The Marine Corps Air Station Miramar’s football team, the “Falcons,” fell short during the Best of the West game against Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School’s “Mustangs” timely offense with a score of 21-14 Dec. 12.
The Falcons’ loss ended their season with a record of 6-1-1 during the regular season, and 3-0-0 during the Camp Pendleton Football League playoffs.
The Falcons came into the game pumped up and showed it early on with sharp offensive and defensive play. The quick-strike offense took the ball down the field, ending in a 35-yard touchdown pass to Paris Rabidoux.
After their strong start, the Falcons committed a key fumble that led to a Mustang score tying the game at 7-7.
The Mustangs drove the ball down the field to score their second touchdown of the game, but the Falcons blocked their extra point attempt. The Falcons tried to respond with a drive of their own, but missed their field goal attempt keeping the score 13-7.
Although their play was promising early on, penalties and turnovers hindered the Falcons’ momentum in the first half.
“We gave away one,” said head coach Bennis Branch about the team’s spotty first-half play. “Now’s the time to pick up the pace. It’s our time.”
The game turned into a chess match of field position as each team gave up no ground. The fighting Falcons finally broke away midway through the fourth quarter when wide-receiver Cameron Harris scored the go-ahead touchdown. The extra point by Brian Greco was good bringing the score to 14-13.
“Let’s bump up the intensity and have fun,” said Rabidoux to the team. “Let’s crush them with the play.”
With less than three minutes left in the game the Mustangs scored on a 30-yard deep-out route. The Mustangs then followed the play with a two-point conversion giving them a touchdown lead of 21-14.
The Falcons’ last attempt to tie the game came up short as the Mustangs intercepted the ball and came away with the victory.
The teams came together for a group prayer showing their respect and camaraderie for each other. After the prayer the teams each received trophies for their hard-fought game.
“Somebody’s got to win and somebody’s got to lose,” said Branch to the team after the game. “You earned the respect to be here.”
-30-