Huntington Beach Survives Dana Hills, 21-16, in Battle of the Unbeatens

Both teams scored in the first quarter to tie it at 7-7. Huntington Beach added eight points in the second quarter to lead 15-7 at halftime. Dana Hills came back in the third, scoring nine points to take a 16-15 lead into the fourth quarter. The Oilers then scored the winning touchdown in the final quarter, and Dana Hills couldn’t answer.

Quarterback Brady Edmunds led Huntington Beach, completing 17 of 27 passes for 211 yards and two touchdowns, and running 10 times for 45 yards and another score. Dylin Bruce was his top target, catching 6 passes for 115 yards and a touchdown. Huntington Beach’s defense came up with two interceptions, from Kaz Abdollahian and Charlie Stubin, and held up when it mattered most. Stubin was named the Oilers’ overall Player of the Game, with Edmunds (offense), Evan Scruggs (defense) and Bruce (special teams) also honored.

Dana Hills moved the ball well, running 59 plays to Huntington Beach’s 50 and holding the ball for nearly 31 minutes to the Oilers’ 17. Running back Enzo Gallo had a big night, carrying 17 times for 179 yards and two touchdowns, his 10.5 yards per carry among the game’s biggest weapons. Jack Norman caught 10 passes for 142 yards. Quarterback Carter Anderson completed 15 of 30 passes for 199 yards, with two interceptions. Dana Hills finished with 203 rushing yards, but it wasn’t enough.

Huntington Beach was flagged eight times for 105 yards, compared with seven penalties for 47 yards for Dana Hills.

The win is Huntington Beach’s seventh straight to open the season, and its fifth in its last six road games. It was also the Oilers’ lowest-scoring game of the year. Dana Hills falls to 6-1 and takes its first loss.

Huntington Beach hosts Western (0-7) next Thursday, Oct. 15, in Delta League play. Dana Hills faces Laguna Beach (4-3) on Friday, Oct. 16.