STATE CHAMPS AGAIN!

With a 35-6 romp over the Burns Highlanders on Saturday, December 18, the Sisters Outlaws became the first 3A football team in 27 years to win the state championship two years in a row.

Sisters' defense proved to be the dominating factor. The Outlaws held Burns to 249 yards and one touchdown. Sisters shut down the Burns offense on three "fourth and one" situations.

Chris Small had eight tackles to lead all Outlaws defenders. Eli Pyke and Scott Nelson had seven tackles apiece.

Small also had one key tackle. The Highlanders were on the one-yard line, and it was fourth down. Burns quarterback Kelly Clemens swung out a pass to Kelby Killgore. Small came charging up and laid a lick on Killgore, turning what could have been an important touchdown for Burns into a loss of three.

On the next play, Sisters scored their first touchdown to began their rampage.

With Sisters' defense conducting one of their most impressive shows of the year, the offense was given many chances to score. Senior Dusty Macauley completed nine of 17 passes for 291 yards and two touchdowns. Macauley was also intercepted once.

Chris Small, Sisters' most explosive receiver, had four receptions for 235 yards and two long touchdowns. Small has played much of the year in the shadow of teammate Shane Crowder, who has been Macauley's favorite target.

Burns keyed on Crowder in this game, double-teaming and holding Crowder to four receptions for only 37 yards. This left Small open to shred Burns' defense.

Sisters rushing game provided a balance to Sisters' passing game. Junior Josh Orlando carried 19 times for 84 yards, and senior Jared Merrell had 20 carries for 74 yards. Each had one touchdown.

After the final gun, players rushed the field as they had the year before. "It is a lot of fun to be able to be part of such a wonderful team," said quarterback Macauley. "It was a dream season to be able to go back to back."

Sisters ended the season 13-0 and was ranked number one throughout the year.

Sisters' winning streak now is up to 26 games. Sisters has 16 graduating seniors, eight were three-year starters and those eight have been a combined 34-3 when they were starting.