2010. Game 9.

But on this night the game was won up front courtesy of the big dawgs- the Oilers offensive line. Setting the tone again yet again was center Brian Burns who is proving he might not only be the most under the radar offensive lineman in the EFL, but perhaps the best overall offensive linemen in the league. Lining up next to Burns was 2009 EFL All Stars Pierre Joseph and Kevin Clark, who along with Burns helped clear out the middle of the field for the running game. On the outside were Right Tackle Dan Quinn and Left Tackle T.D. Thompson, who together were able to neutralize the speed of the athletic Seminole outside pass rushers. On the night the Oilers o-line gave up zero sacks and gave quarterback Ryan Myers all the time they needed to find open receivers. Thanks to the outstanding blocking, Myers fired 4 touchdown passes on the night.

Also benefiting from the strong offensive line play was the Randolph running game.  Running back Brooks Payne took full advantage of the excellent blocking flashing a variety of nifty moves, power running, and exceptional vision. Payne proved to the opposition that if teams want to focus on shutting down the vaunted Oilers passing attack, Payne has the tenacity and talent to make defenses pay. On the night Payne compiled 148 yards rushing on the night on just 20 carries (7.4 yards per carry). Adding some thunder to the Randolph running game was 275 pound Karl “Sweet Tea” Wells, who was seemingly untackleable on his 4 carries.  Wells took 2 of his 4 carries in for touchdowns, amassing 30 yards in the process (7.5 yards per carry).

With the running game clicking, the Oilers depended less on the passing attack in this game, although it was another impressive performance for Ryan Myers. Myers threw for 148 yards and 4 touchdowns. Brian Gallo caught three passes for 115 yards, with all three going for touchdowns. Will Price also caught a 15 yard touchdown pass. Ryan Eisenhauer and Brooks Payne also caught passes for first downs to help keep the chains moving on separate touchdown drives.

Another huge play in the game was a highlight reel diving grab by Steve Marinelli for a 2 point conversion that proved critical as the Oilers would need all the points they could get to hold off Hyde Park. (please click here for an excellent video capturing the big catch:

The game itself was a back and forth affair, with neither team ever able to pull away. As usual the Oilers fell behind early, after an impressive drive came up short with the Oilers having a short field goal attempt blocked. The Seminoles then got the ball and were able to score, going ahead 7-0. But the Oilers struck back immediately on the next drive, with a 70 yard touchdown pass from Myers to Gallo. While the Oilers offense was moving the ball efficiently, they never were able to fully put away the feisty Seminoles. At times the lead increased to 12 points, but for most of the game the difference was a mere 7 points.

The Oilers special teams were hot and cold, with several huge plays, but also several critical mistakes. The positives being 3 impressive punt returns from Brian Gallo for 78 yards, numerous strong kickoff returns by an always determined Will Price who sliced and diced his way to impressive gains despite blocking breakdown that looked like it would result in Price losing yardage. And the biggest positive special teams play was a fumble recovery on a punt by Matt “Rootin’ Tootin’” Boutin on the Seminoles 2 yard line that led to an Oiler touchdown right before the half. Will Price also had an important fumble recovery on the Oilers final touchdown drive (that turned out to be the winning margin in the game).

But the Oilers special teams did have several breakdowns including giving up a touchdown return on a kickoff, and also allowing two blocked extra point attempts and a blocked field goal. Clearly the Oilers need to improve on their special teams play if they are going to make any noise in the playoffs. And improved special teams play starts with having EVERYONE at practice so the team can practice all special teams functions against live competition.

Despite the special teams breakdowns it was a very good win for the Oilers, and it brings the team one step closer to securing a playoff berth. Hyde Park showed impressive determination all night and did not go down without a fight. Trailing by 7 with under 3 minutes to go, Hyde Park converted several huge first downs and drove the ball 50+ yards down to the Oilers 20 yard line. But the Oilers defense took care of business and kept the Seminoles out of the end zone when it mattered most, as the Oilers hung on for the victory. The Oilers received strong defensive play from many members of the defense, especially from Karl “Sweet Tea” Wells, Marcus “Mighty Joe” Barrow, and Mike “G.I. Joe” Eshner.

With one victory in their final two games the Oilers can control their own destiny and lock in a playoff berth.

The Oilers dedicated the win to the Campoli and Flach families who suffered a heartbreaking family tragedy earlier in the week. The Oilers’ send their deepest condolences to the Campoli and Flach families, and our thoughts and prayers are with them.