Game Preview: Tulsa Oilers at Sioux Falls Storm
April 12, 2024 - 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 north to face the Sioux Falls Storm with a chance to be 2-1 on the year.
LAST TIME OUT Tulsa, Okla. - The Oilers began their home schedule with a victory over their Eastern Conference rival, the Iowa Barnstormers, with a 39-31 win. The Barnstormers opened the game's scoring on the first drive with a 26-yard field goal by Gabriel Rui at the 9:43 mark of the first quarter to make it 3-0 Iowa, the only points of the opening frame. Tulsa responded with their first touchdown of the game at the 11:45 marker of the second via a 1-yard rush by QB Daniel Smith into the end zone, giving the Oilers a 7-3 lead. Tulsa would repeat the same scoring play on a 1-yard rush by Smith again for a score making it 13-3 Oilers with 3:25 left in the half. Tre Harvey would follow that up by returning a short field goal attempt by Iowa that was returnable in the end zone all the way back for a score to make it 19-3 Tulsa with 0:48 remaining in the second quarter. The first half was finished off with a last second 24-yard field goal made by Austin Neufeld to send Tulsa to the locker room with a 22-3 edge over Iowa. The second half saw Iowa's first touchdown at the 7:12 remaining mark of the third thanks to Quian Williams on a 19-yard catch and score to make it 22-10 Tulsa. Joshua Crockett would respond immediately with a 49-yard return off the kickoff for a touchdown to put the Oilers up 28-10 with 6:02 left in the third. Williams for Iowa recorded his second touchdown of the game right after on a 8-yard catch to bring the game to a 28-16 scoreline in favor of Tulsa. The fourth quarter opened with Tulsa scoring via a 1-yard rush by Smith for the third time of the game with 11:10 remaining in regulation and Alexis Rosario added a two-point conversion to give the Oilers a 36-16 lead. Neufeld added a 31-yard field goal and Iowa made a late push with two more touchdowns but came up short, falling 39-31 to Tulsa. The Oilers secured their first home win of the season in their home opener.
FOCUS AHEAD Tulsa will face a desperate Sioux Falls storm team as they enter their home opener 0-2 on the campaign. Sioux Falls posted a 6-2 record last year at home inside the Denny Sanford PREMIER Center, it poses to be a tough environment for road teams once again as we will get a chance to see the Storm prove that for the first time this season on Sunday. The Storm have a very productive passing game despite being 0-2 this season, the key to shutting that part of their game down will be to lean on the most recent Defensive Player of the Week in the IFL, Romon Morris. Morris recorded two interceptions in the victory over the Barnstormers, proving to be a great route reader and opportunistic playmaker. Tulsa has a new piece at running back with the signing of Jerrod Ware Jr. The new Oilers' offensive weapon was the top running back with the Northern Arizona Wranglers last season, helping them get to the Western Conference Final in 2023.
HOW TO READ THE "WEATHER" The Storm will be energized with it being their home opener. Having a good first quarter will help take the wind out of the sails of this Sioux Falls team who will be looking to give their fans confidence early. Avoiding giving up the deep ball in every sense will be important as Sioux Falls averages about 14 yards per catch. Tulsa was incredibly impressive on special teams last weekend, turning big returns into points can help this team get the edge in what has been a season of close games so far.
Tulsa will hit the road to face the Sioux Falls Storm on April 14 at 3:05 pm. CT at Denny Sanford PREMIER Center.
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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