Outlaws snatch win in final minute against Burns

Sisters edged out Burns 19-13 last Friday night, with a touchdown that came in the final minute of play.

The Outlaws had a rough start, and at the end of the first quarter trailed 0-7. They turned it around in the second quarter, buckled down and scored twice, with both touchdowns by Tony Gonzalez, the first on a three-yard run and the second on a one-yard run. Burns also managed to get a TD and teams entered the half with the score knotted up 13-13.

Neither team scored in the third quarter, and the score remained tied until the final minute of the game.

With just 22 seconds left on the clock, Hunter Bronson threw a 37-yard touchdown pass to Landen Scott, and the home crowd went wild. They jumped to their feet with shouts and cheers. Sisters then recovered the onside kick to seal the victory.

Tony Gonzales finished the night with 23 carries for 84 yards and two TDs. Justin DeSmet had 23 carries for 64 yards. Landon Scott had two catches for 51 yards and one TD, and DeSmet had two catches for 34 yards.

DeSmet led the team with five tackles, Spencer Davis recorded four, and Garret Sager had three. Reid Woodson, Kolbi Cotner, Dawson Roberson, Kale Mock, Kody Cassano, Scott Henderson, and Kalvin Parker pitched in with two tackles each.

Several players had to play out of position due to injury and various other reasons. Garrett Sager made a move to tackle from his tight end position and did a good job, as did first-year player Finn Stancliff who started at center. Jayden Vogt and Jozua also had great moments for the Outlaws on the line.

Coach Gary Thorson noted running backs Tony Gonzalez and Justin DeSmet for their solid play and stated they ran the ball hard.

Hunter Bronson made his first start as quarterback and completed some crucial throws and did a great job leading the offense. Landen Scott made his debut at wide receiver and had several key catches, including the game-winning catch for the final TD.

Thorson said, "Defensively, we had great play from our two free safeties, Justin DeSmet and Spencer Davis, with DeSmet leading the team in tackles for the night with five and Davis second. DeSmet forced a key fumble to halt a Burns drive late in the third quarter. Kolbi Cotner also had a good night on the defensive side of the ball and blocked a PAT for us in the second quarter."

Thorson added, "Reid Woodson, who handles all our kicking duties, showed great promise in that role and recovered his own squib kick in a crazy moment at the end of the game to help seal the win for Sisters."

Of the team's performance, Thorson noted, "We were very pleased at the effort and fight the players showed in this ball game. We are very young and overall an inexperienced team and that showed at times. But, the upside of this team is tremendous. We will improve each and every week and it will be a fun ride throughout the season as we watch this team grow."

The Outlaws will host Madras on Friday, September 8. Military veterans from both Sisters and Madras will be honored at a ceremony just prior to kickoff. All veterans will receive free admission.