Six lacrosse players earn all-league honors

The Outlaws had six players selected to all-league teams this year, including Beau Fitzke, Connor Morgan and Brennan Layne, who were first-team all-league picks.

Fitzke played at the midfield position for the Outlaws and led the team in scoring, with 33 goals on the season, and was also responsible for 23 assists.

Coach Bill Rexford said that Fitzke was the teams' go-to guy.

"Beau was our most reliable point-getter, and he raised his game against the best competition," said Rexford. "He made us all look good, and carried us through some tough times."

Goalie Brennan Layne also was a first-team selection. Rexford told The Nugget that behind every great team is a great goalie, and Layne was great for the Outlaws this year.

"Brennan's humble 'oh gosh' existence was left on the sideline this year," stated Rexford. "Next year, we will take the chains off this tiger and let him roam the field."

Morgan scored four goals and dished out four assists on the season. Rexford stated that pound for pound, Connor was as tough a kid as he's seen on the field.

"When I asked Connor if he was okay when he was limping off the field he would respond, 'I am fantastic.' Never down, always up, every team needs a Connor Morgan."

Jacob Akaka was selected second-team all-league. Akaka knocked in 23 goals for the Outlaws and recorded 15 assists for the season.

"Jacob had the senior year he dreamed of having," said Rexford. "He was a tough, big scorer for us and was a part of some beautiful goals."

Will Saunders, Sebastian Boehm and Randon Beech were honorable mention selections. Saunders scored 23 goals for Sisters and dished out 15 assists.

"Will is 130 pounds of desire," stated Rexford. "He seemed to be like a magnet for attracting the biggest defenders from the other teams. It may be that they thought they could beat up on him a little, but he was like King Kong vs. Godzilla. The more shocks he took the more energized he played."

Rexford praised Boehm and Beech for their contributions to the team.

"Sebastian is a great athlete and competitor and was a leader on game day," said Rexford. "More importantly, he was a leader during practice. He coached younger players through example and encouragement.

"Randon was our spiritual leader and attitude keeper of the team," added Rexford. "He kept us happy, made us laugh, and was our vocal leader on defense. If mistakes were made by the team, Randon focused us on the next play. He was always steady, and played his best against two of the toughest teams (Roseburg and Canby)."

At the end of the season Coach Rexford gives out the Steven Connolly Award to one very special player. This year Wyatt Gladden was Rexford's choice.

Rexford explained, "The Steven Connolly Award is given to the player who is an exemplary display of 'self on the shelf' and makes those around him better by investing himself in their well being."

The Outlaws played well above their season expectations, and coaches and players alike are already looking forward to next year.

"I want next spring to come right now," said Rexford. "Next year, the bar is set a little higher and the Outlaws get a chance to show they are ready for the next challenge. We'll miss our seniors, who were great players and fine people, but boy, do we have a lot coming up through the program!

"Aside from Randon Beech, the entire Outlaws defense will be back, and we were good this last year. Connor Morgan, Colton Cooper, Jacob Biber and Porter Ford are all back, and we have the brain trust of John Henry Johnson and Isaiah Weiland ready to contribute," added Rexford.

Sisters returns everyone back to midfield, with the exception of Michael Williams. The Outlaws missed Chris Smoot this year due to injury, but he will back next year for a great senior season, along with teammates Beau Fitzke, Sebastian Boehm, Gabe Reitmann, DJ Little, Mitch Keranen and Josh Ward.

On attack, the Outlaws will lose Jacob Akaka, but Scott Nelson and Will Saunders will most likely be joined by Garrett Trahern, Crew Corrigan and Zack Valoppi.