Randolph 55, MidCoast 20 August 7, 2010 Oilers get back on track with big win
After a tough July. the Oilers got August off to a good start with a 55-20 victory against the Mid Coast Falcons (Maine). Despite losing the week before to Boston, the Oilers were able to build off of the momentum they established during their frantic 4th quarter attempt (rallying from down 28-7 behind gutsy qb James Merrick, to bring the game to within 28-22. The undermanned Oilers got the ball back with 50 seconds to go and were driving but simply did not have enough time to pull off what would have been one of the most impressive comebacks in league history), and showed that the rally vs Boston was not a fluke and that the Oilers are a team that should not be taken lightly.
Early on in the game vs MidCoast the story of the game was the Oilers defense who forced turnover after turnover and prevented the Falcons from ever establishing any rhythm. The Oilers defense forced 2 fumbles, picked off 5 interceptions, and blocked a punt.The Oilers defense again short on defensive backs, for the second straight game turned to All Star WR's Will Price and Brian Gallo to play both offense and defense. And for the second straight week both Price and Gallo delivered big time. In addition to their offensive contributions, each had 2 interceptions- the most impressive being one by Will Price in which he displayed his Deion Sanders-ish ability to cut and weave through the opposition and then turn on the jets as he blazed his way to a 46 yard return for a touchdown.
The Oilers defense as a whole had an impressive showing. A 5th interception was provided by Mark "Bullet" Royster who has proven to be extremely tough to throw on as his recent play reminds the league why he was a regular EFL All Star prior to his one year hiatus due to work reasons. Setting the tempo up front was Karl "Sweet Tea" Wells, Byron "Shrek" Goss, Billy Mallory, Mike "GI Joe" Eshner, Chris King, Anthony "D-Block" Goodwyn, and Chris Farley. In the rare instance when Falcon players were able to break through the Oilers front line they were immediately stopped in their tracks by the Oilers impressive Linebacker trio of Pat "Assumption" Coughlin, "No Way" Jose Branco, and Colby Gallagher. Branco and Coughlin both had key fumble recoveries for the Oilers. But it was Gallagher, playing in honor of his grandfather who recently passed away, who set the tome for the entire Oiler team with his spirited play on both offense and defense. His grandfather would have been proud as Colby (like usual) played with great heart and intensity and was an unstoppable playmaker.
On offense the Oilers received another impressive performance from the QB duo of veteran Ryan Myers and 2nd year player James Merrick (3 tds vs top ranked defense Boston). Myers played two quarters and fired 4 td passes on 14 for 18 passing, 221 yards, and no interceptions. Merrick ran for a touchdown and completed 60% of his passes.
The Oilers passing game was clicking on all cylinders, and again received huge games from Brian Gallo and Will Price. Price had 6 catches for 79 yards and 2 touchdowns, while Gallo had 3 catches for 63 yards and 2 touchdowns. And as mentioned above, Gallo and Price each had huge nights filling in on defense as well (two interceptions each). Rookie TE Ryan "Ike" Eisenhauer had his best game of the young season, hauling in 5 passes for 63 yards. Steve "Wolfpack" Marrinilli also came up with two timely catches for 19 yards to keep drives alive and move the chains.
The Oilers quick strike passing game prevented the Oilers from needing to rely heavily on the running game, but the Oilers did receive impressive rushing performances from #35 Brick Powell (39 yards on 4 carries), And on his one carry of the game, defensive back #29 "Waterbug" Brown playing running back lived up to his nickname by sprinting through the Falcon defense for a 19 yard touchdown. Brooks Payne as always was the primary ball carrier, helping the passing game by forcing the defense to stack the box to try and contain him. While Payne didn't have a huge rushing night, his impact did help the passing game come up with 4 td passes. Additionally Payne ran for an important 1st half touchdown that helped set the tone for the game. Helping to create holes for the rushing attack was the ferocious blocking of #5 Mike Wright (who also added 4 carries for 12 hard fought yards).
The Oilers offensive line rotation of Kevin Clark, Pierre Joseph, Brian Burns, T.D. Thompson, Dan Quinn, Tree, and Kevin Boyle also had an impressive game. The o-line gave up just one sack in over 30 passing attempts, and imposing their will on a very active Falcons defensive line.
On special teams Dave Canavan was consistent as usual, converting 7 of 7 extra points and pinning the Falcons deep on punts and kickoffs.
Colby Gallagher (#22) leading the Oilers defense
Stats:
Stats to follow. Please check back soon.
Game Photos:
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The Oilers coming out to finish taking care of business after the half
The Falcons were no match physically for the intimidating Oiler defensive front
Colby Gallagher led an inspired defensive effort
The Oilers offensive line had a dominating performance
The Oilers defense created numerous turnovers in the game
Play-action fakes, expertly executed by Ryan Myers and Brooks Payne, kept the Falcons on their heels
Another diving acrobatic touchdown catch by Will Price
In addition to a productive game of offense, WR Brian Gallo also added an INT while filling in on defense
The Oilers and their #1 Fan had plenty of reasons to celebrate post-game back at the VFW