GAME RECAP: Oilers Clinch Playoff Berth with Big Win in Finale

HUNTINGTON BEACH, CA – The Huntington Beach Oilers closed out their regular season with a thrilling game under the lights at Cap Sheue Field, taking on the 3-6 El Dorado Hawks on Halloween night.

Quarterback Brady Edmunds and the Oilers wasted no time, as Edmunds connected with Gabe Bryant for a 56-yard touchdown, marking Bryant's first varsity career receiving touchdown. With under six minutes remaining in the first quarter, Edmunds struck again, finding Steel Kurtz for an 18-yard touchdown to put the Oilers up 14-0.

El Dorado responded late in the first quarter with a six-play, 62-yard drive capped off by a one-yard rushing touchdown, narrowing the score to 14-7. But Edmunds and the Oilers were quick to answer back. Late in the second quarter, Edmunds ran in a five-yard touchdown, then launched a 74-yard bomb to Steel Kurtz just before halftime, bringing the score to 29-7 and breaking his own single-season passing yards record, set last season.

The Hawks opened the second half with a quick four-play, 81-yard drive, finishing in a 55-yard receiving touchdown. The Oilers responded with a score from Micah Riola to extend their lead to 35-14. El Dorado kept fighting, closing the gap with a 35-yard passing touchdown, making it 35-21.

Huntington Beach sealed the game with a 40-yard touchdown pass from Edmunds to Niko Lopez, followed by a 12-yard rushing touchdown by Charlie Stubin, securing a 49-28 victory.

With the win, the Oilers clinched a guaranteed playoff spot for the first time since 2012, finishing third in the Epsilon League. Huntington Beach will learn their playoff path in the CIFSS Selection Show, streaming live at 9:30am Sunday on the CIFSS YouTube Channel, where they'll find out if they'll travel or host in Round 1 of the 2024 CIFSS Playoffs.