Huntington Beach Oilers reach CIF semifinals for third straight year

The Huntington Beach Oilers advanced to the CIF Southern Section semifinals on Wednesday night, becoming the only team to reach that round in the Open Division for three consecutive years.

The Oilers defeated the Mater Dei Monarchs 25-6 at home. The win clinched Pool D, a group where Huntington Beach, Mater Dei, and Lakewood St. Joseph all finished with one win and one loss. Huntington Beach advanced based on point differential.

Senior quarterback Roxie Shaia led the offense with three touchdown passes. She connected with senior Shelby Nguyen, junior Daisy Quatman, and senior Brianna Massion. Six different Oilers recorded multiple receptions, including sophomore Kayden Foley, freshman Kyla Uno, and junior Teagan Goodgame.

Goodgame caught a critical third-down pass in the fourth quarter to set up the final score of the game. Freshman Kyla Uno then ran a nine-yard sweep to extend the lead. Shaia noted the reliability of her receivers, stating that knowing any of them could catch the ball was a good feeling.

The defense limited Mater Dei to a single touchdown pass from Tymane Allen to Allyson Schmida. Brianna Massion intercepted the ball on the Monarchs' first drive. Junior Isla Castillo also recorded an interception, while rushers Mia Aish and Olivia Quick generated consistent pressure.

Massion caught an 11-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter. She was flagged for a minor trash talk penalty after the play. She barked at the fallen Mater Dei defensive back, a moment her coach, Zack Pannell, attributed to her energetic playing style. Pannell said Massion is nicknamed Dennis Rodman on the team.

The Oilers earned their second chance in the playoffs after losing their CIF opener to St. Joseph on October 21. St. Joseph defeated Mater Dei 19-14 three days later, preventing the Monarchs from taking Pool D and keeping Huntington Beach's season alive. Several Oilers players watched that game from the stands.

Shaia said it was difficult watching St. Joseph decide the pool outcome, but the Monarchs did their job. The Oilers then secured their own advancement on Wednesday. The team shares the Sunset League title with Newport Harbor for the second straight year.

No. 4-seeded Huntington Beach, now 22-5, will play at top-ranked JSerra on Saturday. The JSerra Lions, 26-0, are the top-ranked team in the country by MaxPreps.com and have won 54 straight games. They won Pool A by defeating Edison 39-7.

Huntington Beach lost in the semifinals to Orange Lutheran last year and Newport Harbor in 2024. Senior Shelby Nguyen said the team is ready to break that streak. She called the third attempt the charm.