Outlaws outlast Burns in shootout

Pat Burke takes the snap.

The Sisters football team survived its first test of the young season by upending highly regarded Burns on the Outlaws' home turf last Friday, September 6, by a score of 35-28.

Sisters came out and took the opening drive 79 yards in seven plays to start the scoring 7-0.

Pat Burke hit Ian McAlister with two completions to account for 54 yards. Burke scored on a quarterback draw from the six-yard line for the touchdown.

"I was happy with the way we played, except for the turnovers," said Coach Bob Macauley. "The kids looked sharp."

After the defense held, the Outlaws got the ball back and were driving when they lost a fumble at the 15-yard line.

Burns capitalized on the change in momentum by going 85 yards in 10 plays to tie it at 7-7.

Sisters stalled on their next possession and had to punt.

Then, it was the Highlander's turn for a miscue. Andy Macauley picked off a fumble in the air and rambled down to the 16 yard line.

On fourth and four, Burke hit Matt Harp with a 4-yard touchdown pass. The kick failed, making the score 13-7.

Burns answered, with Talon Hofman scoring from one yard out, and things were knotted at 13. Hofman accounted for 69 yards in the scoring drive.

Sisters coach Macauley acknowledged the young man's talent.

"Hofman should make All-state, and he's only a junior," he said. "He's fast, but in addition, he's real quick and shifty. He makes kids miss."

Sisters got the ball back at their own 20 yard line with two minutes left in the first half.

Pat Burke, working the two-minute drill to perfection, hit Juwan Davis with a 36-yard strike.

Burke then guided the Outlaws to pay dirt by connecting on a 14-yard touchdown pass to Ian McAlister.

The entire drive took only four plays, and Sisters went into the locker room with a 20-13 halftime lead.

The Outlaw offensive line of Nathan Teeney, Matt Hodge, Josh Kelleher, Conner Burck and Drew Herberger took charge in the second half, as Sisters scored the next two touchdowns to build what seemed like a comfortable 35-13 lead.

"The offensive line dominated," said Macauley. "They allowed us to win the game. I think Burns only ran five plays in the third quarter."

The game seemed well in hand with seven minutes left. The Outlaws had a first down at mid-field, when another fumble gave Burns new life. The Highlanders took advantage and scored in six plays to make it 35-19.

Sisters played conservatively on offense and was forced to punt. Burns drove the length of the field.

The two-point conversion was good, and the Highlanders had pulled to within a touchdown at 35-28.

It wasn't until Pat Burke recovered the onside kick that the Outlaws could run out the clock and preserve the win.

Sisters amassed 345 yards of total offense. Burke accounted for all of the scoring. He was 13 for 20 passing for 205 yards and three touchdowns, and he ran 16 times for another 95 yards and two scores. Ian McAlister led the receiving corps with five receptions for 89 yards and two touchdowns.

Burns also had 345 offensive yards, with 125 yards passing and 220 yards on the ground.

Andy Macauley had nine tackles, with one fumble recovery. Chris Wimer contributed with six tackles and two sacks. Ryan Harper made five tackles and also recovered a fumble.