Outlaws drop football season opener

Rongi Yost, Correspondent | Last updated Sep 06, 2011 12:0pm0

Jerry Baldock count

Ethan Luloff sprints for the end zone.

Ethan Luloff scored on a six-yard run in the second quarter for Sisters' lone touchdown of the Outlaws football season opener on Friday. The junior running back closed Central's lead to 14-6, but that was the end of the Outlaws' scoring for the night. Sisters lost with a final score of 43-6.

Sisters threatened the Panthers early in the contest with a drive that put them inside the five-yard line on their first drive of the contest. Late in the second quarter the Outlaws drove the ball deep into their own territory but just couldn't capitalize on the opportunity.

Central blew the game wide open in the third quarter with three touchdowns for a 36-6 advantage over the Outlaws. The Panthers scored one more TD in the final period to seal the win.

The Outlaws rushed for a total of 157 total yards of offense in the first half.

Sisters' small squad (26 players) had a rough time against the Panthers squad that boasts 80 players with seemingly unlimited depth.

Coach Clyde Powell said, "Our young kids got in a lot of playing time. This was our first exposure, and I think our young kids responded well, stepped up and rose to the occasion. Hopefully, we'll be in better shape in the weeks to come and will play against teams more similar in size."

The Outlaws will be traveling to Burns on Friday, September 9, for another non-league match-up.

Veterans to lead Outlaws on gridiron

Twenty-six players are back for another season of Outlaws football, along with three transfer students; all are working hard to earn a position on the varsity

squad.

Eight experienced veteran players will provide leadership as the team seeks the Sky-Em title, including seniors Bryce Alderman; Shane Groth; Jalen Miller; Connor Morgan; Jaxon Stark; and juniors Ethan Luloff; Dexter Muller; and Mitch Keranen.

Alderman will play tight end and defensive end. Coach Clyde Powell described Alderman as a very athletic tight end with good leadership skills. Groth will lead the team at quarterback and will also play linebacker.

"Shane is tough-minded and understands his role on the team," stated Powell. "He possesses a good blend of running and passing skills and has the respect of his teammates."

Miller will play running back and linebacker. Jalen has good speed and is a tough runner who will be an offensive threat and a sparkplug for the team.

Morgan will play at the wide receiver and defensive back positions. Connor runs disciplined routes and has good speed, which will make it hard for defenders to stay with him.

Stark rounds out the senior returnees and will see time at linebacker. Jaxon is still recovering from an off-season injury but is expected to play a big role on defense.

Luloff (junior) has a passion for the game and is exceptionally quick. Ethan will play running back and defensive back for the squad.

Muller is motivated to be a good player and according to Powell has the potential to be a great blocker. He's tough in the middle of the defense and will play offensive line and linebacker.

Junior Mitch Keranen wraps up the returning veteran players. Keranen was a starter as a sophomore and will play on both sides of the ball as an offensive and defensive lineman. Powell noted that Keranen has the ability to be very good at both positions.

"All of these players have demonstrated that they not only can play, but can also provide good leadership," stated Powell.

Senior Chase Goff and juniors Cole Moore and Austin Morlin are all transfers and are expected to make an impact on the team. Several juniors are also new to the varsity squad and have made a good impression on the coaching staff, and are also expected to be major contributors.