Outlaws fall to Sherwood in tough football quarterfinal

The Outlaws came up short in a close battle with No. 1 ranked Sherwood on Friday, November 25. Sisters fell 27-21 in the quarterfinal football playoff game.

Sherwood scored the only touchdown in the first quarter to take a 7-0 lead. At the start of the second quarter Sherwood added a field goal to push their advantage to 10-0.

Sisters took possession and went on a 13-play drive that lasted seven and a half minutes. Jeff Sampson plowed in from the two yard line to score and Matt Ruettger’s PAT (point after touchdown) was good and pulled Sisters to within three at 10-7.

The defense held strong, kept Sherwood out of the end zone and got the ball back for the Outlaw offense. With just over a minute to go in the half, Cory McCaffrey ran 60 yards and had the ball stripped from him on the 10 yard line. At the half Sherwood held a 10-7 lead.

Sherwood scored a field goal at the start of the third quarter to go up 13-7.

Sisters took possession and McCaffrey ran 76 yards for the touchdown behind the blocking of Sam Pyke, Ryan Schneringer and Jakob Kleint. At the end of the third quarter Sisters had a slim 14-13 advantage.

Sherwood scored a touchdown early in the fourth quarter to go ahead with a 19-14 lead. The Bowmen failed in their attempt for a two-point conversion.

With five and a half minutes left in the game, Andy Burke threw a 45-yard touchdown pass to Nate Jackson. The play was called back on a holding penalty and the Outlaws were forced to punt.

“That moved us back,” said Coach Bob Macauley. “Points were at a premium and that would have put us ahead. Every possession was intense.”

Sherwood took possession and went on a 96-yard drive that ate up 3:40 on the clock and resulted in a touchdown which pushed the Bowmen to a 27-14 advantage.

The Outlaws got the ball back with 1:46 left in the game. Burke completed three passes to Jeff Fitter and then on fourth down from the three yard line McCaffrey ran it into the end zone to close the gap to 27-21. Unfortunately, there was only one second left on the clock and Sherwood recovered the onside kick. The loss brought Sisters’ outstanding season to a close.

Macauley told The Nugget that Sherwood’s coach was very complimentary of the Outlaws and told Macauley that Sisters was the best team they’d played all year.

McCaffrey rushed 22 times for 236 yards and two touchdowns and Jeff Sampson rushed eight times for 26 yards and a TD. Andy Burke was seven for 16 passing for 102 yards.

Nate Jackson had two catches for 43 yards and Jeff Fitter had three catches for 43 yards. Matt Ruettgers was 3-3 on his PAT attempts.

Macauley said, “The offensive line of Blake Poynor, Nick Pepperling and Trever Summers was outstanding. They opened up holes for Cory (McCaffrey), who had a fantastic night.”

Macauley told The Nugget he was proud of the way Burke led the team and noted that Fitter and Jackson did an outstanding job as receivers.

“I’m extremely proud of the toughness of the entire offense,” said Macauley.

There were several defensive stars in the game. Brian Knotts had 11 tackles and two sacks and Sam Pyke finished with 12 tackles. Todd Bell contributed eight tackles and Nick Puvis, Doug Emberton and Jeff Sampson added seven tackles each.

“I was really impressed with defensive backs Nick Purvis, Sean Foxen and Harry Womack,” said Macauley, “with Fitter leading the pack. They all played an outstanding game against great athletes.”

According to Macauley, linebackers Jeff Sampson, Sam Pyke, Tyler Davenport and Brian Knotts played as tough as he’s ever seen them play and the defensive line of Todd Bell, Grant Dahl, Ryan Schneringer and Doug Emberton played just as tough.

After all was said and done Macauley stated, “It’s not about winning and losing as much as not going to practice with these seniors on Monday. You always hope for one more game.

“I’m extremely proud of this team and how we played,” said Macauley. “We gave everything we had and didn’t leave anything on the sidelines. It was very inspiring. Every play 11 guys sprinted no matter what. The team represented our community well and we should be proud.”

Macauley thanked the community for its tremendous support throughout the season.