Edison Stops Huntington Beach, Gains Playoffs

Edison overpowered Huntington Beach, 21-14, Friday night, then benefited from a coin flip that guaranteed the Chargers a spot in next week’s playoffs.

The victory gave the Chargers (6-4) a 4-2 Sunset League record, tying them with Huntington Beach and Marina for second place behind league champion Santa Ana. Marina won the toss, giving it the league’s No. 2 spot, and because Edison beat Huntington Beach, it was awarded the final playoff spot.

Huntington Beach (6-4) can still receive an at-large bid.

Edison (6-4) took a 12-0 halftime lead on touchdown runs of one and two yards, by Chet Van Horn and Travis Balding.

The Oilers struck back midway through the third quarter behind the play of Jonathan Wimbish, who replaced injured starting quarterback Jack Friend. Wimbish hit Nola Sipan on big gains of 25 and 32 yards before Eric Escobedo scored on a one-yard run to pull Huntington Beach within 12-7.

Late in the quarter, Edison made it 19-7 when quarterback John Khamis threw what appeared to be a screen pass to Geoff Bell. The pass was thrown backward, however, and Bell then connected on a 55-yard scoring pass to an open Lucas Bader.

Wimbish, who had 125 yards passing in only a quarter and a half, hit Troy McWhinney on a 28-yard touchdown pass to close out the scoring.