IFL Tulsa Oilers

Game Preview: Tulsa Oilers at Quad City Steamwheelers

Published on April 26, 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, head on the road for the third time this season looking to return to a winning record and rejoin the playoff group in the east.

LAST TIME OUT Tulsa lost to the Frisco Fighters 60-32 in the final regular season meeting between the two teams. Frisco put up the first two scores of the game, opening the contest with a 20-yard catch for a touchdown by Cole Blackman, and again on a 5-yard run by Martez Carter at the 4:26 remaining mark of the first quarter to make it 13-0 Fighters. Frisco would add to that lead with 13:20 left in the second on a 5-yard rushing score by TJ Edwards making it 20-0 Fighters to open up the game. Tulsa struck back for the first time via a 17-yard catch and scramble into the endzone by Josh Crockett to make it 20-7 Frisco with 12:15 left in the half. Frisco's Devon McCoy made it 27-7 thanks to his 39-yard reception in the endzone with 10:20 remaining in the second quarter. Michael Hall hit a 37-yard field goal to answer back for Tulsa making the game 27-10 in favor of Frisco with 5:49 to go in the half. The Fighters added 13 points to end the half up 40-10. Tulsa opened the second half with a touchdown on the opening drive via a 3-yard rushing score by Jarrod Ware Jr. to begin a comeback effort with 12:46 remaining in the third. Hall would record his second Rouge of the season on the following kickoff to make 40-18 after Spenser Tears was brought down in the endzone. Daniel Smith connected with Alexis Rosario on a 10-yard reception for a touchdown with 5:54 left in the third quarter to bring the game's deficit for the Oilers to 40-26. The Fighters would storm back with two touchdowns of their own and the scoring was finalized via a 6-yard pass to Ware Jr. to bring an end to the night at 60-32 Frisco.

FOCUS AHEAD The Oilers have been able to take some time to reflect on their most recent game, the largest margin of defeat in franchise history. Optimism is on the horizon however as Tulsa has still shown much improvement from last season. Possibly the biggest setback of the season occurred last weekend against Frisco as top WR, Josh Crockett suffered a lower body injury, putting him on IR for an extended amount of time. The Oilers will look to their WR core to fill the gap left, Jonathan Nance and Alexis Rosario at the top of that list. Tulsa saw another rough game in the rushing department. Solving their rushing woes will be of course of key importance in helping diversify the offensive threat on the road in Moline. Now on the outside looking in, this game will determine if Tulsa will rejoin the top four in the conference in a playoff spot going into the middle portion of the season.

HOW TO "ROCK THE BOAT" The comparison of these two teams from a glance would show many similarities. Both of these teams have the same record, have essentially scored the same number of points, have almost the same scoring margin, possession time, passing yards, field goal percentage and more. They both manage their turnover margin in a similar way and have even faced some of the same opponents thus far. How can Tulsa separate themselves in this game now becomes the question. The Oilers have not forced a turnover in the last two games via interception or fumble. Getting back to their takeaway ways can be a big difference maker in what looks to be a close game on paper. Until the Oilers can produce yards on the ground, they will need to do their best to keep the running game from being too lopsided and that will include keeping the QB contained. It is hard to blame the Oilers lapse in this category so far because they have faced Frisco's TJ Edwards at QB twice already this season but Tulsa has had much success defensively when containing the QB. One last goal is to finish on drives.

Tulsa will head on the road for the first time in franchise history to Moline, IL to take on the Quad City Steamwheelers on Sunday, April 28 at 3:05 pm. CT at Vibrant Arena at the MARK.

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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