Oilers’ Stifling Defense : Keys Victory Over Gahr

Huntington Beach relied on its persistent offense and unyielding defense to beat Gahr, 24-10, in a Division II playoff game Friday night, giving the Oilers their first semifinal playoff berth since 1946. The Oilers will face Dominguez, a 44-42 winner over Hart.

The teams were evenly matched in the first half--both punted only once, and there was a 10-yard difference between total rushing yardage. But the Oilers (12-0) held Gahr to 33 second-half yards, none in the air. Gladiator quarterback Danny Acevedo had been effective in the first half, passing for 49 yards compared to Huntington Beach quarterback Levi Schuck’s nine.

Schuck used a one-yard sneak to score the Oilers’ first touchdown, and Gahr answered on its next possession with a 39-yard touchdown run by Steve Smith. Three plays later, Oiler Justin Flagg scored from two yards out, but Gahr’s Gerritt Uttecht hit a 27-yard field goal to bring the Gladiators within four points at the half, 14-10.

Two minutes into the third quarter, Schuck passed to Flagg, but Gahr linebacker Billy Rodriguez yanked the ball out of Flagg’s hands, giving Gahr possession on the Oiler 16. Two plays later, it was first-and-goal on the four. But Huntington Beach would not let the Gladiators get beyond the one, and the Oilers took over.

Eight minutes and 17 plays later, Jason Bartusick kicked a 33-yard field goal to give Huntington Beach a 17-10 lead. Acevedo was shaken up on a play with 7 minutes 24 seconds remaining, and was replaced by Jimmy Stout, who could not help Gahr mount much of an attack.