May 19, 2023 – Indoor Football League (IFL) – Tulsa Oilers News Release
Tulsa, Okla. – Tulsa Oilers Football, proud member of the IFL, head out west for their second Western Conference road matchup.
LAST TIME OUT
Tulsa returned home after a loss on the road against Sioux Falls, for what would be their third home game of the season and their second against an Eastern Conference opponent. Tulsa squared off against the Frisco Fighters for the second time this season and for the first time at home. The first meeting came in the fashion of Tulsa’s first game in franchise history back on March 24. Frisco was victorious over the Oilers by a final score of 35-13 in Week Two of the IFL season. This matchup on May 13 would conclude the regular season series between Frisco and Tulsa. The Oilers would be held scoreless through the first quarter but the score was a measly 6-0 Fighters, leaving Tulsa in striking distance. The Oilers found the endzone with 9:02 left in the first quarter on
a 1-yard rushing score by Jo-El Shaw to give Tulsa a lead of 7-6 after a good extra point by Jeremy Reynolds. Frisco would churn out two more touchdowns before the half, and Reynolds for the Oilers would add a 24-yard field goal to make the score 20-10 Frisco after two quarters. Tulsa wasted no time scoring to open the second half, after receiving the opening kickoff of the third, the Oilers scored in just two plays, this time thanks to Shaw again on a 7-yard rushing touchdown to make it 20-17 Frisco with 13:45 left in the third quarter. Later on, Tulsa’s breakout receiver, Alexis Rosario, found a touchdown next, connecting on a 24-yard reception into the endzone with 6:28 to go in the third quarter, bringing the Oilers’ deficit to just 27-23. Damion May for Tulsa scored via his 7-yard touchdown reception to bring the game within one possession again, 36-30 Frisco. Jonathan Nance found his first touchdown as an Oiler thanks to another 7-yard catch for a score to give Tulsa their first lead since the first quarter, 37-36 Oilers, with 5:00 left in the game. After a late Frisco field goal, the Fighters won 39-37.
FOCUS AHEAD
Tulsa will make the journey to Vegas for the first time in franchise history. This May
20 matchup against the Knight Hawks will be the third Western Conference matchup and the second on the road this season. Tulsa has made strides in their run game as Jo-El Shaw has solidified consistency at the RB position. Shaw has scored three rushing touchdowns and one receiving in his time so far and will be relied upon to continue his success. Just a week ago, Oilers quarterback Vincent Espinoza while speaking to local media, mentioned the offense is looking to “focus on the small details” of their game, in particular to help win the turnover margin. This past game, Espinoza had no personal turnovers and has shown improvement in that regard, helping to add some encouragement to the rest of his unit in the coming weeks. The Oilers made a trade prior to Week Ten, sending WR Tyler Jones to Quad City in order to fulfill the Damion May trade back on April 17, which required a future con- sideration piece in return, Jones will satisfy this. Tulsa also adds DB Jeremy Lewis to the roster prior to this game.
HOW TO “OUT-SHINE” THOSE IN ARMOUR
Vegas has a dynamic team with what is described by Oilers head coach Marvin Jones as a team “full of athletes.” The Knight Hawks have not proven to be the most disciplined team in the league. As it is an aspect of the game that you have little control over, that being penalties given to your opponent, Tulsa just needs to ensure they do not fall into the habit of penalties themselves, as this is a game they can certainly out-shine Vegas in. Trying their luck in Vegas, the Oilers can “drop the gauntlets” against the Knight Hawks by scoring first, something Tulsa has yet to do this year in seven games.
Tulsa’s heads out west to try their luck in Vegas against the Knight Hawks, Saturday, May 20. Kickoff is set for 9:05 p.m. Tulsa’s next home game is Saturday, May 27, against the Massachusetts Pirates on Military Appreciation Night. Kickoff is set for 7:05 p.m.
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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