Outlaws tackle the Tigers on the gridiron

The Outlaws trounced the Tigers 34-10 at Junction City on Friday, October 16, and pushed their league record to 6-0.

Sisters started off strong, holding Junction City to three-plays-and-out. Mitch Gibney blocked the ensuing punt off the left edge, and Jacob Gurney recovered it and ran it down to the Tigers' 15-yard line. After a nine-yard run around the edge by Logan Schutte, Gibney finished the drive off with a six-yard sprint for the score.

The Outlaws' third possession was an eight-play drive, highlighted by a 51-yard run by Gibney off the left side. He took the pigskin another two yards and punched it across for his second TD of the night.

Sisters also got two touchdowns by Logan Schutte, one a nice 30-yard cutback run off a sweep to the right side in the second, and a four-yard plunge off the right side in the third.

Quarterback Tanner Head went three-for-four on the night passing, which included a 24-yard screen pass to his brother Tyler in the fourth quarter to finish off the Outlaws' scoring.

Junior Johnny Gurney had a big night defensively, picking off two Junction City passes. Tyler Head also had a pick in the second quarter that helped set up a score.

Sisters had big games from Jacob Gurney at linebacker, and the Outlaws' three defensive tackles, who rotated in - sophomore Brady Wessel, senior Rory Petterson, and freshman Joel Miller - were key in stopping the Tigers' inside-run game, and forcing the ball outside and into a passing mode.

Coach Gary Thorson said, "Our defensive coordinator, Neil Fendall, has done a phenomenal job with our defensive unit, and they are probably the key why we are undefeated at this point in the season."

Saba led the defense with five tackles on the night. Johnny Gurney recorded three tackles and two interceptions, and Tyler Head had three tackles and one interception. Gibney registered three sacks and one blocked punt.

Special teams were also a bright spot for the Outlaws, with Gibney's big blocked punt, and Zach Morgan, who did well for the Outlaws, both punting and on kick-offs. Saba added two PATs as well.

Logan Schutte was the Outlaws' leading rusher, with 104 yards on 15 carries. Gibney added 99 yards rushing on 14 carries.

"We continue to improve each week, and are playing very solid right now in all aspects of the game," said Thorson. "Our defensive coaches did a very good job this week in terms of preparation, and offensively I thought our offensive line had a good night overall against a defense that threw a lot at them to block. I cannot say enough about the effort this team puts out on Friday nights, and it is inspiring to watch as a coach. We have a great fan base right now, and the program appreciated them making the trip over the mountains for the game."

Sisters (6-0) is currently ranked No. 1 in the state in 4A. The Outlaws will celebrate homecoming in their game against Elmira on Friday, October 23. Kickoff is set for 7 p.m.