GAME RECAP: Oilers Hold On to Spoil La Habra’s Homecoming for Fifth Straight Win

LA HABRA — The Huntington Beach Oilers (6-1, 2-0 Epsilon League) stayed red-hot Friday night, earning their fifth straight victory with a 35–30 win over La Habra (4-3, 1-1) to spoil the Highlanders' homecoming and avenge last year's heartbreaking 37–35 loss decided on a game-winning field goal.

La Habra controlled the early momentum, jumping out to a 10–0 lead midway through the second quarter behind a Christian Meyer 33-yard field goal and a 12-yard touchdown run from quarterback DJ Mitchell. But the Oilers immediately swung the game's energy on the ensuing kickoff, when senior Steel Kurtz broke free for a 73-yard touchdown return to get Huntington Beach on the board.

Moments later, quarterback Brady Edmunds connected deep with Dylin Bruce for a 63-yard touchdown to give the Oilers their first lead of the night at 14–10 heading into halftime.

Huntington Beach came out firing to open the third quarter. Edmunds found Troy Foster on an 8-yard touchdown strike to extend the lead, and just minutes later, the Oilers dialed up some trickery — Kurtz, lined up at receiver, took a reverse and threw a 50-yard touchdown to Foster for his second score of the night. Bruce then added his second touchdown reception, a 46-yard bomb from Edmunds, as Huntington Beach built a commanding 35–17 lead midway through the third.

La Habra refused to back down, as Mitchell led three straight scoring drives to pull within 35–30 early in the fourth, highlighted by touchdown passes to Blake "Blaze" R. and Bryce Vasquez, followed by a short touchdown run from Bobby Brooks. The Highlanders had a chance late, driving into Oiler territory, but the Huntington Beach defense held strong to close out the win and secure another key league victory.

Defensively, Logan Gray led the Oilers with 8 tackles and 2 tackles for loss, while Jimmel Champion added 7 stops. Caden Clark, Johnny Yadrick, and Steel Kurtz each recorded a sack.

On offense, Edmunds was near-perfect once again, completing 18 of 21 passes for 250 yards and three touchdowns. Kurtz added a passing touchdown and a kickoff return score, while Foster hauled in 11 catches for 143 yards and two touchdowns. Bruce finished with 5 receptions for 138 yards and two scores as Huntington Beach rolled up 354 yards of total offense on just 37 plays.

The Oilers return home next Friday night to Cap Sheue Field for Senior Night against Foothill in a crucial Epsilon League matchup, looking to extend their win streak and continue their push toward a league title.