Tulsa, Okla. — Tulsa Oilers Football, proud member of the IFL, host their second home game of the season, the first against a Western Conference opponent.
LAST TIME OUT The Oilers traveled to Des Moines, Iowa to face the Iowa Barnstormers in their third road game of the season. The Barnstormers, a historic franchise that once saw former NFL star Kurt Warner play for them from 1995-97, hosted Tulsa in their home opener on April 22. Tulsa would start slow, giving up the first 14 points of the game but began to respond as the game moved along. Trailing 34-19 at half, Oilers defensive back, Britto Tutt would return the second-half opening kickoff 47 yards for a touchdown to begin the comeback effort in the third quarter. Iowa would respond with a score of their own but Tulsa would send a shockwave offensively, scoring three touchdowns in a row, first by Tre King and Alex Rosario to end the third quarter and Tre Harvey to begin the fourth making the score 47-41 Tulsa, their first lead in franchise history. Iowa rejuvenated themselves by regaining the lead 48-47 but it was a second serving of Harvey via a 11-yard touchdown run with 4:06 remaining in the game, giving Tulsa a 54-48 advantage that would prove to hold to the end. Iowa would throw an interception in the end zone on the game's final play in desperation, ultimately hauled in by Britto Tutt to finish things and give Tulsa their first win in franchise history, 54-48. Tulsa nearly doubled their touchdown production through the three games, in just one game, coming into the week with nine touchdowns and picking up eight vs Iowa.
FOCUS AHEAD Tulsa has found a spark offensively with the new additions at the QB position. Vincent Espinoza impressed and helped the Oilers win their first game while QB Damion May helped out in the wide receiver position coming up with some crucial athletic catches in big moments, this position cannot take a step backward in the coming week. Defensively, Tulsa had a fantastic second-half effort against Iowa, Eric Sadler was a big part of that with two sacks in the game. "We really had to come together as a team in that second half," said Sadler in regards to the team's effort and his personal play. "I could not have picked up those two sacks without my brothers out there, they pushed me." Head Coach Marvin Jones and this Oilers defense are focusing on having a better start, as the first quarter has haunted them this season. Paying clear attention to details right out of the gate is key for a team that will need to provide sustained pressure on the Rattlers offense. Tulsa's newest additions via signing this week, are offensive lineman, Dariyon Weeden out of Florida A&M University and Jo-El Shaw, running back from Kent State and a former Spokane Shock signing in the IFL in recent past. Running back, Joshua Robinson remains on "Short Term Injured Reserve" and defensive back, Marcus Green has been added to the STIR list as of Friday, April 28.
HOW TO "CHARM" THE SNAKES The Rattlers have great talent at the quarterback position, but elite QB Drew Powell, continues to be sidelined on IR and will not be in the lineup against the Oilers. Arizona has turned to QB Jorge Reyna, who has 605 yards on 52 completions in three games thus far, throwing 14 touchdown passes and four interceptions. Taking away the passing game from Arizona will not be enough as they have run the ball effectively, but it has been Powell who has carried that load for the most part. Forcing the Rattlers to prove they have an effective run game without Powell will be a large storyline in this game. Arizona is coming off of a road loss against the Frisco Fighters, 52-42. A motivated Rattlers group is who Tulsa will deal with.
Tulsa's next home game will be Saturday, April 29, against the Arizona Rattlers. Kickoff is set for 7:05 p.m.
Tulsa Oilers Football Season and Group Tickets are on sale now! Call the front office at 918-632-7825 or visit www.tulsaoilersfootball.com for more information.
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