Outlaws advance to first round of state playoffs

The Outlaws crushed Klamath Union 42-6 at home in Sisters on Friday, October 28, and will advance to the first round of the state playoffs. Sisters will take on the Rangers at Estacada on Friday, November 4 at 7 p.m.

Junior Christopher Luz had four catches for 125 yards and three touchdowns to lead the Outlaws to the big victory in the 4A play-in game against Klamath Union. On Sisters' first possession, Tanner Head hit Luz with a 33-yard TD pass to get Sisters on the scoreboard. Head hit the mark again in the second quarter with a 60-yard TD pass to Luz, which gave the Outlaws a 14-0 lead.

Johnny Gurney scored on a four-yard run and Head hit Luz with a 16-yard pass to push Sisters to a 28-0 advantage at the half.

The Outlaws continued to steamroll over the Pelicans in the second half. Gurney rushed for a 12-yard touchdown and then caught an eight-yard TD pass from Head in the third quarter to stretch the Outlaws lead to 42-0.

Klamath Union scored their lone touchdown in the final quarter of play.

Tanner Head was fantastic at quarterback for the Outlaws. Head completed six of eight passes for 172 yards and four touchdowns. Jake Stevens was the leading ground-gainer, and on 16 carries accrued 162 yards. Johnny Gurney added 85 yards on 11 carries.

Sisters amassed over 400 yards of total offense, led by an offensive line which controlled the line of scrimmage all night long, and had one of its best outings to date. Seniors Jacob Gurney, Kade Owen, and Jake Welch, juniors Brady Wessel, Jaden Condel, and Casey Warburton, along with sophomore Joel Miller, led a pounding run-game, which was able to cause damage and helped sustain several long drives. Ryan Cook and Tyler Head were also a big part of the success, and blocked well from their halfback and tight-end spots.

The defense did give up some yards in the first half, but found a way to keep the Pelicans off the scoreboard until the very last play of the game.

Coach Gary Thorson said, "We gradually were able to take them out of their run game, and our secondary played well once we got them in this position and came away with a few interceptions, which helped our cause." (Luz had an interception in the second quarter and Will Miner had an interception in the fourth.)

Sky-Em Defensive Player of the Year Jacob Gurney led the defense with seven tackles, four assists and a sack. The Outlaws got good help on the run defensively from Brady Wessel and Joel Miller, who both recorded a sack.

Ben Saba handled the kicking duties on special teams for the Outlaws and hit all six of his PATs.

Thorson said, "This was by far one of the best games in terms of an execution standpoint, especially on the offensive side of the ball. I believe the kids are growing weekly in their comfort level with what we are trying to do in that area, and are playing pretty solid football in all three aspects of the game. They have been focused, and have worked very hard to get themselves in this position, and I believe we can still continue to improve every week, even at this point of the season."