MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. — "Believe, believe." Gary C. Munford, offensive coordinator for the 1st Marine Logistics Group football team, the Beast, reminded his team to believe in themselves during the championship football game at the 11 Area football field here, Nov. 24.
After an astounding battle, Marine Corps Air Station Miramar's football team, the Falcons, defeated the 1st MLG Beast, 9-3.
"This is the first year ever that 1st MLG has a team, and we made it to the championship," said Marvin D. Hill, the Beast's head coach.
Right from the start, the Beast set the tempo for the game, but it was the Falcons who put three points on the scoreboard after a successful field goal four minutes into the game.
The Beast quickly retaliated with their own field goal two minutes later, tying the game 3-3. The score carried through the first half of the game.
"We've made it this far, there's nowhere we can go but up," said Munford. "It only works if you believe it."
The second half started; the championship was on the line, and neither team wanted to give in. Both teams battled for every inch on the field.
With two minutes left of the championship, the Falcons broke away with a long pass and scored a touchdown. They missed the field goal, bringing the score to 9-3.
The Beast was once again put in a position where they must fight to take the lead. For the Falcons, it was a time for celebration, for the Beast, they were back to their familiar territory.
"We've been here before, it's nothing new to us," said Hill. "This is what we trained for."
With just two minutes left in the game, the Beast fought harder to advance. It seemed to be working for them as they were moving the ball forward toward the Falcons' end zone.
Fourth down, 48 seconds left on the clock, Cameron Boone, quarterback for the Beast, passed the ball to one of his receivers, Cedric Williams. Williams caught the pass, but lost balance and fell backward. He was one yard away from gaining the first down for the Beast; it was a turnover.
Even though the Beast lost the championship, they've made an impact during the season and their first appearance in the league. They finished second in their division and plan to win next year's championship.