MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – The 1st Marine Logistics Group football team, the Beast, ended their season as the 2010 Best of the West champions at the 14 Area football field, Dec. 11, after defeating Twentynine Palms’ football league champions, Marine Wing Support Squadron 374 ‘the Rhinos.’
Established last year, the Beast was considered an underdog, said Marvin Hill, head coach of the Beast. They started the season ranked second to last in the league, but they showed up every game and proved how determined they were to be the best.
The game did not start the way the Beast expected it to. Their passes were inaccurate, their runs ended short, their blockers were not where they should be on most of the plays, and their defense had a difficult time marking their opponents. As a result of this play, they were scoreless in the first half.
Hill wasn’t happy about the result at the end of the half knowing that the Beast could have done much better. He attempted to motivate the team.
“This is our last game of the season, we need to come together and play like a team,” he said. “At the end of the night, people will remember the Beast and not each individual on the team. We are one Beast. We’ve been here before and we’ve always came through. So dig deep and let’s go out there and take back our house.”
The message seemed to get through each player of the 1st MLG Beast as they came out in the second half with a changed attitude. They were more confident and determined. Like a pack of hungry beasts, they knew what they wanted and they wouldn’t stop until they got it.
Half way through third quarter, Jarvis Foster, number 3, wide receiver for the Beast, put six points on the score board after successfully catching a 23-yard-pass for a touchdown. Christian Proud, number 34, kicker for the Beast, kicked the extra point. The Beast took a 7-0 lead.
Four minutes later, the Rhinos answered with their own touchdown. But the Beast were able to stop the extra point attempt, allowing them to stay ahead 7-6.
Three minutes later, Eric Rogers, number 24, running back for the Beast, proved why he was chosen to be Camp Pendleton’s ‘Most Valuable Player of the League’ by breaking many tackles and rushed into the Rhinos’ end zone for another touchdown. Proud once again scored the extra point, making the score 14-6.
With just over six minutes left in the game, the Rhinos capitalized on an opportunity when they had an open man deep down field. The Rhinos scored another touchdown but failed on their 2-point conversion attempt, leaving the score 14-12.
With seconds left on the clock, the Rhinos had possession of the ball. They decided to go for a field goal to attempt to steal the win. However, the Beast’s defense blocked the field goal, ending the game and becoming the 2010 Best of the West champions.
“What a great way to end the season,” said Hill. “I’m on cloud nine right now. This win means a lot, not only to the team but this base as well since this is the first time in three years that Camp Pendleton has won the ‘Best of the West championship’. I’m so proud of the players, they played like champions. That’s why they’re the best of the west.”