Outlaws earn win over Bulldogs

Sisters earned a 21-19 win in their first encounter with new league rivals the Sutherlin Bulldogs at home on Friday, September 26.

The Outlaws scored right off the bat on a 76-yard kick-off return by Logan Schutte, and Josh Andrade followed with a kick through the uprights for the PAT.

"We have been close to breaking one several times this year, and the return team did a great job opening it up for Logan," said Coach Gary Thorson.

Sisters scored again on a 12-yard run by Schutte around the right side on a well-executed play, and Josh Andrade's kick for the PAT was good. At the close of the first quarter the Outlaws held a 14-0 lead over the visiting Bulldogs.

The Outlaws' third score came early in the second quarter. Chance Halley broke off a 55-yard run on a misdirection play, and Andrade got the PAT. Sutherlin also scored a touchdown in the quarter, and at the half Sisters held a 21-13 advantage.

Sutherlin scored their final TD with just over four minutes left in the fourth quarter. Sisters' defense was able to stop Sutherlin's two-point conversion attempt. The clock ran down and the Outlaws recorded the win.

"This was the second time this season the defense did this and helped secure a win," said Thorson. "It was once again an impressive show of courage and desire at a crucial time."

Schutte was the Outlaws' leading rusher with 92 yards. Mitch Gibney added 88 yards on 14 carries.

Jacob Gurney led the defense with six tackles and three assists. Lane Gladden and Gibney each recorded five tackles.

Andrade had a big interception in the second quarter, which put a halt to a Sutherlin drive.

Thorson noted that Will Duff did a great job with his kicking and punting duties, and the special teams did a great job in helping the Outlaws with field position most of the night.

Gladden told The Nugget that watching the film from last week's tough loss was a big incentive to work even harder.

"We saw all the mistakes we'd made last week when we watched the film, and that was a big help," said Gladden. "And, a hard week of practice really made us want to come out strong. As individuals, we were pretty coachable, and we executed our jobs fairly well. But we still have a ways to go."

Thorson told The Nugget that the Outlaws continue to work hard, and it is paying off for the program. The team battled the flu-bug this past week, and a few players missed practice. That fact was a big concern for the coaching staff heading into the game with Sutherlin, but the team held it together, and according to Thorson, took another good step ahead as a program.

"As a team, we still continue to make mistakes, but we are making less, and we are seeing the players become more and more comfortable in their roles each week," said Thorson.

Sisters will play at Cottage Grove on Friday, October 3.