The Nugget Newspaper - News and Opinion from Sisters, Oregon

Sisters defense kept Banks down. Photo by Steve Post

The Sisters football team overcame a rash of turnovers to beat Banks 33-12 in a first-round playoff game Saturday, November 9.

The game, played in a cold rain before a less-than-full house, was closer than the score indicated.

"We didn't play as sharp as we can," Coach Bob Macauley said. "We won the game, and that's a good thing. The kids gave a good effort, sometimes too much. That's where some of our turnovers came from -- things like second effort.

"To give up five turnovers in a state playoff game and still win is unusual."

Banks, which was eliminated last year in the playoffs by Sisters, came out strong.

"They had a good drive," said Macauley. "We had to get used to their size. They have one player who is 6-feet-5-inches and weighs 260 pounds, and another who goes 6-feet-4-inches and 275 pounds."

The Braves took the opening kickoff, and utilizing their power running game, drove 65 yards for a score. The drive was capped by a 24-yard scoring toss.

Scott Kramer blocked the extra point, leaving Banks with a 6-0 lead.

Sisters answered right back on their first possession with a 65-yard drive of their own. Quarterback Pat Burke completed a pass to Seth Teague, who broke a tackle and sprinted down the left sideline for a 44-yard score. Alan Dale's kick gave Sisters a 7-6 lead.

The Outlaw defense contained Banks, and the offense moved the ball throughout the first half. But turnovers and penalties kept the score down. Burke had one pass picked off. On Sisters' next possession, a touchdown was called back as the Outlaws were called for holding. Burke threw his second interception on the next play. Another drive stalled when Teague coughed up the ball and fumbled deep in enemy territory.

"Our offensive line was really hurting," said Coach Macauley. "We lost first team all-league center Josh Kelleher in the first half, and Conner Burke was already hurt."

A sparkling punt return by Teague put the Outlaws in business at the Banks 35-yard line. Because of the depleted offensive line, Burke was getting heavy pressure whenever he dropped back to pass. Displaying versatility and toughness, the offense went with the ground attack. Burke finished the drive with a six-yard keeper around right end, and Sisters led at the half, 14-6.

The Outlaws took the second half kickoff and kept moving the ball on the ground. Burke finished the 65-yard drive with a nine-yard TD pass to Chris Wimer, and Sisters seemed to have the game under control at 20-6.

The defense continued to keep the Banks ground attack from getting untracked.

"We had great play from our defensive linemen. Matt Hodge, Scott Kramer, and until he got injured, Josh Kelleher, all played very tough," said Macauley.

But a second fumble (the fourth Sisters turnover of the game to that point) set the Braves up at midfield, and they took advantage with a 49-yard touchdown pass. The two-point conversion attempt was stuffed, but Banks had pulled to within 20-12.

With two minutes left in the game, and faced with a third down and 23 yards to go for a first, the Outlaws looked like they would give the ball back to Banks. But Burke pulled a rabbit out of his hat and surprised everyone by hitting Juwan Davis with a 61-yard bomb to ice the win.

The Braves had one last possession, but Burke -- playing inside linebacker as well as quarterback -- returned an interception 32 yards for a touchdown to account for the final 33-12 margin of victory.

For the day, Burke was 7 for 16 passing for 160 yards and three touchdowns, with two interceptions. The Outlaws rushed for a total of 198 yards, with Seth Teague gaining 155 yards on 19 carries. Teague also caught two passes for 56 yards and one TD and intercepted a pass while playing in the defensive backfield.

"We had a great team effort," Macauley said. "Ryan Harper led the team with 12 tackles, but Nathan Powell and Andy Macauley had 11 tackles each, and Ian McAlister had 10 tackles and one interception. Our defensive backs made a lot of stops."

It was the sixth consecutive state playoff appearance for the Outlaws. They reached the state semifinals last year. If they are to continue their run this year, they have to get past The Dalles. The Indians are on a roll, having won six in a row. The game will held on Saturday, November 16 at The Dalles.