MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PENDLETON, Calif. – “I strive to be perfect," yelled Staff Sgt. Van Black, a captain for the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar Falcons. "I strive to be perfect," yelled the team in response. Back and forth the captain yells the words of the Falcon chant and the team returns with intensity and volume all in preparation to take on the enemy knowing this could be their last chance. Before kickoff, the final words are yelled by the captain, "Falcons on three. Falcons on me. One. Two. Three. Falcons."
The Marine Corps Air Station Falcons played the 1st Marine Logistics Group Beast for the title of Camp Pendleton Football League Champions aboard Marine Corps Base Camp Pendleton, Calif., Nov. 20.
Unfortunately, they lost with a final score of 14-6.
"We played hard, they just played a little harder," said Black, a Dallas native.
The Falcons have nothing to frown about with all the work they have done and how far they went this season.
"It was a pretty good season. We lost in the beginning but we came back and didn’t lose another game until tonight," said Black.
For some Marines like Black this is their last season with the Falcons, but they have no doubt that next year the Falcons will strive to go further.
If Miramar has a team and MLG has a team, it will probably be those two teams in the playoffs again next year, added Black.
Falcon players didn’t walk away empty-handed though; they now hold the title of the second best team in the Camp Pendleton Football League out of 10 teams. Brig. Gen. Vincent A. Coglianese, the commanding general of MCB Camp Pendleton presented a trophy to the MCAS Miramar Falcons to show for it.
"There’s going to be high and lows, but I appreciate all the dedication," said Master Sgt. Ross Blain, head coach for the MCAS Miramar Falcons, in a huddle with team after the game.
Falcon players walked away with their heads held high knowing their work is not unappreciated.
"You are a champion. Don't let the trophy or the placing take away from what you put in with all your effort," said Blain to the team. "You didn’t have to do this and use your time for this dream, but you did; thank you taking this ride with me."
The Falcons plan to continue with their hard work and fans look forward to next year.