Outlaws celebrate big win on homecoming night

The Outlaws enjoyed a beautiful, crisp fall evening for their homecoming football game, and their senior night ceremony. Before kickoff, Sisters’ 11 seniors were honored for their contributions to the football program.

Seniors Gabe Bailey, Ben Cooper, Brody Duey, Hayden Kunz, Adam Maddox-Castle, Easton Moore, Jessey Murillo, Henry Rard, Mason Sellers, Patrick Silva, and Hudson Symonds were all met by their families on the football field in front of a big Outlaws crowd.

Coach Clayton Hall said, “These seniors have put their hearts and souls into this program for the past four years, despite dealing with much adversity from COVID, difficult seasons of football, and a couple coaching changes. Over the past year and a half these seniors have bought into what we have been doing in the weight room, the Linfield Team Camp, our summer program, and on the football field. Their hard work and dedication is beginning to pay off and they are changing the culture of Outlaws football.

“While their story is still being written on the gridiron, we are going to miss this group of seniors,” said Hall. “I have truly enjoyed coaching these young men because of their work ethic, their desire to improve each week, and their coachability. These seniors have turned into a family through battling together on the football field, intense practices, team dinners, and post-game locker-room celebrations.”

After the seniors had been honored, the team headed to the locker room for a short break and then were escorted onto the field by horses and riders from the Sisters High Equestrian team. It was a special entrance for what proved to be a fine homecoming night for the Outlaws, as they defeated the Billies 31-7.

Sisters struck first on a beautiful 23-yard touchdown pass to Kayle Mock with a little over two minutes left in the first quarter. The TD was set up by a great defensive stand and fumble recovery by Ben Cooper. Later in the quarter, junior corner Justin DeSmet intercepted the Billies quarterback, which left the score at 7-0 at the close of the period.

At the start of the second quarter, Sisters fumbled and Pleasant Hill got the ball. The Outlaws’ defense made a great stop and took possession. They marched down the field, and after an 18-yard screen to DeSmet put the ball on the two-yard line, Tony Gonzalez scored with just over three minutes left in the half.

The Billies didn’t cave in, but put together a drive of their own and scored with 20 seconds left on the clock. At the half the Outlaws were on top 14-7.

Sisters started the third quarter with the ball and put together a seven-play drive. Moore made a 15-yard completion to Kayle Mock and a 38-yard reception to Maddox-Castle, and the drive was capped by a six-yard TD run from Gonzalez making it a 21-7 game.

On the ensuing kickoff, the Billies tried to run a reverse, but the Outlaws snuffed it out when Hudson Beckwith forced a fumble that was recovered by Ben Cooper. Sisters got back to work at the 13-yard line, but were only able to produce a 27-yard field goal by Duey that went straight through the uprights. Sisters pushed to a 24-7 advantage.

The Outlaws’ defense held strong in the final quarter, and the offense scored their final TD of the night. DeSmet busted through the Billies’ defense for a 56-yard touchdown run, and took Sisters to a 31-7 lead with just under three minutes left on the clock.

On Pleasant Hill’s next possession, Beckwith intercepted a pass from the Billies’ quarterback and secured the win.

Sisters finished the night with 353 total offensive yards. On defense, Cooper, Murillo, Rard, and Gonzalez tallied five tackles each, and DeSmet had three tackles and one interception.

Hall said, “I thought our defense played great once again. We came away with three fumble recoveries and two interceptions. Each week our boys are rising to the occasion, flying around on defense, and having fun, and this is what you want to see as a coach.”

Hall added, “Justin (DeSmet) had another great week running the football. Adam (Maddox-Castle) had a couple great catches, Easton (Moore) had some great throws, and Tony (Gonzalez) was able to find the end zone down in the red zone. Our offensive line is progressing each week, and are doing a great job protecting our quarterback and opening holes for our running backs. I was also pleased with our kicking game. Brody (Duey) went four-for-four with PATs and hit a 27-yard field goal during the game. It is great having a reliable kicker that we can turn to to put points on the board.”

The Outlaws are now 3-1 in league and 5-2 overall. This upcoming week will be a big challenge for the Outlaws as they travel to Siuslaw, who is also 3-1 in league and 5-2 overall. The game will have major playoff implications, but Hall told The Nugget his boys are hungry, and up for the challenge. The game is scheduled for Friday, October 21, with kickoff at 7 p.m.