GAME RECAP: Oilers take the Opener with Hot Start
HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA-
The Huntington Beach Oilers kicked off their football season with a thrilling victory over the Orange Panthers at Cap Sheue Field.
Huntington Beach got the game started with a huge stop defensively on Orange's first drive with a huge fumble by Ian Reed and picked up by Darby Warren.
The Oilers found it's way on the board on the 2nd drive led by a big pass from Brady Edmunds to Steel Kurtz that put the Oilers inside the 20 and later followed it up with a touchdown by Niko Lopez giving the Oilers their first points of the season.
The momentum continued as Steel Kurtz intercepted a pass from the Panthers' quarterback and returned it for a pick-six, extending Huntington Beach's lead to 14-0.
Orange responded late in the first quarter with a touchdown off an interception, but the Oilers quickly answered. Micah Riola electrified the crowd with a 90-yard kickoff return touchdown. However, the Panthers kept pace with a long touchdown run early in the second quarter, narrowing the score to 21-14.
Brady Edmunds showcased his speed with a 61-yard touchdown run, helping the Oilers take a 35-21 lead into halftime.
In the second half, Huntington Beach continued their scoring spree. Troy Foster opened the half with a huge kickoff return touchdown, contributing to the Oilers' eventual 56-42 win in a high-scoring affair.
Edmunds shined in his sophomore debut, totaling five touchdowns—three through the air and two on the ground—with 191 passing yards and 165 rushing yards.
Niko Lopez hauled in three receptions for 14 yards and two touchdowns, while Troy Foster had a strong performance with four receptions for 53 yards and one touchdown.
Huntington Beach opens the season 1-0 and will stay at home next week to face the Trabuco Hills Mustangs at 7 p.m. next Friday at Cap Sheue Field.
