At 5-6, the Oilers had a losing season in 2024, but it didn't seem like it.

For one thing, one of their losses "felt" like a win. That would be the 14-7 defeat to 6A and a very slippery Erie team on Oct. 5. For another thing, after a slow start -- an unexpected setback at Harbor Creek in their opener and not-so-close losses to General McLane and Meadville early in season -- the Oilers rebounded and played very well the second half of the season , and qualified for the District 10 4A playoffs. This despite some big-deal injury issues, what with missing five starters in the last two games.

Graduation will pretty much wipe out the offensive line -- an Oiler trademark under coach Dan York -- and the steady wide receiver duo of De'Vaughn Griffin and Gavin Stephens, but they are otherwise expected to have a wealth of skill position personnel back in 2025.

Among them, quarterback/defensive back Cole Findlay, who stars on both sides of the ball, and the "three-headed" tailback of Steven Heise and Dawan Cruz and Shia Sanchez are all underclassmen. In fact, Sanchez is just a freshman.

Oil City had no Ethen Knox last season and some other acquisitions of tailbacks fell through, but Heise, Cruz and Sanchez teamed for a respectable 1,327 yards out of York's favorite position. Cruz had a 202-yard game in the finale vs. Meadville and Heise ran for 188 and five TDs against Franklin. 

Findlay, meanwhile, threw for 1,414 yards and 17 touchdowns. He also ran for 256 yards. His favorite targets were the 130-pound Griffin (34 catches, 867 yards) and Stephens (28/467).

On defense Findlay  logged 10 passes defended and made 50 tackles. He has five career INTs. Heise made three picks to lead the team this past season.

The tailbacks ran behind a line consisting of seniors Tanner Kightlinger, Tim Walentoski and A.J. Bucholz. Another senior lineman, Kamden Reagle, was a real standout on defense with 81 tackles and several more for losses -- sacks, TFL. Kightlinger added 72 stops. 

It appears junior Caleb Sparks (6-0, 250) will spearhead next year's line, but the Oilers also return a sizable tight end in junior Zander Black (6-0, 220). Sophomore Noah Lucarelli (6-2, 235) was a big factor on defense with 10 TFLs and five sacks.

Injuries spoiled the senior season of fullback/linebacker Ben Garland who would have made a 200 career tackles list, but settled for 173. Junior Brayden Buzard, another FB/LB, also sat out a much of 2024, but will have a chance at the 200 list next season. He has 116 career stops. With those two out, sophomores Blake Stevens and Lincoln Galla filled in admirably, and junior Spence Singleton played well in the secondary.

Fortunately, senior linebacker Danny DeLong stayed healthy and led the Oilers with 111 tackles, 16 TFLs and six sacks, Another senior, Hank Lockhart, was steady with 76 tackles. He also ably handled the kicking, punting 28 times for a 34.6 average and booting 16 extra points. 

So...while it's not like they have "everybody back," they do have a nice blend of returning talent for 2025, some of whom gained valuable experience what with the injuries.

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