MARINE CORPS AIR STATION IWAKUNI, Japan -- Officers of Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron emerged victorious against their staff noncommissioned officer opponents, the O Killaz, 20-13, in a flag football matchup at Penny Lake field here Jan. 28.
Marines, sailors and family members gathered while the teams prepared to kickoff.
The officers were easily outnumbered by the SNCOs, but they were no less tenacious than their counterparts.
“A lot of people didn’t think we had a chance,” said Lt. Col. Michael R. Coletta, coach/quarterback for the officers.
The two teams trash talked for a few minutes before the game. Spectators hollered and cheered as the teams took the field to start the game.
The O Killaz were the first to receive the ball. Their starting quarterback/coach, Master Sgt. Rodney “Top B” Buentello, stayed on the move as the officers blitzed on the O Killaz’s first possession.
The O Killaz’s running game on the very first drive was their strong point as they stormed down the field with help from Petty Officer 1st Class Kemp “Dre” Dreher, running back. The O Killaz were stopped short of the goal line and were forced to turn the ball over on downs.
The officers proved they were just as much a threat by fighting forward in bruising fashion for a first down. However, a couple of plays later, Coletta was picked off by Staff Sgt. Curtis “K-Train” Kelling, defensive lineman for the O Killaz.
The O Killaz weren’t able to do much with the ball and on their next possession, the officers were the first to put points on the board.
The first scoring drive for the officers was fueled by the flashy display of the team’s two speedsters, 2nd Lt. Jorge Hernandez, cornerback/tight end, and Capt. James Leary, linebacker/running back.
Hernandez’s quick, fluid movement on the drive led to a first down by way of a pass. Leary sealed the drive by making a leaping catch in the end zone.
Not wanting to be outdone, the O Killaz once again attempted to get on the scoreboard before the first half was over. They went to the air, this time using Dreher and Gunnery Sgt. Troy “DBL DWN” Ruby, center, but were stopped short.
The officers closed out the half in the lead 7-0.
The officers were the first to take the field at the start of the second half. They moved the ball forward on a sweeping reverse before being intercepted by Staff Sgt. Michael “K” Kropiewnicki, linebacker.
New life was breathed into the O Killaz with the pick, as they once again went to their reliable short passing game by way of Master Sgt. Corey “Smoke” Croom, wide receiver; however, it was Buentello who punched in the first touchdown on that drive for the O Killaz.
The officers responded in kind by mixing in their air attack with a reliable ground game.
“Our game plan was devised so that we put our strengths against their weaknesses,” said Coletta. “I never doubted we would win.”
After whittling away at the O Killaz defense with short routes, Coletta threw down the field to set up for a first down. They once again went to Leary for the touchdown on the drive.
The O Killaz brought the game to a one point difference in the middle of the second half as they used Croom to rumble down the field, setting them up for a pass to Master Sgt. James “Mitch” Mitchell, wide receiver, for the touchdown with the officers still leading 14-13.
The officers scored once again two series later with a little under two minutes left, bringing the score to 20-13 by way of a pass.
The O Killaz tried one last time to score on their next drive but were denied.
The officers ran out the clock with time winding down to seal the victory.
Looking back on the game, Buentello said the team could have been more physical at certain points. But in the end, regardless of the outcome it was good to get out and compete.
“It doesn’t matter if it’s thumb wrestling,” said Buentello. “We just wanted to compete.” Some of the players were seen smiling as they walked past one another in the obligatory “good game” handshake.
Even though both teams believed they would win, the officers, this day, proved they were the better team. Some of the officers joked about the win.
Coletta also said if there are any other groups who wish to challenge the officers, for example, the E-3s and below or the NCOs, to “bring it on.”
Leary said making time for the practices and making sure the officers were on the same page is what led to their victory.
Regardless of the game’s outcome, both teams came not only to win, but to have fun as well and to give the spectators a good game.