Outlaws have high expectations for football season

The Outlaws football team returns eight starters on both sides of the ball, including seniors Hudson Beckwith, Kolbi Cotner, and Garrett Sager, and juniors Kalvin Parker, Jozua Miller, and Ethan Eby. In addition, most of the special teams players also return for another year.

Coach Gary Thorson said, “As is the case every season, staying healthy will be key for us, but this team has some fight in them and have learned how to battle through adversity. Senior leadership is critical on every team, especially at the high school level, and we have had a big chunk of that group put a lot of time into the program this summer and have led the charge thus far.”

Over half of the team are seniors, including Beckwith, Cotner, Kale Gardner, Antonio Guzman, Kale Mock, Dawson Roberson, Sager, Joe Souza, Landen Scott, Wyatt Shockley and Cade Lindsey.

Beckwith is a returning Honorable Mention running back and starting corner. Thorson says he’s a great leader both on and off the field.

Cotner is a returning second team defensive back. Thorson noted that Cotner is one of the hardest workers and most dedicated players on the roster. He added that Cotner will see time at running back, and be a big weapon on special teams.

Sager is a team leader and team player and is projected to start at linebacker. He’s making a full-time move to offensive tackle from tight end where he played last year.

Gardner is one of the Outlaws’ best athletes. He’s a returning defensive back, and had a great year last year on special teams. He is competing for the starting position at tight end. Guzman started last year at guard, and Thorson noted that he is a fearless competitor that the players love and respect.

Mock is a gifted runner and will see time at running back. Thorson stated that he has great vision and is also a threat as a receiver out of the backfield as well. Roberson is a returning second team defensive back. Thorson noted that he is an explosive athlete who made big plays last year on special teams, and is a threat every time he gets his hands on the ball.

Scott returns as a second-team wide receiver. He’s a fantastic route-runner and has great hands. Thorson noted he’s a multi-sport athlete who has an incredible practice work ethic, and pushes everyone on the field.

Souza was injured in preseason last year, and missed the entire season. He has bounced back well, and is competing for time at running back and at defensive back. He’s expected to be a huge asset on special teams.

Shockley primarily played JV last year, but is competing for starting time this season on both sides of the ball on the defensive and offensive lines. Lindsey will provide depth to the Outlaw’s squad at both offensive tackle and defensive end positions.

Juniors include Ethan Eby, Jozua Miller, Kalvin Parker, Reid Woodson, Trent Gordon, and Hunter Bronson.

Eby returns as a first team linebacker and honorable mention running back. Thorson stated that he is the most physical player in the lineup, and a very hard worker both on the field and in the weight room.

Parker is a returning first team center and defensive end. Thorson noted that Kalvin has the potential to be one of the best linemen they have had in recent years at Sisters.

Miller is a very physical player on both sides of the ball. He’s projected to start on the defensive and offensive line. He also has a great practice work ethic and is a leader by example.

Woodson had a great season last year and was a first team selection at both kicker and punter. Thorson stated that he will be a huge weapon for the Outlaws in special teams. He is also competing for the starting position at tight end and defensive back.

Bronson returns as the starting quarterback, and has a great understanding of the Outlaws’ offense and the game.

Gordon played well for the Outlaws last year at the JV level as quarterback and is competing for the varsity level quarterback this year. Thorson mentioned that Gordon is athletic and has a very strong arm. He will see time at the defensive end position.

Four sophomores round out the roster and include Spencer Davis, Tabor Garcia, Weston Davidson, and Broderick Womack.

Davis saw significant varsity playing time last year as a freshman and is projected to be a two-way starter this season. Thorson noted that he has a great work ethic and made great gains in the offseason in the weight room.

Garcia stood out at the JV level last year and had a great offseason in terms of preparation. He will see time at linebacker, offensive line, and special teams this year at the varsity level.

Davidson missed all of last season with an off-the-field injury, but will contribute this season on the offensive and defensive lines. Thorson noted he is a gifted athlete and has good technique on the line. Womack is playing football for the first time this year, but according to Thorson, has shown promise on both sides of the ball.

Thorson made sure to mention Erick Beckwith, Dave deSmet, Jacob deSmet, Jim Gurney, Eli Gurney, Hayden Hudson, and Joe Gordon who are all assistant coaches. He stated that they are a great group of coaches and a pleasure to work with.