GAME RECAP: Oilers get first Playoff Win in 10 years in a Thriller

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA- CIF Southern Section Playoff Football in the 2023 Season roared to life at Cap Sheue Field in Huntington Beach, CA, where the Huntington Beach Oilers squared off against the Glendora Tartans in an electrifying first-round clash of the Division 6 playoffs. The stage was set for an epic showdown, and it did not disappoint.

The Tartans took the initiative right from the kickoff, as Simon Zwick dashed 66 yards for a breathtaking rushing touchdown in the opening two minutes, giving Glendora an early 7-0 lead. But the Oilers were not to be outdone. They responded with a remarkable drive that culminated in a deep pass from Brady Edmunds to Hunter Gray. This set them up beautifully on the 10-yard line for another pass, connecting with Hunter Gray once more for a passing touchdown. Tyler Young added two more points with a rushing touchdown, propelling the Oilers ahead 8-7.

Huntington Beach’s tenacious defense quickly forced a Glendora punt, setting the stage for Brady Edmunds to link up with Steele Kurtz for a crucial pass. This led to another Tyler Young touchdown, and the first quarter concluded with the Oilers leading 15-7.

However, the resilient Tartans fought back, securing a passing touchdown and an additional 2 points to tie the game at 15. They would later add a field goal to snatch an 18-15 lead.

But Huntington Beach displayed tremendous determination, and just before the halftime whistle, Edmunds found Hunter Gray once again for Gray’s second touchdown of the night, pushing the Oilers ahead 22-18.

The Oilers’ defense stood tall in the closing moments of the first half, forcing Glendora into a turnover on downs and preserving their 22-18 lead heading into the locker room.

As the second half commenced, Glendora managed to close the gap further with a field goal, making it a tense 22-21 battle in favor of Huntington Beach.

The Oilers seized control once more, marching down the field as Tyler Young broke free for a spectacular run, leading to a rushing touchdown and a quarterback keeper by Brady Edmunds, extending their lead to 29-21.

However, the game’s intensity reached its peak as Glendora picked off Brady Edmunds, sparking a glimmer of hope. The Tartans aimed for a game-tying field goal, but the Oilers’ defense came through with a blocked kick, reclaiming possession.

In the waning moments of the game, with their season hanging in the balance, the fog rolled in. Glendora had one last chance, but their hopes were dashed as the ball was swatted away in the end zone. Huntington Beach survived a heart-stopping thriller and secured their first playoff win since 2013 when they beat Newport Harbor in the CIFSS Championship.

With this hard-fought victory, the Huntington Beach Oilers punched their ticket to the Quarterfinals and will host another playoff clash next Friday at 7 PM, this time against Ontario Christian. The excitement and drama of CIF Southern Section Playoff Football in 2023 continue to captivate fans, and the Oilers are on a thrilling journey towards potential glory.