Outlaws fall to Sweet Home

The Outlaws football team put forth a tremendous effort and had a chance at the end, but just were not able to pull off a victory over Sweet Home (SH) at Reed Stadium on Friday night. Sisters lost 27-20 to the Huskies in a very exciting high school football game.

Sweet Home, a big, physical team, controlled the game the entire first half. Coach Bob Macauley said that the Outlaws' defense was lethargic, especially in the second quarter, and the offense didn't get going until the second quarter.

The Outlaws found themselves down 17-0 midway through the second quarter, but Erik Carlson turned things around and got the Outlaws back on track.

The Outlaws went on an 11-play drive that covered 68 yards. Key plays in the drive came from Carlson and John Green. Carlson ran an option for 39 yards behind the blocking of Mitch Keranen, Hayden Wester and Green. Later in the drive, on third and sixth on the 15- yard line, Sisters got a crucial third down 10-yard reception from Green. Carlson capped the drive with a five-yard run for the touchdown behind great blocks from Sam Calarco and Nate Zavala.

Marteen Jiminez got the PAT and Sisters closed the Huskie lead to 17-7.

Sisters got the ball back near the end of the half deep in their own territory and were forced to punt. Sweet Home ran a quick four-play drive that resulted in a touchdown as the clock expired. At the half the Huskies held a 24-7 advantage.

The second half saw good Outlaws defense and an offense that started to move the ball.

Sweet Home continued to pound the ball in the running game. The Huskies went on a drive that ate six minutes off the clock which resulted in a field goal and SH extending their lead to 27-7.

The Outlaws were able to mount a late-third-quarter drive that covered 50 yards. The drive culminated with a Carlson 10- yard TD pass to Green on third and goal.

Sweet Home controlled the ball in the fourth quarter with time-consuming runs. Sisters got the ball back with four minutes left on the clock. Carlson connected with Jiminez on an 18-yard pass, followed by Marcus Arends who hauled in one for 29 yards. Jordan Hodges caught a 23-yard pass for the touchdown and Jiminez was good on the PAT. Sisters was able to cover 70 yards in four plays and closed the Huskie lead to 27-20 with two minutes left on the clock.

Sisters tried an onside kick, recovered it and had a chance to win. On the ensuing play two Sisters receivers broke open deep and Carlson started to throw. The Outlaw was hit and the ball came up short and resulted in an interception.

The Outlaws held Sweet Home on three runs but then were called for a penalty and the Huskies took a knee to run out the clock. Sisters lost their opportunity for a playoff spot and their season came to an end.

Carlson finished his high school career with a great performance. Erik completed 11/21 passes for 146 yards and two touchdowns and rushed for 84 yards and a TD.

Jiminez did an excellent job of blocking for the Outlaws and caught two crucial passes for 43 yards.

Macauley noted he was especially pleased with the performance of Ethan Luloff, a 135-lb. sophomore running back, who had 13 carries for 27 yards.

The defense held SH to just three points in the second half. Sterling (Ryan), Marteen (Jiminez) Erik (Carlson) and Shane (Groth) all had stand- out games on defense. Sisters' defensive backs (Marcus Arends, Jordan Hodges, Eric Mickel) were great and didn't allow SH to complete many passes.

Emotions ran high as the team realized their season had come to an end.

"When you've faced as much adversity as we have this year, especially with injuries, how the team responds is directly related to your senior leadership," Macauley said. These seniors were always positive, and that speaks highly of their character and I'm very proud of them."