Oilers Battle Lag, Fall 3-1 to Downers Grove North in Pokemon Unite Series

East Alton-Wood River Community High School’s Oilers Co-ed Esports team dropped a hard-fought Pokemon Unite match to Downers Grove North on Thursday night, falling 3-1 in a best-of-five series played remotely from the school’s ESPORTS Arena in Wood River.

The matchup, part of regular-season play, featured long stretches of evenly contested action as the Oilers tried to adjust to connection issues and in-game pressure. Despite the final score, East Alton-Wood River remained competitive throughout the series and managed to take one round off a steady Downers Grove North squad.

One of the defining storylines for the Oilers was the performance of Damion Meek, who persevered through continual lag issues yet still helped lead the team in scoring. Navigating delayed inputs and inconsistent connections, Meek remained aggressive in key team fights and objective battles, giving the Oilers a reliable offensive presence even under less-than-ideal conditions.

Leadership and composure also stood out for East Alton-Wood River. Imari Wilson provided a calming influence throughout the match, staying decisive in calls and keeping the team focused during timeouts and between rounds. That poise helped the Oilers regroup after dropped rounds and maintain their structure in late-game scenarios, particularly in the round they secured.

While the Oilers ultimately came up short in the series, the outing offered valuable experience against a disciplined opponent. The team’s ability to secure a round, adapt strategies on the fly, and compete through technical adversity underscored its growth as a developing esports program at East Alton-Wood River.

The Pokemon Unite squad will not have long to dwell on the result. The Oilers are scheduled to continue regular matches every Tuesday and Thursday, using each contest to refine communication, draft choices and late-game decision-making as they prepare for upcoming competitions and state-level events.