Outlaws take down the Cottage Grove Lions

The Outlaws racked up 423 rushing yards on their way to a 28-21 Sky-Em win over Cottage Grove (CG) on Friday, October 9.

Sisters scored two touchdowns in the first quarter: the first off a 13-yard Mitch Gibney run, and the second off a 48-yard Logan Schutte run. Jadon Bachtold kicked it through the uprights on both occasions for the PAT.

Cottage Grove also scored in the first quarter, and at the close of the period the Outlaws held a 14-7 lead.

In the second quarter, the Outlaws tacked on another TD on a 43-yard Schutte run. The PAT failed. The Lions added seven to their score, and at the half Sisters held a 20-14 advantage.

Sisters extended their lead in the third quarter when Chance Halley scored on a 16-yard run. Schutte ran it in for a two-point conversion, and at the close of the third, Sisters held a 28-14 lead.

Cottage Grove narrowed the deficit to seven after a touchdown with less than 30 seconds left on the clock. The Outlaws recovered the ensuing onside kick attempt, and ran out the clock to secure the win.

Gibney was the Outlaws' leading rusher with 174 yards and a TD. Schutte added 126 rushing yards and two TDs, and Chance Halley ran for 123 yards and a touchdown.

Zach Morgan, Ben Saba, and Schutte teamed up for arguably the most exciting play of the night, in which Morgan hit Saba on a short eight-yard pass, and Saba lateralled the ball to Schutte, who raced up the sideline in a perfectly executed play by the offensive unit.

Defensive line and linebacker play continued to be a strong point for the Outlaws. Gibney had another great game from his defensive-end position. Johnny Gurney had an interception, and was in on a handful of tackles.

Tyler Head was asked to do a lot defensively for the Outlaws, and as the game progressed, he settled in and played well from his safety position.

Coach Gary Thorson commented on the downside of the Outlaws' performance: Numerous penalties.

"Penalties continue to be our No. 1 enemy, and we are killing ourselves with them, especially on offense," said Thorson. "That is a problem that needs to be addressed, and we will get it corrected in practice. We have been very good on defense and special teams all season long, but we need to be more consistent on the offensive side of the ball. If we take care of that issue, I think we will be in good shape."

The No. 4-ranked and undefeated Outlaws (5-0) will play at Junction City (4-2) on Friday, October 16, to determine the Sky-Em Championship. Kickoff time is set for 7 p.m.