It’s been a tough couple weeks for the Long Beach Wilson football program.
After COVID-19 protocols shut down team activities and canceled their game last week, the Bruins had two days of practice for their contest against Huntington Beach on Friday and it showed as the senior laden Oilers defeated Wilson 35-6 at Sheue Field.
“Our guys played hard,” Wilson coach Scott Meyer said. “We decided we’re going to play the game. You never know what’s going to happen this year with COVID. Even with two days practice, we’re going to come out and play and give these guys a Friday night.”
With an extra game and a full week of practice Huntington Beach got things going with their potent passing game as quarterback AJ Perez led the Oilers on a 7-play, 80-yard touchdown drive that was capped when the senior connected with Jordan Castro on a one-yard touchdown.
After going 3-and-out on their opening drive, Wilson’s Dominique Carter picked off Perez on the next drive to put Wilson’s offense back on the field inside Oiler territory.
On the first play, Wilson quarterback Xander McLaurin connected with Josh Scott for a 20-yard completion. A few plays later inside the Oilers’ 10-yard line a fumble ended Wilson’s drive as the Oilers recovered the ball at their own five-yard line.
Perez guided Huntington Beach down the field for a 95-yard touchdown drive that was capped when he connected with Caleb Kelly on a 24-yard touchdown pass to put the Oilers up 14-0 with 1:26 left in the first quarter.
After another drive stalled, Wilson’s Cordae Jones forced a fumble to give the Bruins the ball back at their own two-yard line.
Wilson’s offense was once again unable to get anything going and after being forced to punt, the Oilers blocked the punt and recovered the ball at the two-yard line.
The Oilers’ Evan Riderich scored on a two-yard run to put the Oilers up 21-0 with 8:57 left in the first half.
At halftime Huntington Beach extended their lead to 35-0 and had a running block entering the fourth quarter.
Late in the fourth quarter, McLaurin broke free for a 67-yard touchdown run to avoid the shutout.
Perez finished the game with 223 yards passing and four touchdowns.
Wilson will have another short week when they host St. Anthony on Thursday.
