Outlaws sting Hornets in playoff victory

Behind the powerhouse running of Cory McCaffrey and Jeff Sampson and the sticky hands of receiver Nate Jackson, the Outlaws swarmed over the Henley Hornets for a 43-12 victory in the second round of the state playoffs at home on Friday, November 17.

Jeff Sampson opened the scoring for the Outlaws early in the first quarter with a four-yard touchdown (TD) run to put Sisters up 6-0. Sampson scored again on a six-yard run on Sisters' next possession. Josh Marr kicked the extra point, and the Outlaws extended their lead 13-6 to end the first quarter scoring.

Midway through the second quarter, Nate Jackson ran a 15-yard reverse for a touchdown. Marr's kick was good, and the Outlaws pushed to a 20-6 lead.

Sisters' defense continued to play tough. Carroll Gryder intercepted the ball on the 30-yard line with 43 seconds remaining in the second quarter.

The Outlaws took possession, and in 30 seconds quarterback Jarred Hasskamp led Sisters down the field. Hasskamp completed four of five passes in the drive, culminating in a a 10-yard toss to Jackson that put the Outlaws within Marr's range.

With 12 seconds left in the half, Marr kicked a 27-yard field goal to push the Outlaws to a 23-0 advantage.

Sisters kicked off with eight seconds left on the clock. Henley ran an 80-yard return to score their first TD of the game, as the clock ticked down to zero. At the half the Outlaws held a 23-6 lead.

Hasskamp connected on a 3-yard TD pass to Jackson at the beginning of the third quarter. Marr put the point-after attempt through the uprights, and Sisters went up 30-6.

The Hornets answered back with a good drive of their own midway through the third, scored a TD and narrowed the Outlaw lead to 30-12.

The Outlaws took possession and after one play fumbled the ball. Henley recovered the ball on their own 35-yard line, but Sisters' defense continued their dominance and shut down the Hornet drive.

The Outlaws offense took over. Hasskamp threw a 21-yard strike to Jackson for the TD. The TD was Jackson's third for the night and put the game out of the Hornets' reach at 36-12 and brought an end to the third quarter.

With six minutes left in the game, Cory McCaffrey scored on a 22-yard run. Marr kicked the extra point to close out the scoring at 43-12.

The Outlaws' defense was exceptional, especially the play of Jeff Sampson and Dominique Nieri. The defense held Henley to 26 yards rushing all night and held them to a total of 160 yards for the night.

Coach Bob Macauley noted the play of Carroll Gryder who played tough and contributed the entire game in all three areas: offense; defense; and special teams. Gryder blocked both of Henley's extra point attempts and had an interception.

"It was a great defensive effort," said Macauley. "They only gave up six points the entire night."

Offensively, several players recorded their best games of the year. Quarterback Jarred Hasskamp had his best game of the year going 11 for 14 for 198 yards and two touchdown passes. Nate Jackson also had his best performance with nine receptions for 138 yards and three TDs.

Jeff Sampson carried the ball 13 times for 102 yards and two touchdowns.

Cory McCaffrey rushed 30 times for 257 yards which leaves him just 123 yards short of the all-time state record.

The Outlaws victory pushed them into the quarterfinals of the state playoffs.

Sisters will host Gladstone at home on Friday, November 24, at 7 p.m.

Of Gladstone, Macauley said, "They lost a lot of games early on and aren't even ranked. But, they're on a roll and playing their best football all year. They're big and powerful, and it should be a good game."

Macauley told The Nugget that the Outlaws will be working specifically on special teams in covering punts and kick-off returns.