Outlaws set on the playoffs

Only six varsity players return to the Outlaws football squad this season, but Coach Bob Macauley and his team have their sights set on the state playoffs.

Seann Igoe, at 5-feet-7-inches and 150 pounds, returns at running back and will be the offensive force for the Outlaws. Macauley said Igoe earned all-league honors last season, has a great work ethic, is a good leader and will be the one they look to to run the ball out of the backfield.

All-leaguer Bryan Jimerson at 6-feet-1-inch and 175 pounds is also back for the Outlaws on offense.

"If he (Bryan) stays healthy he can be one of the top offensive linemen in the state," said Macauley.

Joining Jimerson on the line will be junior James Mohl (6-feet-1-inch and 215 pounds) and seniors Dustin Hammack (6-feet-3-inches and 215 pounds), Beck Pierce (5-feet-11-inches and 203 pounds) and Blake Poynor at center (5-feet-11-inches and 180 pounds).

Coach Macauley said, "Our offensive line is quick and athletic and will try and open the holes for our running backs and give our quarterbacks time to throw."

Senior Nic Morton (6-feet-3-inches and 210 pounds) will start at quarterback for the Outlaws.

Tyler McMeekin will start at fullback and Danny Holloman, Jeff Fitter, Jhett Schafer, Jordan Weber and Nick Purvis will all see time as wide receivers.

Four players return for the Outlaws on defense: Tyler McMeekin, Brain McNerney, Danny Holloman and Jeff Fitter.

Grant Dahl (6-feet-5-inches and 200 pounds), Ryan Schneringer and Brandon O'Brien at noseguard will make up the defensive line. Andy Burke, Jeff Sampson, Tyler McMeekin, Sam Pyke and Brain McNerney will fill the spots at linebacker. Burke will also see time at quarterback.

Holloman, Fitter, Purvis, Schafer and Harry Womack will all share time as defensive backs.

Coach Macauley has been extremely happy with the work ethic his players have shown during practice. He believes the team is better now than it was all of last year. Macauley said his players worked very hard in the off-season and desperately want to make it to the playoffs.

"I feel we can be in the top three in the league and depending on how quickly we come together will determine if we can be one of the top six teams in the state," said Macauley.

On Friday, September 3, the Outlaws hosted the annual Jamboree and had a chance to play against both La Pine and Henley.

Macauley said they approached the evening as an intense practice and he felt his team played well.

"The kids really hustled, played tough and I think there will be positive things to take from the film. What was exciting was the kids identified what they could be doing better before the coaches even talked to them," said Macauley.

The Outlaws play host to Burns High School on Friday, September 10.