The562’s coverage of Long Beach Wilson Athletics is sponsored by Joel Bitonio, Class of 2009.
Having such a young roster this season has caused Wilson football coach Scott Meyer to be more focused on his team getting better each week.
The Bruins showed they improved despite having a short week on Thursday night, but Wilson turnovers were too much to overcome in a 43-7 loss to Huntington Beach.
“We did a lot of things better,” Meyer said. “We improved from last week. They got two or three late, cheap touchdowns. But we did a lot of things better and we just need to continue to get better.”
Huntington Beach (3-0) wasted no time getting on the board as Daunte Bell connected with AJ Vandermade to give the Oilers a 7-0 lead early in the first quarter.
The Bruins’ offense struggled early, and after a punt on their second possession, Wilson came up with a huge break as they forced a fumble and recovered to take over inside Oiler territory.
After a 29-yard run from Wilson’s Ian Bond, a fumble gave the ball right back to Huntington Beach as they were driving inside the 10-yard-line.
The Oilers took advantage and scored again when Bell connected with Vandermade for a 9-yard touchdown.
The Wilson defense stiffened and it was a scoreless second period. An interception by Hudson Deeble in the end zone ended the Oilers drive and helped keep the Bruins in the contest trailing 14-0 at halftime.
Huntington Beach came out in the third period pounding the ball with Jack Gercitano who rushed for 65 yards on 10 carries. He capped the opening drive with a 5-yard touchdown to make it 21-0.
Wilson (0-2) appeared to answer right back when Christian Chapman broke free for a 78-yard and looked to be on his way to score, but he was stripped and the Oilers recovered to take over on their own 5-yard line.
Bell went right back into action as he connected with Musashi Ray for his third touchdown throw of the night to put the Oilers up 28-7.
After some big stops by the Bruins’ defense, Bond broke free for a 52-yard touchdown as the Bruins cut into the lead 28-7.
The Bruins will be back in action next Thursday when they travel to take on St. Anthony in the Battle for Seventh Street.
