The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Number-two-ranked Sisters beat No. 3 rival Marist 41-21 in front of the largest crowd ever in the entire history of Sisters' football on Friday, October 13.

Cory McCaffrey rushed for 421 yards in another incredible performance.

"For most running backs you're doing well if you rush 421 yards in a season," said Coach Bob Macauley.

McCaffrey scored the Outlaws first touchdown of the night on Sisters' first possession. The Outlaws went 72 yards in four plays. McCaffrey finished the drive with a 10 yard TD run. Josh Marr's kick for the extra point was good, and Sisters took a quick 7-0 lead.

Both teams exchanged two possessions before running back Brandon Jackson of Marist broke four tackles for a 34-yard TD run. (Jackson has already committed to play running back for UC Berkley). The Spartans scored on a two point conversion.

At the end of the first quarter the Spartans held a slim 8-7 lead.

In the second quarter Marist was forced to punt. Sisters' offense took over, and on the first play of the series, McCaffrey followed Arne Pierce and Trevor Summers around the right side for a 52-yard TD. The extra point was good, and Sisters went up 14-8.

Outlaw defense held, and Sisters took possession on their own 22 yard line. With five minutes left in the half the Outlaws covered 73 yards in 11 plays. Macauley called a time out with five seconds left on the clock. Jarred Hasskamp hit Carroll Gryder on a five yard TD play with one second left. The extra point was good, and at the half the Outlaws held a 21-8 advantage.

The Spartans got the ball in the third quarter and had a 25 yard run to the Outlaw 15 yard line. Jeff Sampson stripped the ball, and Dominic Neiri recovered the fumble. Sisters ran four plays and went 85 yards. Hasskamp ran the ball in from the five yard line, and Marr kicked the extra point. The Outlaws went up 28-8 with 10 minutes remaining in the third quarter.

Marist came back to score a TD, but Carroll Gryder blocked the extra point attempt. The Spartans narrowed the Outlaw lead to 28-14.

With two minutes left in the quarter Sisters took possession on the 15 yard line. On the first play McCaffrey took the pitch from Hasskamp and went 85 yards behind the blocking of Nate Jackson and Ashton Simms for the TD. The extra point was good and Sisters pulled ahead 35-14.

Marist scored on the first play in the fourth quarter to bring the score to 35-21.

With 6:20 left on the clock, Nate Jackson intercepted the ball in the end zone, and the Outlaws got the ball on the 20 yard line. Sisters went on a 12-play drive that used up the clock. Jeff Sampson scored on a five yard run as time expired, and the Outlaws celebrated the 41-21 victory.

"Our offensive line played extremely well," said Macauley. "Marist is a very good team with athletes in every position. Our offensive line is much smaller, but we're much quicker. Trevor Summers, Arne Pierce, Nick Pepperling, Spencer Freeland, Evan Eady, Jake Kleint and Tyson Edmunson really performed well and opened holes for McCaffrey and the other running backs all night long."

Macauley noted the defense had its best performance of the season. The defense held Marist to 21 points and 340 yards of offense while Sisters racked up 555 yards of offense.

McCaffrey rushed 34 times for 421 yards and three touchdowns. Jarred Hasskamp rushed three times for 67 yards and a TD and also threw for a touchdown.

Gary Miller

Cory McCaffrey ran away with the game against Marist.

On defense Todd Bell had an incredible game with 14 tackles. Dominic Neiri had 12 tackles and a fumble recovery. Doug Emberton recorded 11 tackles, and Jeff Sampson added 10 tackles. Nate Jackson had eight tackles and an interception that sealed the game.

Macauley praised defensive players Jeff Sampson, Carroll Gryder and Miles Johnston.

"Jeff was clearly the leader on defense and had an incredible game. And I'm very happy with the play of Carroll Gryder at corner and the fact he blocked an extra point. Miles Johnston also played great at corner. These guys all had an outstanding game.

"This was a big game. If we beat Elmira next week, we'll play Cottage Grove at home for the league championship," said Macauley.