Tulsa, Okla. — Tulsa Oilers Football, a proud member of the IFL and powered by Community Care, return to the BOK Center for the first time since early May and will face their first Western Conference opponent at home this year. 

LAST TIME OUT The Oilers dropped their fourth straight game after a loss on the road in Massachusetts. The Pirates started the game off right with an opening-drive touchdown via a 7-yard rushing score along the left side wall from Alejandro Bennifield with 8:21 to go in the first frame to make it 6-0 Massachusetts. The Oilers easily responded on a four-play drive resulting in a 6-yard touchdown reception by Montero Dubose to tie the game at 6-6 with 5:04 remaining in the opening quarter. Upon a field goal attempt from the Pirates, Noah Lyles would get a hand up and block the attempt resulting in a safety after Massachusetts fell on the football in the back of their end zone, giving the Oilers an 8-6 lead. Tulsa would punch another touchdown into the end zone to follow thanks to Tre Harvey on a 2-yard power run with 11:35 to go in the second quarter to push the Oilers' lead to 15-6. Pirates' running back, Jimmie Robinson got the game back to within one, making it 15-14 after his 4-yard run and score with just 5:17 to go in the first half, the teams would end the half at that score. The Oilers opened the second half scoring on a 17-yard catch for a touchdown by Jonathan Nance with 11:36 to go in the third to make the Tulsa lead 22-14. A touchdown and field goal gave the Pirates the lead 23-22 and with a chance to set up a game winning field goal, an interception by Cyrus Fagan for the Pirates ended the game, seeing the Oilers lose 23-22 on the road in Massachusetts. 
 
FOCUS AHEAD  Tulsa will have a much needed return back home after coming up empty on their three-game road trip. The Oilers will seek their first win against a Western Conference team as they host the San Diego Strike Force for the first time in franchise history. Last year's matchup between these two was a close game that ended in a missed field goal by Tulsa to ultimately spoil their chance of a walk off in Southern California. The most important story line however, is the one you have been reading quickly to get to and may already be aware of, that is the return of wide receiver Joshua Crockett to the lineup. Possibly one of the best one-one matchup receivers in the league, Crockett will provide a new option for the Oilers in a game that will be important to keep pace with the Strike Force who can score quick. The Oilers have also added WR D'Marcus Adams and DL, Deshon Cooper to the roster in preparation for this weekend's cross-conference game.
 
HOW TO "STRIKE" SD ON MILITARY NIGHT The formula for success is never the same seemingly each night in this league. How to stop the Strike Force is one of the questions, and without any question, the turnover battle is an ingredient to this game. San Diego goes back and forth more than anybody when it comes to fumbles and interceptions. Coming out ahead in that regard is almost a necessity to win against the west this week. The return of Joshua Crockett cannot be a light one. Tulsa has the reality of being on a four game losing streak and needs Crockett to be at his best in his return to turn the tide against San Diego. His presence will allow the attention needed to open up lanes for Alexis Rosario and Jonathan Nance just as it did all last season. Nate Davis is the QB for the Strike Force. Tulsa has faced him once before on the road against Duke City in the 2023 season and he is tough to contain in the run game. Keeping an eye on Davis and his decision making in the pocket will be evaluated strategically for this week's game. If Nate Davis runs well, it won't be good.
Tulsa will return home to the BOK Center for Military Night on Saturday, June 1 at 7:05 p.m. CT against the San Diego Strike Force. The first 1000 fans will receive a t-shirt with doors opening at 5:30 p.m. CT.
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.
 Follow us on Twitter and Instagram, or "Like" us on Facebook for more information about Tulsa Indoor Football.