Sunset League : Defense Does Job for Oilers

Huntington Beach High School’s pass-happy offense has grabbed most of the glory this season but Friday night at Sheue Field, the Oilers’ defense was largely responsible for what Coach George Pascoe called his team’s biggest victory, a 21-0 shutout of Sunset League rival Westminster.

The Oilers, using stunts and a variety of blitzes by their secondary, harassed Westminster quarterback Steve Gulley into two interceptions (by Chris Ross) and allowed him to complete only 7 of 28 passes for 71 yards. In addition, the Oilers shut down the Lions’ running attack, limiting Westminster to 25 net yards rushing.

With the win, Huntington Beach improved to 3-4 overall and 1-1 in league play. Westminster is 4-3 overall and also 1-1 in Sunset competition.

It was apparent from Huntington Beach’s opening drive, which resulted in a touchdown 72 yards and 15 plays later, that Pascoe and his staff had scouted Westminster well.

“I’m very proud of our game plan,” Pascoe said. “The kids had to have a great game and they did. They executed perfectly and the coaches called a great game. Our defense has always been capable but they have never put it together like they did tonight.”

While the Oiler defense was stifling Westminster, the Huntington Beach offense produced just enough to get the job done. Quarterback Joe Napoli was particularly effective, completing 11 of 20 passes for 98 yards and two touchdowns.

On the opening drive, Napoli was 5 of 8 for 52 yards. Scott Elliott capped that drive by diving over the pile for a one-yard touchdown. George Hadjis made it 7-0 by kicking his first of three extra points.

The game’s turning point came at the end of the first half. With 14 seconds left, Westminster was flagged for pass interference and when a Lion player voiced his disagreement, he earned with another 15-yard penalty for unsportsmanlike conduct.

On the next play Napoli connected with Chris Rhoads on an 18-yard scoring pass play with three seconds left.

Huntington Beach added another touchdown as time ran out in the third quarter when Napoli passed eight yards to tight end Randy Hatch, who made a diving catch in the end zone. Ken Rehling made that play possible by recovering a Westminster punt at the Lion 16-yard-line.