The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

The Outlaws kicked off league play with a 35-14 win at home over Junction City (JC) on Friday, September 22.

Jeff Sampson got the Outlaws fired up when he recovered a JC fumble in the first few minutes of the game. Five plays later, Cory McCaffrey dove over the top from the one yard line to score Sisters' first touchdown of the night.

In the second quarter Sampson went over from the five yard line for a touchdown. Josh Marr's kick for the extra point was good, and the Outlaws took a 13-6 advantage.

JC answered back with a touchdown and narrowed Sisters' lead to 13-7.

Sisters regained possession with three minutes remaining in the first half. The Outlaws covered 79 yards in less than a minute and a half. The big play of the drive was a 66 yard touchdown by McCaffrey, who weaved through the entire defense to score. The extra point was good, and Sisters headed to the locker room at the half with a 20-7 lead.

The Outlaws kept the ball for a six-and-a-half-minute drive in the third quarter but unfortunately were unable to convert on a fourth down. JC took possession and went about 70 yards in five minutes for a touchdown. The Tigers closed Sisters' lead to 20-14.

Sisters' offense took over in the fourth quarter and ran 17 plays for 140 yards. McCaffrey and Sampson carried the ball the majority of the time.

Sisters went on a two-minute 60 yard drive. Sampson went 25 yards in the play, and Nate Jackson scored on a 16 yard reverse. Jarred Hasskamp threw to Carroll Gryder for the two point conversion, and Sisters went up 28-14.

The Outlaws went 50 yards in five plays in a little over one minute on their next possession. Sampson went over from the five yard line for the touchdown. The extra point was good, and Sisters extended their lead to 35-14. Sisters ran down the clock and secured the victory.

Sisters' defense once again had an outstanding performance. In the first half JC had approximately 180 yards of total offense. In the second half the Outlaws defense really stiffened and only allowed the Tigers 33 yards of offense, while Sisters racked up 220 yards of offense.

"Our time of possession and scoring in the second half really sealed the game," said Macauley. "JC is a playoff caliber team, and the game had a playoff feel to it."

Outstanding individual defensive performances were recorded by Sampson, Dominic Neiri and Todd Bell. Sampson led the way with eight tackles, an interception, a fumble recovery and a sack. Neiri had five tackles and a fumble recovery. Bell recorded eight tackles and according to Macauley was "constantly in the JC backfield hurrying up the play." Macauley also noted great play by linebacker Taylor Davenport.

On the offensive side, McCaffrey rushed 25 times for 215 yard and three touchdowns. This is the third consecutive week McCaffrey has rushed for over 200 yards, and when asked about his success, he was very humble in his response.

McCaffrey said, "I believe the reason for my success is due to the great blocking that is being displayed on the field, whether it's running behind Jeff Sampson, our quick smart offensive line, or running around the receivers punishing blocks. I'm only as good as my blockers, and all my success is due to them."

Sampson rushed eight times for 41 yards and one touchdown. Quarterback Hasskamp threw eight completions on 12 attempts for 96 yards.

Sisters finished the game with 405 yards of total offense.

Macauley pointed out the great effort and performance by Spencer Taylor, Nick Pepperling and Jake Kleint on the offensive line and praised Kleint for his blocking and great effort at tight end.

"Everybody was healthy and came out of the game healthy. We're getting better every week, and this week was no exception. All in all it was a great effort evening. It was very competitive and our toughest game so far."

The Outlaws will travel to Stayton on Friday, September 29, for their last non-league game of the season.