95th MDG holds off 412th EWG

  • Published
  • By Airman 1st Class William A. O'Brien
  • 95th Air Base Wing Public Affairs
EDWARDWS AIR FORCE BASE, Calif. --  The 95th Medical Group pulled off a two-point win over the 412th Electronic Warfare Group 14-12 in intramural football at Wings Field here Oct. 6.

"We're strong offensively and defensively," said Donald Hart, 95th MDG coach. "We can move the ball on anybody, we can score on anybody, and defensively we can stop anybody," We just have to play together as a team."

The 412th EWG was the first team to score, but was unable to convert one the extra point, making the score 6-0.

After an exchange of several turnovers and punts the 95th MDG found themselves trailing 6-0 to the 412th EWG with a little more than two minutes left in the first half.

"The offense wasn't getting it done tonight. The defense is what won us this game," said the 95th MDG coach.

Starting around its own 20 yard line, the 95th MDG moved the ball inside the opponent's 20 following two long pass receptions and a pass interference penalty. They capped that drive off two plays later with a touchdown and a successful extra point attempt to go ahead 7-6.

With only 1:34 left in the half, the 412th EWG offense took the field. Two plays into their drive they turned the ball over on an interception.

The 95th MDG took over off the turnover with a short field and less than a minute before the end of the half, but were unable to capitalize before the second quarter came to an end.

The 95th MDG got the ball to start the second half. After an unsuccessful drive by both teams, the 95th MDG was able to score their second touchdown of the game and follow it up with a successful extra point attempt went ahead 14-6.

Down by eight late in the third quarter, the 412th EWG was able to move down the field and score to bring them within two points of the tie 14-12. In an attempt to tie the game, the team went for a two point conversion, as opposed to just a standard one point attempt. After failing to convert on the attempt, the 95th MDG got the ball as the 412th EWG's chances of making a comeback dwindled.

After driving down the field, the offense of the 95th MDG stalled just outside the goal line after four unsuccessful attempts to score.

Following a stalled drive and a punt to the 95th MDG, another goal line stand, the 412th EWG had two timeouts and one last chance to score the game's winning touchdown. After a fumbled snap and two incomplete passes, the 412th EWG began moving the ball. Within scoring distance the 412th EWG was unable to end the drive on a score.

"I'm proud of my team, we battled the entire way," said Brandon Castillo, 412th EWG coach. "We never quit and our defense played outstanding. We played the defending champs tonight and gave them everything we got and hopefully we can get this victory in the playoffs."

With less than a minute left and the 412th EWG out of timeouts, the 95th MDG took the field and ran out the clock sealing the victory 14-12.

"It was a good game we played a good team they had a chance to win it but we were able to hold them off," said the 95th MDG coach.

Both coaches said they were confident in their team's ability to win the championship following the game.

"I think we can win the whole thing, we were the champs last year and there's no doubt in my mind we can do it again," said Coach Hart. "Every team has their strengths and weaknesses, but in my opinion, as the (95th MDG) coach, we're the most talented team out here."

"I'm confident that we're the dark horse to win this year. We've played the (95th) Security Forces and only lost by one and these guys tonight and lost by two," added Coach Castillo. "We just need to take care of the ball and finish our drives in the end zone and we'll be alright."

Coach Castillo said he looks forward to the playoffs, when he hopes his team can get a second chance to play the 95th MDG.

"Hopefully we get to play them again in the playoffs. I'm looking forward to it," he said.