Jake McAllister: Three-time Player of the Year

For the third straight year, Jake McAllister is the Sky-Em Player of the Year. He was also named first-team all-league for the third year in a row.

Nine of his teammates, including Evan Rickards, Justin Harrer, Colton Mannhalter, Jardon Weems, Gabe Willitts, Jadon Bachtold, Ron Kilian and Connor Schaab also earned top recognition from the Sky-Em coaches.

McAllister, a senior, is the Outlaws' all-time leading scorer with 61 career goals and 24 assists to his name. In league this year, he accrued 31 goals and six assists.

"Jake has an amazing nose for scoring goals and often does so in situations that seem impossible," said Coach Rob Jensen. "Jake plays big in games and always rises to the occasion. His numbers are ridiculous and would put him in the running for Player of the Year in the state if we do a good job. He has tremendous amounts of energy and skill, coupled with athleticism and size. He scores goals from everywhere, and his ball skills are elite. I have yet to see a 4A player match him."

Rickards, Harrer, Mannhalter and O'Hern were all first-team all-league picks.

Rickards (senior) was selected first-team all-league for the second consecutive year. He put in 11 goals and dished out 15 assists for the Outlaws during league play.

"Evan had his biggest year yet," said Jensen. "His career stats land him as one of the all-time assist leaders with 24 career assists and 29 total goals. He is a leader and force on the outside. This year he has dramatically improved his ability to create assists for others. He also finishes very well."

Harrer (junior) scored 14 goals for the Outlaws and tallied four assists from a defensive position.

"Justin had a breakout year offensively," said Jensen. "He wins the ball in the air very well and has improved his ability to score from the outside as well. He's just a tremendous athlete all around."

Mannhalter (sophomore) controlled the midfield all year long for the Outlaws and knocked in six goals and recorded a team-high 17 assists.

"Colton makes everyone around him better and creates flow in our team," said Jensen. "Along with Evan's (Rickards) 15 assists, Colton's 17 assists have driven our offense. He also does a great job defensively shutting down angles and giving nothing easy to our opponents."

O'Hern (senior) has been solid all year long for the Outlaws at keeper. He recorded 29 saves during league play and only gave up three goals against 4A competition. Highlights of the season for Keenan include 14 saves vs. Summit and 10 shutouts.

"Keenan assumed the role of keeper this year due to the need of the team," said Jensen. "He is a really solid field player and helps us everywhere on the pitch. His leadership and voice have really tied together one of the most dominant defenses in the state."

Second-team all-league selections were senior Jardon Weems, junior Gabe Willitts, and sophomore Jadon Bachtold.

Weems decided to play soccer last year and has worked very hard. This year he scored two goals and recorded two assists during league play.

"Jardon's soccer skills have grown exponentially in the last two years," said Jensen. "He went from being an athlete to a soccer player this year and even shoots PKs for us. I am continually impressed with his dedication, attitude and skill on the field."

Willits plays in the center for the Outlaws and works well with his teammates to stop shots on goal. Gabe scored two goals and tallied one assist in league.

"Gabe has grown tremendously as an athlete, leader and player this season," said Jensen. "He has become more vocal and physical and really ties in our defensive unit. Gabe and Jardon both stole votes from each other in the voting process and are the best defenders in the league, hands-down. We only allowed 14 shots on goal in league play (10 games) and only a couple of them were difficult for Keenan to handle. Most of the time the attacking team was stifled outside their attacking third and we resumed offensively."

Bachtold doubled up with Colton Mannhalter to create a tenacious center midfield. Jadon finished with seven goals and four assists.

"Jadon started and finished many plays for us, creating one-two combinations and playing the ball around the field," said Jensen. "He improved his physicality and skills over the off-season and has helped our team chemistry tremendously."

Ron Kilian (senior) and Connor Schaab (junior) were honorable mention. Kilian, a foreign exchange student from Germany, scored two goals and recorded five assists, and Schaab finished with six goals and two assists.

Of the duo, Jensen said, "Ron has provided a spirited competitor and athletic presence on the pitch. He tirelessly pursues the ball and makes impressive plays. He fits seamlessly with the team. Connor worked hard this year and battled many injuries. His highlights include a hat trick against Junction City. His attitude and work ethic have been fantastic, and he creates many opportunities for other players."

Coach Rob Jensen was named Coach of the Year along with Brian Fish of Cottage Grove. This marked the fourth consecutive year Jensen has received the award.

"It is an honor to be selected as one of the coaches of the year," said Jensen. "It shows a respect from my peers and has a lot to do with the culture of our program."