Lacrosse team ready to take the field

Coach Bill Rexford and his lacrosse team are ready for the season to begin and are anxious for the Outlaws to reach the next level.

This year's team is tough and talented and Rexford said he couldn't have hand picked a better team. Several players have been in the program for four years and have developed skills that will allow them to excel on the field.

This year the Outlaws starting attack will consist of Nate Emberton, Ashton Sims and Marcus Gaboni.

Rexford said: "In any given year I would be thrilled to have just one player of their caliber on the team."

Backing up Emberton, Sims and Gaboni will be Nolan Titchner and Riley Gilmore, who, according to Rexford, are coachable and intelligent players.

The midfield boasts Dominic Nieri, Shawn Maurer, Lucas Rietman, Jordan Kolb, John Connolly, Danny Baldwin, Carrol Gryder and David Liming. Seniors Nieri and Maurer are athletic, fierce and physical. Rexford told The Nugget that the Outlaws will be able to attack from any position which will give their opposing defenses "fits."

Emery Meyer, Gaelon DeLeone, Slater Smith, Chad Kernutt, Billy Sampson and Nick Reuter will play defense. Rexford said these players will have to gel as a unit, but he knows they are up to the task.

Thad Anderson will anchor the team in the goal.

"Every championship team has to have a championship goalie, and we've got one," said Rexford.

Sisters has a very difficult schedule ahead. All of the Outlaws' non-league opponents were playoff teams last year, and league rivals, Bend and Summit, are much improved.

"Both Bend and Summit will be looking to avenge our sweep of them last year," said Rexford. "But I am confident that we have what it takes to meet the challenges ahead and reach our goal of winning league and making a run for the playoffs."

Rexford said: "The program is strong. We have 50 players total in both programs. We have a fantastic coaching staff with Cailen McNair, Kevin Cotner, Gary Pepperling and Cody Aldrich. We look to contribute to the culture of Sisters High School by providing a constructive experience and keeping kids involved with the school."

The Outlaws start their season with a tough game against Sheldon at home on March 14.