Outlaws fight their way into semi-finals

Pat Burke eludes a tackler.

The Outlaws earned their third trip to the semi-finals in four years with a thrilling 28-27 victory Saturday, November 24, over the Marist Spartans in Eugene.

The victory lifts Sisters' record to 8-3 on the year.

Sisters scored first with Pat Burke plunging in from the one yard line on the Outlaws' first possession. Seth Teague's 52-yard reception set up the score.

Marist returned fire and the first quarter ended in a 7-7 tie.

Burke hit Mike Greene on a 20-yard strike midway through the second quarter. The extra point kick failed. The Outlaws came right back with another score as JD Chatelain powered in from the two yard line.

Joel Meyer stepped up and hauled in the two point conversion from Burke, which proved to be the margin of victory.

The half ended with the Outlaws up 21-7. The Outlaws could have put the game away early in the third quarter, but Marist scored on the second half kick-off and then forced a fumble on the following kick-off.

The Marist threat, deep in Outlaw territory, was put down when Ian Brink tackled Brian Fox, Marist's quarterback, on fourth down. The Outlaws then moved the ball into Spartan territory and punted to pin Marist deep in their own territory.

Marist began to roll again and on fourth down at midfield Ryan Harper and Conner Burck stopped Gary Simons of Marist, giving the Outlaws a first down. Six Plays later Mike Greene ran around and through three defenders diving into the end zone for a 28-14 lead.

Marist didn't quit and came back on a 74 yard drive to bring the score to 28-21.

The teams exchanged possessions and with two minutes remaining in the game Marist mounted their last drive.

The Outlaws held three times from their own 10 yard line but a fourth down pass interference call gave the Spartans a first down with 48 ticks left in the game.

The Spartans scored with 31 seconds remaining in regulation. But the point-after try sailed under the cross bar and the Oulaws remained in front 28-27.

Ian McAlister recovered the ensuing on-side kick and the Outlaws prevailed.

Nathan Teeney, Steve Mills, Josh Kelleher, Robert Hedin, Matt Rivera and Drew Herberger were singled out by their coach for their performance against the Marist defense. The offensive line has not allowed a sack in the last three games.

Pat Burke connected on 14 of 30 passes for 306 yards. Seth Teague had his best performance of the year catching 8 passes for 188 yards and a touchdown. He also had a key interception.

Macauley noted that Mike Greene continued his excellent play with six receptions for 122 yards and a touchdown. Greene also rushed for a touchdown.

Perhaps the best single performance was given by Nathan Powell as he knocked down four Spartan passes, Macauley said.

The Outlaws face a big test on Friday, November 30, in the semifinals against Pleasant Hill High School.

The game is scheduled for Friday night at 7 p.m. at South Eugene High School.