Football win secures play-in game

The Outlaws took care of business at home with a 43-28 victory over Sweet Home on Friday, October 21. Prior to the game the Outlaws recognized and honored their 11 seniors, which included Tucker Brink, Ryan Cook, Minam Cravens, Johnny and Jacob Gurney, Tanner and Tyler Head, Will Miner, Kade Owen, Ben Saba and Jake Welch.

Christopher Luz had a big night with 192 yards and three touchdowns on five receptions in Sisters' win over the Huskies.

Minam Cravens kicked a 23-yard field goal in the first quarter to open the scoring for the Outlaws when their opening drive stalled deep in Sweet Home's territory.

The Huskies put together a 15-play drive that chewed up the majority of the second quarter. Sisters answered right back with a long drive that was capped by a one-yard rushing TD off the left side. Cravens' kick gave the Outlaws their 10th point.

Sweet Home scored again on a breakdown in the Outlaws' secondary and the Huskies regained the lead. Later in the period, Jacob Stevens scored on a nice 25-yard run, but the PAT was blocked to make it 16-12 for the Outlaws at the half.

Sisters came out in the second half with fierce determination and dominated play. Scoring plays included a 55-yard punt return for a touchdown by Luz on a well-executed punt return, a 79 and a 23-yard touchdown pass from Tanner Head to Luz, and a seven-yard run by Jacob Gurney.

Jacob Gurney played well for the Outlaws in a new position at defensive end, and Will Miner had a nice interception on a punt-fake on a fourth down. Gurney led all tacklers with five tackles and three assists.

Tanner Head threw three TD passes and was nine-for-14 passing with 212 yards.

Coach Gary Thorson said, "We did some very good things at times, but turnovers (six) haunted us again this week. If we don't fix that issue quick, as well as being better out of the gate, our post-season will not last very long.

"We got some great special-teams' play, in particular the punt return unit, who blocked well for Luz all night and helped us win the field-position battle. While we have come a long way since the start of the year, I still believe this team can continue to improve and we can be dangerous if we stay healthy and take care of the ball better. Our offensive line is playing very well as a unit, and I believe our passing game is developing nicely as well."

The win secured a home game in the play-in round, which will be held on Friday, October 28. The Outlaws will play Klamath Union.