Outlaws football players get kudos from state

The Outlaws had seven football players selected to all-state teams. Senior Logan Schutte and junior Jacob Gurney were both standout players for the Outlaws throughout the season, and were first-team picks.

Schutte was first-team at defensive back, and also earned second-team honors at running back. Offensively, Logan rushed for over 1,000 yards and was a threat every time he touched the ball.

"Logan is an example of hard work paying off, combined with a drive to succeed," said Coach Gary Thorson. "Defensively, he was a leader from his free-safety position and was a force coming up against the run for us. Logan has good vision as a running back, and was the spearhead of a backfield that had three all-league running backs this past season."

Gurney was a first-team pick at linebacker. Jacob led the team in tackles and was a great leader by example on defense.

"Jacob is very hard-working, physical, and has become a good student of the game for us," said Thorson. "He runs very well, and has good lateral pursuit. We are excited to have him back for another season leading at the linebacker position, which was a strength for our defense this past season, and should be next fall as well."

Senior Devin Slaughter was a second-team pick at offensive line, and also earned honorable mention at defensive line.

"Devin was a force in our offense, particularly in our outside run game when he was pulling," said Thorson. "Devin loves the game, and it shows in how hard he plays on Friday nights. He has a chance to do well at the next level if he chooses to. Like several of his teammates on the all-state list, he earned this with his off-season work ethic in the weight room, and it showed in his physicality on the field."

Senior Mitch Gibney earned honorable mention at defensive line. Mitch led the team in sacks, and along with Slaughter helped terrorize teams around the league.

"I am not sure I have had a player in all my years of coaching play as hard as Mitch did, and that effort helped carry us in many of our games," said Thorson. "He became another one of our players who worked hard to improve himself in terms of assignments and technique, and that combined with his physical abilities made him a great player in our program."

Junior Tyler Head earned second-team honors at the tight end position. Head was the Outlaws' leading receiver, and caught several key touchdown passes in several games that were big plays and momentum-changers for the Outlaws.

"Tyler is a very good athlete at his position, with good speed," said Thorson. "Tyler has a knack for the big play, and has developed into a force for us, with the potential to do even bigger and better things for the Outlaws his senior season."

Senior Rory Petterson was honorable mention on the offensive line. Rory was a three-year starter for the Outlaws, and was a leader by example on and off the field.

"Rory is everything we want our players to be in the area of character and work ethic," said Thorson. "He is one of our hardest workers on the field. He was a technician at the offensive tackle position, and played a huge role in our run game. He's extremely reliable, and the leader on an offensive line that improved greatly from last season. He's very well respected by his peers and coaches for being the person he is."

Rounding out the football honors was senior Austin Cantwell, who earned honorable mention on the offensive line.

"Austin is arguably one of our most improved players from last season," said Thorson. "He made great strides as a football player for us this season. Austin is very athletic and fast, and grew into one of the best tacklers by making a commitment to excellence for us. He became one of our best linemen from a technique standpoint. He also played extremely hard for us on Friday nights. He's extremely well liked by his teammates and is going to be missed by everyone in the program."