MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – Four months ago, the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Falcons played their first game and sadly lost by only two points. Now, the Falcons are on their way to the top with their eighth straight win.
Although the Falcons lost the season’s first game to the 11th Marine Regiment Cannon Cockers, they made a complete comeback with their victory of 9-6 against the same team during a playoff game aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Nov. 6.
The first time the Falcons played the Cannon Cockers, the team was not ready mentally to play them and it ended in a loss, explained Master Sgt. Ross G. Blain, the head coach for the MCAS Falcon football team.
“This was redemption, and we knew we could beat this team and that’s what counts," said Blain.
With this win, the Falcons are on their way to their second appearance in the Camp Pendleton Football League Championship.
The team feels pretty confident going into the championship, but they are not lightening up on their practice time anytime soon.
“All the hard work from April until now, this is where it’s going to pay off,” said Blain to his team during a huddle after the game. “This is where I need all of that dedication now more than anytime else. Preparation is key, and if we do that, I know we’ll win.”
For some players, this will be the first time they go to the championships with the Falcons.
“I’m excited and looking forward to the next game,” said Cpl. Wiley Flowers, a Falcons quarterback and a Philadelphia, Pa., native. “It feels good and whenever you get a chance to go to the championship, it’s exciting because these opportunities don’t come for everybody.”
The players were not the only ones excited for the team’s success.
“Keep it up; you’re a great team,” said Col. John P. Farnam, the commanding officer of MCAS Miramar, during a huddle with the Falcons after the game.
Considering the score was so close, even the commanding officer was on his toes until the last minute ran out on the clock.
“That one was a heart attack the whole way,” said Farnam, jokingly to the team. “I appreciate the dedication, and keep it up.”
The next game will determine whether they go to the Best of the West Championships.
“Sometimes it’s going to be pretty, sometimes it’s going be ugly, but bottom line is you’re on your way to a championship,” said Blain after the game.
The Camp Pendleton Football League Championship game is scheduled for Nov. 20 aboard MCB Camp Pendleton.
“The players of this team represent the best this entire base has to offer,” said Blain. “It would mean the world to them to see their senior command leadership and fellow Marines/Sailors with their families come out to one of the most significant games of their lives and cheer them on to victory!”