disappointed.
“Getting everyone together to play was really fun,” said Clary. “I like it. I’ll be here next year.”
At the end of the game, Lance Cpl. Jariod Melton, H&HS administrative specialist and runningback, carried the ball down the field to score the winning touchdown for H&HS.
“I didn’t win the game, the team won the game,” said Melton. “I only scored one touchdown.”
With one touchdown and a few interceptions under his belt, Melton said the defense is the reason H&HS ended up winning the game.
“Everybody is a (most valuable player),” said Melton. “MVP means most valuable people in this game.”
Although MAG-12 lost the trophy to H&HS for another year, their spirits are not defeated.
“We’ll get them next year,” said Clary.