Game Preview: Tulsa Oilers at Frisco Fighters
Published on March 22, 2024 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Tulsa Oilers News Release
Tulsa, Okla. - Tulsa Oilers Football, a proud member of the IFL and powered by Community Care, open their 2024 season against the Frisco Fighter on the road.
LAST TIME OUT Tulsa, Okla. - Tulsa Oilers Football, proud member of the IFL, end up on top in their final home game of the season with a victory 56-35. Tulsa finished their first season 2-13, while having a handful of heartbreaking last moment losses in the mix. A huge response is in the sight line of the Oilers as they prepare for year two, a year that will begin exactly where the first started, on the road in Frisco in late March. The Oilers made Tulsa pro sports history by completing their first game in franchise history that day in 2023 but came up short against the Fighters. Frisco started with fireworks, returning the opening kickoff for a 52-yard touchdown by wide receiver Charles Headen. Tulsa would respond with their first points in franchise history via a 23-yard field goal by Jeremy Reynolds with 6:38 left in the first quarter. Just over two minutes later, Frisco would record their first field goal of the game, responding to Tulsa with a 42-yard kick by Bryce Crawford. Frisco followed up at the very end of the first with a one-yard rushing score from Ed Wesley to make it 16-3 at the end of one quarter. The game would only see one touchdown in the second quarter as Ed Wesley picked up his second of the game with a 6-yard rush, making it 22-3 entering the half. The third quarter would begin with the Oilers kicking a 21-yard field goal via Reynolds to make the game 22-6 with 12:44 left in the quarter. Frisco kicker Crawford responded with a 26-yard field goal of his own with 8:58 remaining in the third to make it 25-6 Fighters. Tulsa would get its first touchdown in franchise history with 6:52 left in the third on a 31-yard pass over the middle from Giovanni Sanders to Joshua Crockett for the score, bringing the Oilers within a score of 25-13. Frisco would put up the final two scores of the game in the fourth quarter with a 1-yard rushing touchdown by quarterback TJ Edwards and a 46-yard field goal by Crawford finishing the night with a final score of 35-13.
FOCUS AHEAD Tulsa brings back a good portion of their core from last season. On the offensive side of the ball, the Oilers see Montero Dubose, Joshua Crockett, Alexis Rosario, Jonathan Nance, Dante Bivens and Patrick Barrett return for season two. On defense Tulsa has Tre Harvey, Jordan Jones, Taylor Hawkins and Adrien Hernandez. In addition to returners, Tulsa fans can keep an eye out for new QB Daniel Smith, who played with the Iowa Barnstormers last season and brings a veteran status to the position.
HOW TO "RUMBLE RIGHT" Tulsa needs a confident start. The Oilers have many eyes on them this season to see just how quickly and effectively they can improve upon last season. Early mistakes or miscues are almost a given in game one for any team but it is important to keep a seed of doubt from being planted in the beginning portion of this game. The Red River Rumble begins this season, as this new rivalry between the Frisco Fighters and Tulsa Oilers writes another chapter on Friday. A game that now has a trophy involved and awarded to the team who wins and is up for grabs in each matchup. Finding rhythm at the QB position is something that Frisco should be able to provide so the Oilers will need to match that. On paper it is very clear that Tulsa has upgraded their defense this year but they are a team that will have to prove this to be the case. Turnovers are a big boost in the first game of the year, go get them is the message.
Tulsa will see its second season begin on the road against the Frisco Fighters on March 22, 2024, at 7:30 p.m. CST. The Oilers will open their home schedule facing the Iowa Barnstormers at the BOK Center on April 6, at 7:05 p.m. CST.
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.
Indoor Football League Stories from March 22, 2024
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