HOLLIDAYSBURG, Pa. – A touchdown with four minutes to go gave the Oilers the lead, and a key fourth down conversion on their next possession iced the game as Oil City defeated Upper Moreland 28-27 in the PIAA quarterfinals.

(Photo Courtesy of Richard Sayer)

The game was a back and forth contest throughout, with no team taking a two possession lead at any point during the contest. The Oilers had a 16-14 lead at the half, courtesy of two touchdown passes from Holden Stahl to JT Stahlman. After Upper Moreland took a late 27-22 lead, the Oilers pegged the Golden Bears back, using the running game to drive down the field. A five yard scamper by Stahl gave the Oilers a 28-27 lead, putting them ahead with 4:00 to go despite failing on their two-point conversion attempt.

The resilient Oil City defense then forced Upper Moreland to punt, providing the Oilers with the opportunity to run out the clock. On a fourth-and-two opportunity just inside their own territory with 2:00 left, the Oilers elected to go for it, rather than punt the ball back to Upper Moreland. Sean Stack delivered the necessary yardage, gaining a first down and ending Upper Moreland’s hope of a comeback.

The result is the second consecutive one-point victory for the Oilers, who defeated Juniata last week 34-33. The win pushes Oil City into the PIAA semifinals, where they will face WPIAL champion Thomas Jefferson at a time and place to be determined.