Outlaws battle Hawks for league win

The Outlaws played their best game of the year in their 26-20 win over LaPine at home on Friday, October 16.

Chase Kleint rushed 37 times for 391 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Outlaws to victory. In the last two games Kleint has rushed for a total of 693 yards and eight TDs.

Kleint is humble in his accomplishments, giving credit for his success to his offensive line, which includes Nathan Uttley, John Green, Andrew VanDiver, Bryce Alderman, Randon Beech, Max Stovall, Randy Ketchum and Chandler Zenich.

Sisters had several good offensive drives in the first quarter of play but were unable to get the ball in the end zone. Outlaws defense held LaPine as well, and at the end of the first quarter the score was even at 0-0.

LaPine scored at the start of the second quarter on a two-yard run. The Hawks were stopped on their two-point conversion attempt but took a 6-0 lead.

Halfway through the quarter the Outlaws drove the ball 65 yards in four plays. Kleint rushed it in from the six-yard line to score. The extra point failed, but Sisters tied it up at 6-6.

Outlaws defense controlled the Hawks' running game, which proved to be key in the win. According to Coach Bob Macauley, the six guys up front, Stovall, Alderman, Beech, Uttley, Ketchum and Rodney Warner, had their best performances of the year. They limited the Hawks spread offense to 19 total yards rushing for the night.

Macauley said, "Rodney (Warner) was our inspirational leader on the field and provided emotional leadership to the defense as well as contributing eight tackles."

Sisters got the ball back and in three minutes went 65 yards in seven plays. Jordan Rudinsky took a bubble pass, fought his way through four defenders and stretched out into the end zone to push the Outlaws into the lead. The extra point by Alex Novotny was good, and Sisters went up 13-6.

"It really was a spectacular run by Jordan," said Macauley. "The defense latched onto him, but he was able to get through and across the goal line."

At the half, Sisters held a 13-6 advantage over the Hawks.

LaPine came out in the third quarter and went into their passing game. They marched down the field with the assistance of numerous pass interference calls against the Outlaws. The Hawks scored on a two-point conversion and took a 14-13 lead.

The Hawks' lead didn't last long as Sisters went 68 yards in 13 plays on their next possession. Kleint scored from the four-yard line and the extra point by Novotny was good. The key play in the drive was when Kleint took an option pitch from quarterback Eric Carlson and went 29 yards on second and eight. The Outlaws regained the lead at 20-14.

LaPine scored once more in the third quarter when their fullback, Nate Wilson, ran it in from the two-yard line. Their two-point conversion attempt failed and the game was tied 20-20 heading into the fourth quarter.

Defensive players Brandon Morgan, Alex Novotny, Marcus Arends, Nick Saba, Jared Nelson, Jordan Hodges and Kleint did an excellent job in the fourth quarter and wore down the LaPine offense. The Outlaws limited the Hawks to 17 for 58 in passing for a total of 325 yards.

Midway through the fourth quarter, Sisters went 86 yards in five plays. Kleint rushed in from 39 yards out behind a crushing block by Andrew Johnston. The extra point failed but Sisters pushed to a 26-20 advantage.

Sisters' defense came in and took control. Jordan Hodges made a big play when he intercepted a pass and stopped a LaPine drive.

Jalen Miller came in and sparked the Outlaws in the final minutes of the game.

"Jalen came in at linebacker and terrorized the LaPine backfield with key blitzes in the final five minutes," said Macauley.

With three minutes left in the game, LaPine had possession and was attempting a pass on third and 10. Miller stepped in front of the slant pass, intercepted, and returned the ball to Sisters with 2:30 left in the contest. The Outlaws were able to run out the clock and notch the win.

Macauley told The Nugget that the stars of the game were definitely the defensive backs.

"They had an outstanding game against a talented LaPine team," said Macauley. "They were more determined and had more in the tank than the Hawks. We were better individually in our fundamentals and it really showed through in the game."

Quarterback Eric Carlson had an excellent game and went seven for 17 for 79 yards and a touchdown. Marteen Jiminez had three catches for 62 yards and Jordan Rudinsky had two catches for 14 yards and a huge TD.

On defense, Max Stovall contributed two fumble recoveries and eight tackles in three quarters. Stovall left the game in the third quarter due to injury.

Drew Johnston, on offense, had back-to-back great games.

"Drew's blocking is much improved and he's clearing a lot of people out the way for Chase (Kleint)," said Macauley.

"It was a very exciting high school game," said Macauley. "The score went back and forth and there was a lot of offense."

Sisters is currently 1-2 in league and 3-4 overall. The Outlaws will play at Marist on Friday, October 23.