Splitting The Uprights With Ryan Minch

Sanders, Davis re-sign

2010-09-17T09:12:00.000-06:00

Billings Outlaws head coach, Heron O'Neal, is pleased to annoucne that offensive linemen Charlie Sanders and Gerald Davis have re-signed with the back-to-back IFL champion Outlaws for 2011.
Sanders, who spent most of the season at center, will be expected to anchor the offensive line in 2011.

"Charlie was one of the top centers in the IFL last season", said Outlaws head coach Heron O'Neal. "He tremendously strong and quick."
Davis, who played with Sanders at Valdosta State, will also play a huge role in protecting the Outlaws 2011 quarterback.

"Gerald is a true student of the game," added O'Neal. "When you combine that with his long arms and speed, he's tough to control."

The 2011 season starts in February, and the Outlaws schedule is expected to be released within the next couple of months.

OUTLAWS RE-SIGN FOUR FOR 2011

2010-09-09T14:23:00.002-06:00

The Billings Outlaws are extremely excited to announce the re-signing of four key players who helped the Outlaws to back-to-back United Bowl championships.

Kadafi Tunsil, a defensive back from Delaware State, has recorded 164.5 tackles and nine interceptions in three seasons with the Outlaws.

Also returning to the Outlaws is big-play threat, James Walton.

In two highly-productive season with the Outlaws, Walton has hauled in a remarkable 68 touchdown catches while racking up 1,981 yards on 154 catches.

Joining Walton at wide-out, will be Carroll College product Travis Browne.

Browne spent much of the 2010 season battling through injuries, playing in just six games all season, before becoming a critical part of the Outlaws championship season, contributing nicely on special teams.

Also returning for his third season is versatile running back/kick returner Tim Brown.

In two seasons with Billings, the former Temple Owl running back has amassed 3,524 all-purpose yards, finding the end zone 42 times.

Where will he land???

2010-09-06T16:52:00.000-06:00

While we won't know for quite sometime (my bet is in the AFL with the expansion San Jose squad) where back-to-back United Bowl MVP, Chris Dixon, will be playing football during the 2011 season, it's a fairly safe bet he won't return to the Billings Outlaws.

Dixon's agent, Steven Dolan, who I spoke to last Thursday said he would "be quite surprised if Chris returned" to Billings next season.

We are talking with every team in the Arena Football League right now," Dolan said. "He has a lot of options of where to play and who to play with."

While all indications are leaning toward Dixon moving on to the AFL next season, there are more than a handful of places I could see the IFL's most dominant quarterback land within the league.

San Jose would be the leading contender in my opinion for the lone fact they are so close to his home town
of Oakland, but it's hard for me to believe Dixon would go somewhere a championship would not be possible in his first season.

Here is a look at potential landing spots for Dixon

(and in no particular order)...

Billings -- Well the reason here is obvious.

Omaha -- Has an established wide reciever core with Luke McCardle, Javon Bell, Maurice Avery. Also, Ben Sankey at the helm could provide some competition but i believe Dixon would beat him out for the starting job.

Wichita -- Signing with the Wild gives Dixon an immediate chance to win a championship with reciever Clinton Solomon and running back Darius Fudge providing balance on the offensive side of the ball. Again the Wild have an established quarterback in Dixie Wooten. (Both would serve as valuable and competent back ups, but neither would accept the role).

Tri-Cities -- Personally I know just how much Dixon loves the city and state of Washington, he played semi-pro ball in Everett. However, the Fever have resigned Houston Lillard and would not be smart to put him on the bench for a year or two with the risk of losing him to another IFL team. Fever starts Ray Little and Thyron Lewis are also represented by Dolan and according to the agent "would love to play with Chris."

Wyoming Cavalry -- Four hours from Billings, the Cavalry would offer Dixon a chance to remain close to hischildren and would be an immediate upgrade at the position ahead of Cavalry veteran Matt Strand, who has led the team to three consecutive title game losses.

Chicago Slaughter -- While this is a longshot, Dixon has family in the Chicago area and a big time market would be inviting for the MVP signal-caller that has questions at the quarterback position.

Sioux Falls Storm -- Personally don't think this is a viable option for the 2011 season as the Storm have resigned Terrance Bryant and as long as Kurtiss Riggs is at the helm, Bryant is his guy. However, Sioux Falls is another option for Dixon to remain close to family and friends in Billings and his foundation, CDFK.

Wenatchee -- While not officially in the league yet, Wenatchee will likey move to the IFL from the AIFA in 2011, possibly allowing Dixon to team up with former high school rival, reciever Phil Goodman, in Washington.

Fresno -- Again, another team not in the league yet but has been rumored to be joining for 2011, would allow Dixon to play less than 200 miles from is childhood home in Oakland and in front of his parents and oldest son, 10 year old Chrishon.

Stay tuned...

Where will Dixon play next season?

2010-09-06T16:29:00.014-06:00

Dixon's agent, Steven Dolan, who I spoke to last Thursday said he would "be quite surprised if Chris returned" to Billings next season.

We are talking with every team in the Arena Football League right now," Dolan said. "He has a lot of options of where to play and who to play with."

While all indications are leaning toward Dixon moving on to the AFL next season, there are more than a handful of places I could see the IFL's most dominant quarterback land within the league.

San Jose would be the leading contender in my opinion for the lone fact they are so close to his home town of Oakland, but it's hard for me to believe Dixon would go somewhere a championship would not be

possible in his first season.

Here is a look at potential landing spots for Dixon

(and in no particular order)...

Billings -- Well the reason here is obvious.

Omaha -- Has an established wide reciever core with Luke McCardle, Javon Bell, Maurice Avery. Also, Ben Sankey at the helm could provide some competition but i believe Dixon would beat him out for the starting job.

Wichita -- Signing with the Wild gives Dixon an immediate chance to win a championship with reciever Clinton Solomon and running back Darius Fudge providing balance on the offensive side of the ball. Again the Wild have an established quarterback in Dixie Wooten. (Both would serve as valuable and competent back ups, but neither would accept the role).

Tri-Cities -- Personally I know just how much Dixon loves the city and state of Washington, he played semi-pro ball in Everett. However, the Fever have resigned Houston Lillard and would not be smart to put him on the bench for a year or two with the risk of losing him to another IFL team. Fever starts Ray Little and Thyron Lewis are also represented by Dolan and according to the agent "would love to play with Chris."

Wyoming Cavalry -- Four hours from Billings, the Cavalry would offer Dixon a chance to remain close to hischildren and would be an immediate upgrade at the position ahead of Cavalry veteran Matt Strand, who has led the team to three consecutive title game losses.

Chicago Slaughter -- While this is a longshot, Dixon has family in the Chicago area and a big time market would be inviting for the MVP signal-caller that has questions at the quarterback position.

Sioux Falls Storm -- Personally don't think this is a viable option for the 2011 season as the Storm have resigned Terrance Bryant and as long as Kurtiss Riggs is at the helm, Bryant is his guy. However, Sioux Falls is another option for Dixon to remain close to family and friends in Billings and his foundation, CDFK.

Wenatchee -- While not officially in the league yet, Wenatchee will likey move to the IFL from the AIFA in 2011, possibly allowing Dixon to team up with former high school rival, reciever Phil Goodman, in Washington.

Fresno -- Again, another team not in the league yet but has been rumored to be joining for 2011, would allow Dixon to play less than 200 miles from is childhood home in Oakland and in front of his parents and oldest son, 10 year old Chrishon.

Stay tuned...

Dixon set's timeline for "Decision '11"

2010-09-01T16:52:00.000-06:00

Chris Dixon puts players in position during the 2010 IFL playoffs

BILLINGS -- Sources close to Chris Dixon say that the two-time defending United Bowl MVP has set October 16th as the day he will announce what league he will be playing in during the 2011 season.

According to the source, who spoke on the condition of anonymity Wednesday afternoon, Dixon has told them he will either play in the IFL, where he has led the Billings Outlaws to back-to-back league titles where he was named the title game MVP both times, or move up to play in the Arena Football League.

Dixon has also been offered coaching jobs in various leagues and is even considering retirement, according to the source.

As many fans know, the IFL's rules and regulations are currently geared toward developing players to be successful in upper outdoor leagues (CFL, UFL, NFL) while the AFL's rules and regulations make it tougher for players to make the adjustments to the IFL -- let alone higher outdoor leagues-- more difficult.

With the IFL league meetings in Chicago just a week away, and a rule change that would institute a tight-end on the docket -- it was approved last year but not instituted after several teams voiced displeasure in how it was voted on -- that would make the IFL and AFL more comparable, The 28-year old Dixon's decision may come down to one thing.

National exposure.

The AFL currently has a national tv deal with the NFL Network that televises a "game of the week" and the entire playoffs, something the Indoor Football League does not have.

So what will his decision be?

The journey begins now.

(for updates on "Decision '11", follow Dixon on twitter at cdixonmvp5 or myself at Ryan_Minch)

Outlaws and Storm locked in battle at the half

2010-07-17T20:27:00.000-06:00

BILLINGS, MONT -- After thirty minutes of play in the 2010 United Bowl, the Billings Outlaws and Sioux Falls Storm are virtually tied, with the Outlaws holding a one-point advantage, 28-27.

Outlaw quarterback Chris Dixon has completed 11 of 14 passes for 104 yards and one touchdown. He has thrown two interceptions, the first after his pass deflected off of Charlie Sanders helmet and the second on the second to last play of the first half.

Storm quarterback, Terrance Bryant, has eight of nine passes for 96 yards and a touchdown. Bryant has not thrown an interception, but has two fumbles, both leading to Outlaw touchdowns.

After the Storm dominated the first quarter time of possession battle, (11:00 for the Storm and 4:00 for the Outlaws) the Outlaws took turned the tables in the second quarter racking up 108 yards in the quarter compared to the Storm's 50.

2010 United Bowl to be on-line only

2010-07-13T20:53:00.000-06:00

League Announces United Bowl will be on-line only

Just over four days away from the biggest game in the Indoor Football League's two-year history, they have announced that the 2010 United Bowl will not be aired on live national television, contradicting season long reports from the league office that the "biggest game in indoor football" would be televised nation-wide in millions of homes.

In a press release issued late Tuesday afternoon, the league office cites says the SportsPlex is unable to accommodate a TV broadcast.

Here is an excerpt from that press release:

"Earning their way to the United Bowl, Billings had hoped to play the championship game in front of not only their fans, but a national television audience. However, due to technical and other issues related to their alternate game site, the event will not be broadcast on television.

The silver lining in all of this for football fans nationally will be the game can instead be viewed free online at b2tv.com and can be accessed by visiting goifl.com and clicking the B2 logo. Fans everywhere can now enjoy the title game between the Sioux Falls Storm and Billings Outlaws live on Saturday, July 17^th at 7:00 PM."

What "technical and other issues" are there that result in the cancellation of nationally televising the championship game between these two rivals but don't have any bearing on a broadcast over the internet?

There are no "technical" issues at the SportsPlex, which has been evidenced by three flawless broadcasts in three playoff games at the facility.

Is the SportsPlex the ideal venue you want to showcase the "Premier league in indoor football"?

No its not, but with a little bit of effort from the league and their broadcast team the country would have been understanding considering the circumstances and ultimately may have been even more impressed that a team in the IFL can overcome a tornado tearing apart their arena six days before the playoffs began.

According to league commissioner Tommy Benizio Billings showed "great resiliency and fortitude...to provide and alternate venue for the games."

To bad the nation won't see it that way.

Dixon to ponder future following United Bowl

2010-07-13T10:58:00.005-06:00

Saturday night's United Bowl could be the final game for signal-caller in Outlaws uniform

After six season in an Outlaw uniform, it may be time for one of the greatest indoor football players of all time to move on.

Outlaws quarterback Chris Dixon confirmed to me late Monday night that their is a possibility he will be playing for a new team next season.

"It's time to see what else is out there for me," said the two-time MVP. "I love the city of Billings and the fans. They have been extremely wonderful to me and nothing but supportive of my career here."

Dixon, who has been a staple in the Outlaws community on and off the field since being traded to Billings in 2005, said it's definitely not about money or anything personal.

"We can only make about $200 a game in the IFL, so that's definitely not the reason for this," he added. "Sometimes as a person you have to see if their is a better situation for yourself to be in."

While confirming he will become a "free agent" (the IFL operates on one-year contracts as it is), Dixon reiterated he hasn't made a decision yet this morning on a local radio show.

"This doesn't mean that I am leaving or I am not leaving," he told Jason Harris, the host of Hot 101.9's Big J Show. "I will make my decision over the next few weeks and announce it at that time, likely at a Mighty Might Football League game."

The MMFL is a full-contact youth football league for 8 and 9 year olds set up by Dixon in 2008 and will continue to operate uninterrupted.

"I will still run the MMFL," Dixon said Monday night. "Billings is my home and I will be living here in the offseason no matter what decision I make."

Dixon added that their is no problems with the organization or the off-field issues the team has encountered over the past eight months will factor into his decision.

"There is absolutely no problems with ownership, coach (Heron) O'Neal or my teammates, in fact they have been very supportive of this decision." Dixon said.

Dixon has thrown 373 touchdown passes in his career, including 80 this season which ties a career high he set during last seasons championship run.

"I definitely don't want our fans to think I am not focused on winning this championship on Saturday," he said. "That is my number one priority right now, but I am going to enjoy this week too."

Billings plays host to the Sioux Falls Storm on Saturday night at 7 p.m. for the right to hoist the United Bowl trophy.

Outlaws advance to second-straight United Bowl

2010-07-10T22:08:00.000-06:00

BILLINGS, MONT. -- The Billings Outlaws advanced to their second consecutive United Bowl with their 53-42 Intense Conference Championship game victory over the Arkansas Diamonds on Saturday night in front of a sold out and raucous crowd at the Billings SportsPlex Saturday night.

Chris Dixon threw eight touchdown passes -- four of which went to Mr. Saturday Night, James Walton. Dixon completed 19 of 25 passes for 191yards and threw just one interception.

The Diamonds, who brought the league's top defense into the conference title game, allowed 34 first half points which was three more than the team from North Little Rock, Arkansas was allowing per game.

Diamonds quarterback Brian Jones completed 19 of 39 passes for four touchdowns, however last weeks offensive player of the week was picked off three times.

Jovan Jackson recorded two interceptions, while Michael Eby recorded one.

Billings host their second straight United Bowl and third in five years, next Saturday at 7 p.m. against the Sioux Falls Storm.

The teams have met twice this season, with both winning in their home arenas.

Outlaws up 34-20 at the half

2010-07-10T20:37:00.000-06:00

BILLINGS -- Chris Dixon and James Walton have hooked up four times in the first half of tonight's Intense Conference Championship game, as the Outlaws have built up a 14 point halftime margin in front of a sold-out Billings SportsPlex crowd, 34-20, over the Arkansas Diamonds.

Dixon has completed 11 of 16 passes for 124 yards and five touchdowns, with Walton being on the receiving end of four those and Carl Sims hauling in the other.

The Outlaw defense has intercepted Diamonds quarterback and last weeks IFL offensive player of the week, Brian Jones, twice while getting constant pressure on him.

Michael Eby and Jovan Jackson both have interceptions for the Outlaw defense.

Arkansas, who came into tonight's game with the league's top defense has already allowed over their season average in points and struggled with crowd noise early and often.

Arkansas has been whistled for 6 false start penalties in the first half.

Second half action is just minutes away!!! Go OUTLAWS!

SATURDAY'S PLAYOFF ROUNDUP

2010-06-26T22:51:00.000-06:00

2010 Indoor Football League Playoffs

First Round
Saturday’s results

Sioux Falls Storm 42, Omaha Beef 23
In Sioux Falls, SD…The Beef couldn’t overcome a three turnover effort from the Indoor Football League’s Offen-sive Player of the Year, as Sioux Falls scored 35 second half points in their first-round win over Omaha on Saturday.

Sioux Falls (12-3) running back, James Jones, ran for 55 yards on 13 carries and scored twice, replacing an injured Sean Treasure.

Storm quarterback Terrance Bryant completed just 9-of-15 pass for 76 yards and one touchdown, but did not throw an interception, while Omaha’s Ben Sankey, who was named the IFL’s top offensive player of the year on Wednesday, completed 20-of-37 passes for 237 yards and two scores but was intercepted three times.

Omaha has lost six consecutive first-round playoff games dating back 2005.

It was the Central West Division Champion’s third win of the season over Omaha, who finish the season 9-6.

Chicago Slaughter 46, Green Bay Blizzard 39
In LaCrosse, WI…The Chicago Slaughter pulled off the first upset of the 2010 Indoor Football League playoffs, scoring in the games final seconds and knocking off the United Conference’s North Division Champion, Green Bay, 46-39 at the Resch Center in Green Bay on Saturday night.

Moments after a safety brought the Blizzard to a 39-39 tie, Slaughter defensive back, Sam Smith, returned an inter-ception 11 yards for giving Chicago a 46-39 lead with one second left.

Slaughter running back, Jarrett Payton, ran for 54 yards on ten carries and receiver Reggie Gray caught six passes for 114 yards and three touchdowns in the win.

Randy Bell rushed for 64 yards for the Blizzard in the loss.

Green Bay ends the season 10-5, while Chicago improved to 7-8 and will likely travel to face the conference’s top seed, Richmond in the second-round pending the outcome of the Revolutions first-round game on Monday.

Wichita Wild 61, Bloomington Extreme 48
In Wichita, Kansas…Wichita scored on five of six second half possessions, knocking off rival Bloomington, 61-48 in the first round of thee Indoor Football League playoffs on Saturday night in Wichita.

Wild quarterback, Dixie Wooten, threw two touchdown passes, both to Clinton Solomon, and ran for four more while running back Darius Fudge amassed 144 yards of offense and three touchdowns as the Wild improved to 10-5 on the season.

Fudge ran for 90 yards and three touchdowns, while catching 6 passes for 54 yards out of the backfield. Solomon added 78 yards on four receptions.
Bloomington finishes the season at 9-6.

Arkansas Diamonds 44, Corpus Christi Hammerheads 29
In North Little Rock, Arkansas…The Diamonds scored 21 points in the fourth quarter to pull away from a resilient Corpus Christi team, 44-29, in the first-round of the Indoor Football League playoffs on Saturday night at the Verizon Wireless Center in North Little Rock, Arkansas.

Although they led 21-14 at halftime, The Hammerheads couldn’t cash in on three first-half fumbles committed by the Lonestar East division champion Diamonds. Corpus Christi was held to just 95 total yards, while Arkansas totaled 200 yards of offense.

Arkansas improved to 12-3 and advances to the second-round of the IFL playoffs, while Corpus Christi ends the season, 6-9.

Outlaws to remain home for playoffs

2010-06-22T21:59:00.001-06:00

OUTLAWS PLAYOFF GAMES TO BE HELD AT THE SPORTSPLEX

The Billings Outlaws have announced that their 2010 home playoff games will be played at the Billings Outlaws SportsPlex.

The announcement was made at a Tuesday morning press conference just a few feet away from where Sunday's first-round Indoor Football League Playoff game against the Tri-Cities Fever will be played at 3 p.m.

"Over the last 48 hours we have been doing everything in our power to keep the home games that we earned right here in Billings." second-year Outlaws General Manager Adam Steadman told reporters and fans. "It's going to be an enormous task and I am confident we can field an incredible product."

Steadman also added that the league has offered their complete support in the Outlaws effort to keep the games in Billings.

"The league has been tremendous," he said. "We have been in contact with the Commissioner literally since an hour after this happened."

The SportsPlex, which is where the Outlaws practice daily and home to many youth football and soccer leagues, doesn't feature fixed seating and requires bleachers to be brought in from out-of-state.

"Originally, we thought we were going to have to ship them out of Maine," said Steadman. "But we found a company in Las Vegas so that will cut down on the delivery time."

The Outlaws are currently working with city fire and health officials and local businesses in an effort to accommodate a large crowd.

"The food and beverages our fans are used to seeing at our games at the Metra will be here on Sunday," added Steadman. "We will have some tents set up outside in the parking lot with some vendors that are working with us."

While much of the transformation will talk place outside the playing surface, some changes will need to be made to accommodate the field which features full-length walls in the end zone.

A crew is expected to begin painting yard lines and numbers on the field Tuesday afternoon, while goal posts and play clocks need to be installed as well.

"The only real difference is going to be the turf," said Outlaws Head Coach, Heron O'Neal. "It is more of an outdoor style turf so you can't wear the turf shoes we normally wear at Metra."

Parking will be provided by local businesses. Sam's Club and Amend Park have agreed to let fans park in their lots, while the YMCA will shuttle fans from Sam's Club.

Tickets are on sale now on a first come, first served basis for $28.00 general admission and $38.00 VIP and are available at the Billings Outlaws SportsPlex at 5000 Southgate Drive or by calling Hayley Heser at 839-9080, ext. 201. A limited quanity of tickets will also be available online at www.billingsoutlaws.com.

Outlaws run home winning streak to 19 games

2010-06-20T00:24:00.000-06:00

Outlaws improve to 12-2; Clinch home-field advantage through Conference Finals

Billings, Mont. -- Billings Outlaws quarterback and league MVP candidate, Chris Dixon, threw for a season-high 259 yards, while the Outlaws defense regained their big-play ability with a pair of touchdowns, as the 2010 Pacific Division champions stretched their home winning streak to 19 games with an impressive 68-40 win over Pacific Division rival Tri-Cities on Saturday night at MetraPark.

Dixon, who completed all nine of his first quarter passes for 111 yards, found receivers James Walton (5 yards), DeAngelo Woodie (9) and Carl Simms (17) as the defending IFL Champions jumped out to a 27-7 lead after the games first fifteen minutes.

After finding Walton and Woodie on back-to-back possessions, defensive end Mike Bazemore brought the vocal crowd of 3,783 to their feet after returning a fumble by rookie Fever quarterback Houston Lillard 16 yards for a touchdown to give his team a 20-0 lead just under eight minutes into the game.

Tri-Cities, who came into Saturday night boasting the leagues third-ranked offense, was held to just 18 first quarter yards.

Since Lillard took over the starting job after Andy Collins was injured in the first half of Tri-Cities 70-47 loss to the Outlaws on April 24th, he had thrown 25 touchdowns and just two interceptions but was intercepted three times while under constant pressure.

Jovan Jackson had a pair of interceptions, while Travonti Johnson returned Lillard's second pass of the third quarter 37 yards for his second touchdown in as many weeks.
Antuan Bloom and Carl Simms led a balanced passing attack, combining for 12 catches, 163 yards and three touchdowns. James Walton added a touchdown and 75 yards while Woodie caught three pass for 15 yards and two touchdowns.

Tim Brown added a pair of rushing touchdowns before leaving the game midway through the fourth quarter with an apparent ankle injury.

Dixon, who finishes the season tied with Omaha quarterback Ben Sankey in touchdown passes with 63, completed his final 11 passes of the night as he strengthened his case to win his third MVP in as many years.

Kelly Rouse led the Outlaws defense with 9.5 tackles and 1.5 sacks while Mike Bazemore added three sacks.

Lillard finished 20-for-33 for 182 yards and four touchdowns for the Fever, who will return to Billings on June 27th for the first round of the IFL playoffs.

The win closed out the Outlaws second consecutive unbeaten regular season at home and clinched home-field advantage though out the Intense Conference playoffs.

Don't forget to purchase your 2010 Indoor Football League Playoff tickets at the MetraPark Box Office or by calling 256-2400.

OUTLAWS HOSTING STORM TONIGHT!!!!

2010-06-12T15:14:00.000-06:00

OUTLAWS HOST STORM IN POSSIBLE PLAYOFF PREVIEW

Billings, Mont. -- The Billings Outlaws-Sioux Falls Storm rivalry heats up once again tonight at 7 p.m. at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark in a criticial interconference showdown for playoff seeding.

Both teams come into tonights game with identical 10-2 records and have already clinched their repesctive division championships, but will be looking to inch closer to securing home-field advantage throughout the playoffs with a win tonight.

The Storm hold a 14-7 overall edge in the all-time series but Billings has won three of the last four meetings including a 70-35 thrashing last June at Rimrock Auto Arena. Sioux Falls won the lone meeting this season, 37-31, in Sioux Falls on March 22.

"We will have much of the same game-plan we did when we went down there," said Outlaws head coach Heron O'Neal after Friday afternoons walk-through. "We had a good game plan but just didn't execute and that's what you have to do against those guys."

In the first meeting of the season, Outlaws quarterback Chris Dixon was held to just over 90 yards passing while throwing three interceptions.

"It's tough to win on the road when you turn the ball over," added O'Neal. "But I am extremely confident he will have a big game (tonight)."

Kickoff is slated for 7:05 p.m. and fans can pick up their tickets at the Metra Park Box Office all day on Saturday.

Dixon continues to shine on and off the field

2010-06-05T22:18:00.001-06:00

Outlaws signal caller continues to put up big numbers on and off the field

*** Editors Note: with an average performance in the cancelled May 23rd game against the Wild, Dixon would now have a total of 58 touchdown passes, just one less than he had through the first 12 games last season***

With just two weeks remaining in the regular season for the Billings Outlaws, two-time reining league MVP quarterback Chris Dixon is second in the league, behind Richmond quarterback Bryan Randall (54) with 52 touchdowns passes -- not far off last year's pace when he threw for 69 scores during a 14-game regular season.

This season however, Dixon and the Outlaws have been shorted a game and will only have 13 "official" games to compile stats in an attempt to rank among the league leaders.

The Outlaws May 23rd game in Anchorage against the Alaska Wild resulted in a forfeit win for the 10-2 Outlaws after the Wild decided they could not cover the Outlaws travel costs, something league rules require the Alaska teams to do.

In three career games against the Anchorage-based team, Dixon has throw 18 touchdown passes --including a seven touchdown performance in week seven earlier this season -- while completing 54-of-64 passes for 602 yards.

Dixon won IFL offensive player of the week for his performance against the Colorado Ice in week six, but it's the award he received off the field that left a bigger impact on the two-time indoor champion.

Dixon was named the Breakfast Exchange Clubs 2010 Golden Deeds Winner early last month for his work in the community.

"It's nice to lead the league in those categories and stuff," Dixon said recently. "But ultimately it boils down to being a winner on and off the field."

Not only has the 6-0, 195 pound quarterback put up big numbers on the field this season but he is also the founder of the Chris Dixon Foundation for Kids and the Mighty Mite Football League, which he established during the summer of 2007 to provide young kids with a role model, something Chris lacked at times growing up in Oakland.

The purpose of CDFK and MMFL is to provide children in the Billings area with a positive place to go and to look up to as they become older.

"I started CDFK wanting to be a role model in the community, and trying to provide young kids with the same opportunities I had," Dixon told the Billings Gazette in a June 2009n story. "It has turned into a true foundation...bigger than anything I could have imagined. We've done Christmas dinners and gifts, and Thanksgiving dinners, just a lot of stuff to make kids who don't have a lot smile."

Growing up in California, Dixon lived in areas plagued with gangs and drugs and also battled an up-and-down relationship with his father, before his parents divorced when Chris was seven.

"My dad was heavy into drugs when I was young, which was real hard on me, I always wanted to be with him and around him," Dixon said of his relationship with his dad.

While making Billings his permanent home since joining the Outlaws, Dixon who is father to two boys, Chrishon and Donivan, has worked as a youth counselor, transported students from the Lincoln Center during the school and now works at the Billings Sportsplex and gets many youngsters showing up in his office each day.

"I meet with a lot of kids at the Sportsplex. A lot of them come here and just ask, 'Hey Chris, can I talk to you, I need some advice' and stuff like that," Dixon said with his familiar smile. "I just want them to know that I have experienced a lot of the same things they have and I am more than happy to help them."

No matter what the postseason awards say, Dixon will always be this communities MVP.

Outlaws Clinch Division With Win Over Kent, 53-47

2010-05-31T14:26:00.000-06:00

KENT, Wash. — Tim Brown scored three touchdowns and Fred Holmes recovered a critical onside kick as the Billings Outlaws held off the Kent Predators 53-47 to clinch the Indoor Football League’s Pacific North Division title Saturday night at the ShoWare Center.

Brown, who was suffering from flu-like symptoms for much of the week, tallied 81 yards on 16 touches, scoring twice on the ground and catching one touchdown pass from four yards out.

“The way Tim played tonight was incredible,” said Outlaws coach Heron O’Neal. “There is no way he should have played tonight based on the way he felt all week.”

Billings trailed 28-26 at halftime before taking the lead for good just under three minutes into the third quarter on a 16-yard scoring strike from Chris Dixon to James Walton.

“We made some good adjustments at halftime,” said O’Neal, whose defense allowed just 19 second-half points. “Fred and Bobby both played great at linebacker for us tonight in the absence of (linebacker) Kelly (Rouse).”

The play of the game came when Holmes recovered an onside kick by former Montana Tech kicker Dan Kleckner with less than 20 seconds remaining to ice the win.

“I saw the ball bouncing around and just tried to fall on it,” said Holmes. “I fell on it and next thing I knew there was about 15 other guys on top of me … it didn’t feel good, but getting the win feels great.”

Dixon completed 15 of 22 passes for 131 yards and five touchdowns to regain the league lead in TD passes with 52.

Billings (10-2) now has a bye week before hosting Sioux Falls (10-2) on Saturday, June 12.

“It’s nice to clinch the division this soon, but we can’t focus on that too much,” said a smiling Brown. “We have Sioux Falls coming into town in a couple weeks and we aren’t going to let off the gas one bit.”

Outlaws in battle at the half against Predators

2010-05-29T22:01:00.000-06:00

Well thirty minutes into tonights key Pacific Division battle at the ShoWare Center and nothing has been decided just yet...

Thanks to an abundance of first-half penalties and a trio of touchdowns being called back due to those penalties, the Billings Outlaws trail Kent 28-26.

At the half, Chris Dixon has completed 10-of-14 passes for 83 yards and two scores while Tim Brown has scored two touchdowns to lead an Outlaws offense that has moved the ball at ease against the Predators, amassing 150 total yards in the first 30 minutes.

Defensively for the Outlaws, Jervonte Jackson have been able to get into the Predators backfield with ease but have been unable to bring Mr. Charles McCullum to the turf often enough to do any damage.

Bazemore Looking To Regain Sack Lead

2010-05-28T21:18:00.002-06:00

Bazemore, Outlaws to battle league leader in sacks on Saturday night

For the last two-plus seasons, Billing Outlaws defensive end Mike Bazemore has made a living by throwing opposing quarterbacks to the turf.

And ten "official" games into the 2010 season, he ranks second in the most recognized category for defensive lineman with nine sacks, which is just one behind John Fields of tomorrow nights opponent, the Kent Predators.

"I don't really view it as a personal battle," said Bazemore from his Kent hotel room on Friday night. "I just am doing whatever I can to help the team win another championship. It just happens that for linemen, sacks is the thing that stands out."

In the two meetings with the Predators this season, Bazemore has 5.5 sacks while Fields has been unable to get to Outlaws quarterback Chris Dixon.

With 6.5 sacks to his credit in 2008 and 13 more last season, the former Michigan State product, is well on his way to leading his team in sacks for the third consecutive season -- one of the lone bright spots on a defensive unit that ranks near the middle of the 24 team IFL.

OUTLAWS "D" COMES UP SHORT AGAIN

2010-05-23T14:25:00.002-06:00

Outlaws Squander Opportunities In Bizarre Loss To Fairbanks

With just under 20 seconds left in last night's back-and-forth divisional battle at the Carlson Center in Fairbanks, Alaska, the Billings Outlaws were poised to clinch their second consecutive Pacific Division crown and continue their march towards earning home-field advantage throughout the 2010 IFL Playoffs.

With one time out remaining and the game tied at 47, the Outlaws could have taken a knee and called their final timeout with just enough time left for a extra-point length field goal attempt from Garrett Palmer.

However, Outlaws head coach Heron O'Neal opted for the touchdown, and Tim Brown scored from one yard out to give the Outlaws a 54-47 lead with 18 seconds left.

"I knew we could get the touchdown with the play we called so it wasn't even an option (kicking the field goal)," said Outlaws head coach Heron O'Neal on Sunday, during the teams seven-hour layover in Anchorage. "I would make that same decision every time. If we don't get a face mask penalty -- which we did do -- on the kickoff we probably get out of there with a win."

But three defensive penalties and a successful two-point conversion later, the defending IFL champions and their fans were left pondering the teams highly unexpected second loss of the season.

Justin Rummell and Lonnie Sanders hooked up twice with no time left on the clock following a defensive holding penalty nullified Michael Eby's interception in the endzone.

"We didn't play well (last night) period," said O'Neal. "I am not going to sit here and blame the refs. Penalties are a part of the game and there was questionable calls on both teams all game."

While its easy for the fans watching the game on the B2 Network -- including myself -- to place the majority of the blame on the officials, missed opportunities at the end of the first half and in the middle of the fourth quarter proved to be game-changers in a game the Outlaws needed to win in their quest for home-field advantage.

Leading 33-31 with five seconds remaining in the first half, and the Outlaws facing a third and two from the five-yard line, O'Neal opted to go for the touchdown rather than kick a field goal.

"We had the right play called," said O'Neal of the decision. "We knew what coverage they were in and it was wide open, we just were unable to execute."

As Outlaws quarterback Chris Dixon rolled to his left, the ball slipped out of his hand as he began his throwing motion. The Outlaws recovered the fumble but the first half expired with the Outlaws lead still at two.

After scoring on their first two possessions of the second half, Billings appeared to be taking control of the game with DeAngelo Woodie and Tim Brown touchdowns giving them a 47-37 lead with the ball.

On first down from the Grizzlies 15 -- just one play after converting a 3-and-14 with an 18 yard run from Brown -- Dixon threw his only interception of the game as he slightly under threw Brown and was picked off by Fairbanks' Daudi White.

"Those two plays were certainly game changers...not the reason we lost but they didn't help," said O'Neal. "We had a couple of chances to put them away but were unable to get it done."

Dixon completed 19-of-25 pass for 6 touchdowns. DeAngelo Woodie caught three scoring strikes, while Antuan Bloom caught two and James Walton hauled in one score. Tim Brown tallied 54 yards on the ground on ten carries.

Overall the Billings offense did everything they needed to to bring a win back to Billings, but as the case has been for most of the 2010 season the defensive unit again struggled to make plays down the stretch and has nowhere near the level of confidence in each other they had a year ago.

Outlaws To Sport Blue Jerseys For First Time Since 2004

2010-05-08T14:49:00.009-06:00

It's been 399 weeks (a little over seven years to be exact) and 105 games since the Billings Outlaws have taken the field in anything but their traditional black home uniforms.

That will change tonight, as the Outlaws will suit up in a royal blue alternate jersey (photos here) for the first time since a 66-29 season-opening win over the Lincoln Capitols.

So why the long wait?

"We actually tried to do it in 2007 but the uniform company sent the wrong cut of jersey's," said Outlaws co-ower Wally Yovetich on Friday afternoon as the final sponsor and leauge logos were being sewn on. "The guys tried them on before the game and it just didn't look good so we just ended up selling them in the team store and had to wear our traditional blacks that night."

In that 2004 season opener, then-Outlaws running back Verna Owens ran for just 17 yards on nine carries but managed to find the enzone for a record -- that still stands -- five times while the Outlaws displayed a Detroit Lionsesque silver and blue combo.

Billings' quarterback Danny Ragsdale threw for 228 yards and three touchdowns on 23 of 35 passing. He completed passes to five different receivers, while Bryan Meier caught a game-high 11 passes for 93 yards and a score for the Outlaws.

While the alternate jersey is somewhat of a new thing for the Outlaws, other teams around the leauge have sported specialty jerseys including a pair of rival teams.

In 2007, the Sioux Falls Storm wore a red jersey top with blue lettering and "Sioux Falls" across the chest in the regular season finale against the Outlaws, instead of here.

However, they did wear their traditional jersey a month later when they defeated the Outlaws in the Western Conference Semifinals of the UIF playoffs.

(pictured above is Sioux Falls Storm quarterback Terrance Bryant signing autographs prior the auctioning of his jersey in 2007).

In 2008 and 2009, the Sioux City Bandits closed out the regular season against with an alternate jersey.

The 2008 season finale featured a red, black and white camoflauge jersey, while the 2009 edition kept their traditional black body, but featured pink shoulder striping and socks.

So Outlaw fans, what specialty uniforms would YOU like to see the Outlaws show off on an occasional basis?

Dixon earns Breakfast Exchange Club honor

2010-05-07T22:22:00.006-06:00

MVP Signal-Caller Named Golden Deeds Winner At This Morning's Meeting

The Breakfast Exchange Club of Billings named Billings Outlaws quarterback Chris Dixon their 2010 Book of Golden Deeds Award winner on Friday morning at their weekly meeting.

According to the Exchange Club’s website, the award is designed to “honor the quiet, good deeds of America's unsung heroes, such as the man or woman who regularly donates her time to care for disadvantaged children or the disabled veteran.”

“It’s hard to say what kind of impact Chris on children in the community,” said Outlaws general manager and co-owner Adam Steadman. “99% of the stuff Chris does, he does without anyone knowing about it because he doesn’t do it for the publicity.”

Dixon, who is the president of the non-profit charity, Chris Dixon Foundation for Kids, figured he was just telling the members of the club about his foundation and its impact on children in the community, not accepting an award.

“(Former Exchange Club President) Bill Schwarzkoph asked me to come in and talk about CDFK at their meeting today,” said Dixon of the presentation. “I finished my speech and was going to sit down when Mr. Schwarzkoph told me I had just given my acceptance speech.”

Dixon has won a pair of league MVP’s and three national championships throughout his football career and said those types of things don’t compare to today’s award.

Throughout my career, I have won things like National Championships and MVPs…things like that, but this award today is truly the most rewarding and meaningful thing I have ever received,” said Dixon shortly after returning from a visit to a local hospital, “I am still a little shocked and emotional by this.

As for tonight’s game against the Grizzlies? Dixon is dedicating the game to an ill friend who will be in the stands to watch him and his teammates take on their Pacific Division rival.

“She’s never been to an Outlaws game before and she wants to be there (tonight),” said Dixon. “She’s a very special lady and means a lot to me, it will be special.”

Outlaws add depth with Zimmerman

2010-05-07T14:35:00.002-06:00

When Billings Outlaws fans take their seats for Saturday night Pacific Division tussle with the Fairbanks Grizzlies, at Rimrock Auto Arena, they will notice a couple of changes from the last time the defending IFL champions played a home game.

On of those changes will be the addition of a 6-foot, 290-pound rookie named Tyrell Zimmerman.

Zimmerman arrived in Billings on Monday, and solidified is spot on Saturday's 21-man roster immediately.

Fifth-year Outlaws head coach, Heron O'Neal, along with line coach Artavious Williams, is happy to get some much needed depth on the offensive and defensive lines.

"It's good to have a pair of guys come in and step right into their roles," said Williams after Wednesday's practice. "Between Zimmerman and (Sam) Bentley -- who was aqquired along with reciever Josh Gibson from Colorado in exchange for LeMans Casimier -- we have a couple of guys that we feel confident enough in if someone was to go down with an injury."

While Bentley is waiting in the wings behind Outlaws veterans Nolan Fisher and Minaya Smith on the offensive line, Zimmerman "got schooled up" immediatley according to his head coach.

"He's ready," said O'Neal after Friday morning's walk-through at the Outlaws training facility on Southgate Drive. "He came in first part of the week and went right to work."

Zimmerman, who earned all-american honors at fullback in high school (video here), had a work out for the Green Bay Packers and made the switch to nose gaurd durning college.

"At noseguard, he is very explosive and he provides us with bulk and depth at a position we've struggled at this season," said O'Neal. "He has great pass rushing ability and that is going to be a nice addition for us over the final part of the season."

or more footage of Zimmerman's prep and college careers and scouting combine, click here.

Outlaws To Wear Specialty Uniforms This Weekend

2010-05-04T23:09:00.002-06:00

OUTLAWS TO AUCTION OFF NEW UNI'S AFTER SATURDAY'S GAME

The Billings Outlaws unveiled a new specialty jersey for 2010 on Tuesday afternoon, straying from their standard black-on-black look this Saturday when the defending Indoor Football League champions host the 5-2 Fairbanks Grizzlies in a Week 11 battle of the Pacific Divisions top two teams at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark.

Outlaws offensive stars, Chris Dixon and James Walton, modeled the new look-- which will be auctioned off during the game -- prior to Tuesday's practice at the Billings Outlaws SportsPlex.

The one-time uniform will feature the same design as the Outlaws traditional black home jerseys, but will feature a royal blue body and white piping. The numbers and names on the new jersey's will remain white. The Outlaws will accompany the royal blue tops with their traditional white and blue road pants and blue socks.

During Saturday nights Pacific Division showdown, Outlaw fans can bid on each players jersey during a silent auction at the team store located on the Metra concourse. Bidding for the jersey's starts at $50 and will end during the fourth quarter. The winning bidders will then be allowed to retrieve their new jersey from the player himself, following the game.

For more photos from Tuesday's shoot, please check out Splitting The Uprights Facebook page here!!!!!

Outlaws defense dominates first-half

2010-04-30T21:45:00.000-06:00

At halftime from the ShoWare Center in downtown Kent, Washington, the Billings Outlaws lead the Kent Predators 28-12

The Outlaws defense has dominated the first 30 minutes of action, as Mike Bazemore and Jervonte Jackson have put constant pressure on Predator quarterback, Charles McCullum.

Offensively, the Outlaws have looked in sync much of the night. After overthrowing a pair of recievers on their first two drives, Outlaws quarterback Chris Dixon has just four incompletions and has thrown two touchdown passes as he has setteled into a nice groove.

Second half kickoff is just under ten minutes away so stay tuned for a great second half!!!!

Eby, Outlaws looking to set the tone early tonight against Kent

2010-04-30T13:56:00.001-06:00

Through the first seven games of the season, the Billings Outlaws defense is allowing 41 points a game, which is up from 32 points per game a year ago.

"We're still winning but we can't keep asking our offense to score 70 points a game becuase we're giving up all these points," said last seasons defensive rookie of the year Michael Eby.

If you ask Eby, the main reason for the increase in points scored is a lack of focus.

"It seems to me that we will take a quarter or series off," added Eby, who will be playing in front of over 25 friends and family members tonight against the Predators. "At some point we have to play a whole game and stay focused the entire time, when we do that things will fall into place."

Eby, who led the Outlaws with 10 interceptions last season, has just two of the Outlaws eight picks.

"I was wondering when that first one would come," he said. "I got those three (Eby has one interception on a two-point conversion that isn't recognized in the IFL stat book) boom-boom-boom, so I think we're coming around."

So what does Eby and Co. need to do tonight to get rolling against Kent?

"We definately need to get a three-and-out on our first series, that would be very key in setting the tone for us tonight," Eby acknowledged. "It doesn't always have to be a turnover, sometimes it's a sack or a big hit that we feed off of."

What is the ShoWare Center....

2010-04-29T19:41:00.000-06:00

When the Billings Outlaws hit the field for Friday night's game against the Kent Predators, it will be played in one of the IFL's newest and nicest arenas.

The expansion Predators are one of three current tenants who call the 15-month old ShoWare Center home. The other two main tennants are the Seattle Thunderbirds of the Western Hockey League and the Seattle Mist of the Lingerie Football League.

According to local newspapers, the arena -- which opened in January of 2009 -- cost nearly $85 million and features an eight-sided, 19-foot tall scoreboard in the center of the arena.

The 150,000 square foot arena has a maximum seating capacity of 7,300 for MMA events and holds 6,025 for the Predators games.

The arena was mostly funded from the city, after legislation approved $25 million to build the multi-use events center.

Other features of The ShoWare Center

--- A Club Level with lounge and 500 seats.

--- 51 women's restroom fixtures and 48 men

--- Intimate seating (the last row of seats are only 28 feet from the field)

--- Four 6x11-foot video boards beneath the scoreboard.

--- Built to a gold level "LEED" standard

From the road....Back in Washington

2010-04-29T17:12:00.000-06:00

Well Outlaw fans...I know most of you are at home dreading the wet and cold conditions in Billings, but don't worry, there is plenty of sunshine here in Kent this afternoon as the mercury is sitting around 65 degrees.

Here's a look at what you can expect "From the Road" this weekend:

Later today: We will breakdown Kent's 85-million dollar ShoWare Center, the home of tomorrow nights Pacific Division battle.

Tomorrow morning: We sit down with Outlaws defensive Michael Eby and discuss a homecoming of sorts for last season's defensive rookie of the year.

Tomorrow afternoon-evening: I will be updating the facebook page periodically throughout the afternoon and posting photos from the arena beginning a few hours before kickoff.

Outlaws rushing attack dominates first half

2010-04-24T21:33:00.000-06:00

The Billings Outlaws currently lead the Tri-Cities Fever, 35-24 at halftime at the raucous Toyota Center in Kennewick, Washington.

One main reason for the Outlaws 11-point lead has been a potent rushing attack and good field position set up by return man Tim Brown.

Quarterback Chris Dixon and running back Eddie Linsicomb each have three carries for 34 yards, while Linsicomb has found the endzone twice and Dixon once. Tim Brown has three carries for -5 yards but does have a two-yard touchdown.

Brown however has done all of his damage in the return game. He has four returns for 130 yards in the first-half.

The Outlaws passing attack has gotten of to a slow, but efficent start tonight. Dixon has completed 6 of 8 passes for 76 yards and one touchdown.

Four players have caught passes for the Outlaws, led by James Walton's pair of catches for 51 yards and one touchdown...

The Outlaws have only allowed 108 yards. Kelly Rouse has six tackles while Fred Holmes has an interception for the defense.

We are still about 10 minutes away from the start of the second half so Outlaw fans sit back and enjoy the second half where ever you are following us!

From the road...Outlaws DB looking forward to homecoming

2010-04-23T17:30:00.003-06:00

Shamsi-Deen excited about homecoming

When the Outlaws hit the field tomorrow night in Kennewick, Washington, it won't feel like a road game for one member of the Outlaws defense.

Defensive back Muhammad Shamsi-Deen is a native of Washington and will have roughly two dozen friends and family members-- including girlfriend Nicole, three-year old son Tyson and one-year old Taliyah -- in the crowd.

Shamsi-deen, played college ball at Eastern Washington University in Cheney before becoming a member of the Tri-Cities Fever in 2006.

Shamsi-deen played two season with the Fever before coming to the Outlaws in 2009.

"I played against the Outlaws in 2006 (when they won the NIFL Championship with a 15-1 record) and the atmosphere and crowd they had was incredible," said Shamsi-deen outside the team's hotel Friday afternoon. "They do everything the right way and it was something I wanted to be a part of."

Shamsi-deen, who admittingley is looking for a breakout game this season, knows the importance of tomorrow nights divisional matchup.

"We just have to keep our assignments and not get caught up in the game," said Shamsi-deen. "If we do that, we'll be ok and our defensive backfield will be very productive. I'm a veteran now and I need to start playing like that and get back to my old self."

As for his own emotions prior to stepping on the field at Kennewick's Toyota Center?

"I am already getting chills thinking about it," he admitted. "It's going to be very emotional but exciting for me at the same time, I'll have some friends on the other side tomorrow night and that'll be tough.
"I promise you, I'm back."

Kickoff is set for 8:05 Montana time, and the game can be seen at The Squire Lounge or Bugz Bar and Lounge in the Heights.

From the road....

2010-04-23T14:16:00.000-06:00

Greetings from Tri-Cities!!!!

Finally, we have arrived at our hotel in the Richland area after a 12+ hour journey that included an early lunch at Granny's Buffet, a broken down bus and a parking lot "sprint" race between a pair of lineman.

While waiting for a mechanic to repair an oil leak on our 56-passenger bus, defensive ends Lorenzo Hood and Tyrell Herndon decided to pass the time by setteling a long-standing dispute over whose faster.

While the race really setteled nothing, (there is video evidence, which will be posted later) it provided the Outlaws with a relaxing atmosphere after a 11-hour bus ride, and as one player put it "this is the most team bonding we've done all year."

It appears the swagger the 2009 Outlaws showed all of last season, is slowly creeping it's way into the 2010 edition, and that is a scary thought for the rest of the IFL.

Check out Splitting the Uprights later this evening for an inside look at what Outlaw is looking forward to his homecoming party tomorrow night against the Fever.

Offense looks sharp during Wednesday practice

2010-04-14T20:37:00.002-06:00

OFFENSE HITTING STRIDE HEADING INTO WEEK EIGHT SHOWDOWN AGAINST WILD

Just days after their largest offensive output of the season in their 71-47 victory over the Colorado Ice on Sunday, the Outlaws offense continued to find the end zone as they participated in team drills during Wednesday's practice at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark.

With Outlaws backup quarterback Dan Huff guiding the scout team against the number one defensive unit, the Offense moved the ball at ease scoring touchdowns on their first two possesions.

"Those first couple of series, the defense really wasn't going after the ball," said fifth-year Outlaws head coach Heron O'Neal after Wednesday's practice. "I got into them pretty good after those first couple of series and they turned it up a little bit."

The defense turned in stops on the next three series before Dixon and Co. closed Wednesday's workout with five consecutive scoring drives.

"Both Chris and Dan played well today," said O'Neal. "They finally have a confidence in the receivers and feel comfortable in letting them make plays."

"Some of the receivers are starting to step up and set themselves apart like I asked them to do during our bye weeks," said O'Neal. "And some have taken some steps back this week."

The Outlaws will continue to prepare for their Week Eight matchup with the 2-4 Alaska Wild on Thursday at Rimrock Auto Arena.

"(Thursday) is D-day," said O'Neal. "We have to get down to our 21-man roster for Saturday and these guys have been making it pretty hard on us coaches."

Dixon named Week Seven offensive player of the week

2010-04-14T19:43:00.001-06:00

Nobody benefited more from two consecutive bye weeks and a resurgance from the Outlaws wide receivers than quarterback Chris Dixon.

Reigning 2009 League MVP Chris Dixon had his coming out party of 2010 as he went 22-32 for 217 yards and a remarkable 9 TD’s as the Outlaws defeated the Colorado Ice, 71-47, on Sunday.

With his nine touchdown performance, Dixon moved into a three-way tie for the league lead in touchdown passes at 22.

Dixon also added 58 yards on the ground on nine attempts.

Dixon's stellar performace came on the heels of what may have been his worst game as an Outlaw. Against the Storm, Dixon completed just 13 pass for 93 yards and three interceptions.

The Outlaws will look to continue to build momentum when they host the Alaska Wild this Saturday at 7 p.m. at Rimrock Auto Arena at Metra Park.

Outlaw Offense in Full "Bloom"

2010-04-11T22:26:00.000-06:00

Coming into Sunday afternoon's contest against the Colorado Ice, Billings Outlaws head coach Heron O'Neal did not know what to expect out of rookie wide receiver Antuan Bloom.

"He's done a great job learning our scheme and adjusting to doing things our way this week," O'Neal said after Friday's walkthrough. "Whatever we get out him on Sunday will be a welcome addition."

The speedy Bloom, who was aqquired in a March 28th trade with Sioux City, caught eight passes for 101 yards and three touchdowns in the Outlaws 71-47 victory over the Ice on Sunday.

While Bloom stole the show in his Outlaws debut, he had plenty of help from the remainder of the offense as they appeared to return to their championship form from a year ago.

Reining league MVP, Chris Dixon, completed 22-of-32 pass for 217 yards and eight touchdowns while running back Tim Brown added three more touchdowns while tallying 104 all-purpose yards on just 12 touches.

Overall Sunday evenings performance was excatly what the Outlaws needed coming off the back-to-back bye weeks.

James Walton and Eddie Linsicomb each added receiving touchdowns, prompting some interesting celebrations.

Following his first touchdown catch of the night, Walton leaped over the sideline boards and raced up to the announcers table to presnet P.A. announcer Mike Long with the prized football.

One possesion later Linsicomb was seen signing a souviner for none other than former Outlaw Jaquawn Brackenridge in front of the Ice bench -- prompting a 15-yard taunting penalty -- delighting the fans in attendance.

Not only did the offense perform at the high-level we've all anxiously been waiting for, but did so by remaining loose and feeding of each others success.

Outlaw Gameday: Week Seven Preview

2010-04-11T11:06:00.000-06:00

Outlaws Looking To Regain Winning Form

After a slow start to the 2010 season, the Billings Outlaws offense is looking to break out in a big way this afternoon against the winless Colorado Ice.

It will be the second -- and final -- meeting between the two teams this season, as the Outlaws took the Week Two battle by a score of 47-39, led by Eddie Linsicomb's three second-half touchdowns.

"I expect to see pretty much the same game-plan as we did down there because the game was so close," said Outlaws head coach Heron O'Neal after Friday afternoon's walk-through. "They got some pressure on us with their defensive line and have some good cover guys in their secondary."

The Outlaws will have a slightly different look to their offense today than they the last time they stepped on the turf at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark.

Center Charlie Sanders and wide receiver Antwan Bloom, both rookies, will be making their first career starts while running back Tim Brown should see plenty of action toting the rock at home for the first time since last seasons IFL championship game.

The Colorado Ice are led by former Colorado Buffaloes star, Bobby Purify. In week two against the Outlaws, Purify rushed for 85 yards with many of those yards coming after delivering punishing blows to the Outlaws defensive backs.

"Obviously we have to stop (Purify)," added O'neal. "We worked a lot this week on our tackling and hopefully we won't have those missed tackles we had in the first meeting."

The Outlaws will also have to contend with a different quarterback than they did last month in Sherard Ellis.

"Their quarterback is very mobile. We need to be able to keep him in the (pocket) if we're going to shut them down," said O'Neal. "Their receivers are short and quick so if we can lock them up and keep him from scrambling we'll be alright defensively."

2010-04-08T12:49:00.001-06:00

Mid-Week Report

April 8th, 2010

As the 2009 IFL Champion Billings Outlaws continued preperations for this Sunday's week seven matchup Outlaws quarterback, Chris Dixon continues to break in a new group of wide recievers, a unit that has struggled early in the season.

"We have looked really good at times," Dixon said while watching film Friday morning."It's just a matter of getting everyone on the same page, and I think things will come together."

Dixon's head coach, Heron O'Neal, seconded that thought after Monday's practice.

"The new guys we have brought in over the bye weeks are really fast and I like that," O'neal said. "Now it's just a matter of getting them to learn our scheme."

Among the new targets at wide reciever for Dixon, will be Anthony Jones.

Jones, who began this season as a running back for Outlaws backfield, has made the biggest strides among the group according to O'Neal.
"Anthony has had a great couple of practices at receiver this week," said O'Neal after Wednesday's practice session. "He score twice today--once running and once receiving--that's the kind of production we're looking for at that position."

Through the first four games last season, the Outlaws ariel attack ammassed 707 yards and 24 touchdowns. Through the first four games this season, the passing game has tallied just 408 yards and 13 touchdowns.

The main reason for the drop in yardage and touchdowns is the non-presence of the running backs in the passing game.

While the numbers racked up by the receivers through the first month of last season are comparable to that of this season, last season Outlaw running backs Tim Brown and Charles Anthony accounted for 28 catches and 326 yards while finding the endzone a combined eight times in the first four games, while five Outlaw running backs have combined for just 16 catches for 113 yards and one touchdown.

"We're not getting anything out of our running backs in the passing game becuase of the way defenses are trying to play us," said O'Neal of the drastic difference. "Teams are trying to shut down (James Walton) and no one else has stepped up for us, as soon as that happens the running backs will get involved as well and hopefully open things up."

Other wide receivers hoping to figure into the mix this weekend include former Carroll College standout Travis Brown, who has been hampered by injury much of the season, along with Dexter Henderson, Carl Simms and Antuan Bloom who were aqquired from Sioux City in a trade on March 28th.

"Obviously, the key their is getting them adjusted to the "Outlaw Way,"' said O'neal of Henderson, Simms and Bloom. "In some offenses the receivers aren't expected to block or anything like that, but here that's a big part of our scheme and they have adjusted well."

O'Neal will have a tough decision on his hands this afternoon as he sets his roster for Sunday's matchup with Colorado.

The Outlaws will practice today from 4-6 p.m. at the SportsPlex and The Hawk radio station will be on hand giving away tickets to this weekends game as a part of the Outlaws Black Out Hunger campaign.

After back-to-back bye weeks, Outlaws back at it

2010-04-06T14:58:00.004-06:00

When the Billings Outlaws take the field this Sunday afternoon against the Colorado Ice, it will not be soon enough for fifth-year Outlaws head coach Heron O'Neal.

"That taste has been in my mouth since the final horn sounded," said O'Neal on Monday, shortly after the Outlaws wrapped up their first practice in 13 days. "It's been in my mouth since then and I know it's been eating at the guys the last two weeks."

That taste O'Neal is referring to is the Outlaws first loss of the season, a 37-31 thriller in Sioux Falls on March 22nd.

"We didn't play well at all in Sioux Falls and I have to take the blame for that," added O'Neal. "Our owners treat us to well for us to play the way we did down there (Sioux Falls) and that's on me. There's alot of guys that are upset with me, I was pretty critical of everyones performance in our meetings today."

O'Neal took a different approach to practice coming of the bye weeks, conducting Monday's workout in pads -- a first since O'Neal came to Billings in 2006.

"That's something I've never done before," admitted O'Neal, of practicing in pads on a Monday. "The guys are going to hate me for it at the end of the week but we had a lot of nice hits today, it's good to see those competitive juices come back on both sides of the ball."

One other thing O'Neal was pleased with as the Outlaws resumed practice is the health of the team.

"This is by far the healthiest we've been all season," added O'Neal. "With the exception of a guy or two we are at full strength."

The Outlaws resume preperations for Sundays game against the Ice today at 4 p.m. at the Billings SportsPlex.

Whose your favorite Outlaw?

2010-03-30T21:28:00.001-06:00

As we enter yet another long week without a game to talk about (theseback-to-back byes are a killer), I got to thinking about which players -- both past and present -- have had the biggest impact on our fans.

In my own opinion, Chris Dixon has to go down as the most influential player in franchise history. Not only has Dixon put up insane numbers on the field, but the work he has done with and for the youth of our community has been priceless.

From his non-profit foundation, CDFK (Chris Dixon Foundation for Kids) to his homework competitions at area elementary schools and the Mighty Mite Football League (8 and 9 year old indoor football developmental league), Chris has become a true MVP, both on and off the field.

So what Billings Outlaw -- past or present -- has made the biggest impact on you over the last few seasons?

Outlaws deal Burell, Phillips to Sioux City

2010-03-28T13:59:00.001-06:00

The Billings Outlaws announced over the weekend that they have traded wide receiver Allen Burrell, defensive lineman Eugene Phillips and cornerbacks Sean and Terrell McMoore to the Sioux City Bandits in a seven-player deal over the weekend.

“I didn’t like to give up those four guys,” O'Neal told the Billings Gazette. “They’re all good players … they all started at least one game for us, and Burrell has started all four games."

Burrell, who figured to be a key contributor on this years squad, caught just five passes for 38 yards and one touchdown in four games.

Burrell will be reunited with quarterback James McNear in Sioux City a year after hauling in 61 receptions for 727 yards and 16 touchdowns from McNear in Omaha.

In exchange, the Outlaws acquired three wide receivers, Antwan Bloom, Dexter Henderson and Carl Sims from the Bandits and O'Neal hopes each will provide the offense with a spark it has been looking for all season.

“We need a spark, especially on offense. When you go to Sioux Falls and hold them to 37 points, that should be good enough for a win," O'neal added. "Hopefully these three (receivers) will give us that spark … basically I’m looking for one of them to step up and be a starter and the other two to provide us some depth and competition.”

The Outlaws new additions will have plenty of time to adapt to the offense as Billings does not play again until an April 11th date with the winless Colorado Ice(0-4) at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark.

Outlaws miscues loom large in defeat

2010-03-22T22:40:00.000-06:00

Blocked field goal...missed field goal...and a Terrance Bryant fumble.

Those were the results of the Sioux Falls Storm's first three possessions in Billings' Monday Night IFL battle in South Dakota as the Outlaws built a quick 10-0 lead over their rival.

However it was the Outlaws miscues that coach O'Neal and his assistants will have to think about over the next 19 days before they hit the field again.

Dropped passes and penalties -- some real and some phantom-- again plauged the IFL's defending champions, who through four games this season have not appeared to be in sync with each other.

Among the mistakes Monday nights 37-31 loss were three interceptions from Dixon -- the second acting as more of a punt as it was intercepted in the endzone on fourth down and brought out to the five on the touchback-- Allen Burrell dropped three first half passes (but did make an amazing third-down grab to keep a second quarter possesion alive). Dixon then overthrew a wide-open James Walton that would have given the Outlaws a 17-14 lead late in the second quarter and a interception by Muhammad Shamsi-Deem was nullified to due an offsides penalty on the defensive line.

And noticably absent from the lineup was running back Eddie Linsicomb. Linsicomb has scored six touchdowns in two games since coming out of retirement but didn't make the trip. Instead the Outlaws went a pair of running backs were both making their 2010 season debuts.

Tim Brown returned to action after missing the first month of action and Chris Markey returned from an injury. The tandem combined to gain just 10 yards on seven carries as the Outlaws (led by Dixons 62 rushing yards) tallied just 74 yards, well below their season average of 112 yards.

A Dixon interception with 12 seconds left sealed the Outlaws fate when his intended reciever was tackled before the ball arrived but no flag was thrown and a Bryant kneel down ended the Outlaws (3-1) comeback bid

With that said, the Outlaws were still in a prime position -- thanks in large part to their defense -- to get the job done tonight but failed to execute in critical situations.

Splitting The Uprights Players of the Week: Week 3 vs. Tri-Cities

2010-03-15T21:55:00.000-06:00

After struggling the first two weeks of the 2010 IFL season, James Walton broke out of his slump in true "Mr. Saturday Night" fashion--albeit on a Sunday afternoon-- against Tri-Cities yesterday.

On Sunday, Walton reeled in eight passes from the leagues reining MVP in Chris Dixon for 118 yards and three scores in the Outlaws 64-50 win to garner is first STU Offensive Player Of The Week Award.

With his performance on Sunday, Walton crept into the top ten in receiving yards (seventh with 163 yards), touchdowns (tied for second with five) and catches (tied for 8th with ten).

On the defensive side, Kelly Rouse had another stellar outing while wrecking havoc on the Fever offense.

Rouse recorded 13 tackles (five unassisted and assisted) and also returned a blocked extra-point for a two-point conversion late in the fourth quarter.

In three games this season, the 6-foot, four-inch linebacker has recorded a league leading 30 tackles, two sacks and is second in the league in pass breakups with four.

Week Three Preview: Tri-Cities at Billings

2010-03-13T12:01:00.000-07:00

GAME NOTES
WEEK THREE
Tri-Cities Fever (0-1, 0-1) at Billings Outlaws (2-0, 1-0), 4 P.M.
Rimrock Auto Arena at Metrapark

When the Outlaws have the ball: Outlaws quarterback Chris Dixon spearheads a potentially potent Outlaws passing game that, quite frankly, hasn’t lived up to expectations early in the season, even though the Outlaws sit at 2-0.

“It’s taking a little longer for the offense to get on the same page than we’d like,” said Dixon before practice on Thursday. “But I think we’re starting to get there and the offense will be ok.”

Lemans Casimier leads the Outlaws receiving crew with 12 catches and 3 touchdowns, while last season’s touchdown leader, James Walton has caught just two passes in the first two games, with both going for scores.

“We don’t really have a number one guy that we design plays for,” said Outlaws head coach Heron O’Neal prior to Thursdays practice. “That’s the good thing about Chris, he’s going to find the open man and try to get him the ball.”

The Outlaws, who average just over 250 yards of total offense a game, will also rely on a stout rushing attack led by veteran Eddie Linscomb and the mobile Dixon.

In his return to the Outlaws last Friday, Linscomb ran for two scores and caught another -- all in the second half -- to lead an otherwise sluggish Outlaws offense in their 49-37 victory over the Ice in Loveland, Colorado.

Dixon will have to contend with Fever linebacker and former Florida State standout, Derek Nicholson, if the Outlaws want to move to 3-0.

“He’s a real good player,” said O’Neal. “Last week was his first indoor game and he improved tremendously over the course of that game. We’ll have our work cut out for us trying to contain him (Nicholson).”

When the Fever have the ball: Look for Fever quarterback Andy Collins to spread the ball around to a trio of receivers, as they look to exploit an Outlaws secondary that has shown a lack of focus at times in the early going.

Collins completed 22-of-33 passes for 261 yards and six touchdowns in his teams season-opening 69-67 overtime loss to Fairbanks last Monday.

Collins threw two scoring passes apiece to Brandon Copeland, Montavis Pitts and Thyron Lewis, while running back Tyson Thompson added a rushing touchdown.

But it won’t come easy for Collins on Sunday, as he must contend with Michael Eby and the return of Travonti Johnson, who spent last season on the New York Giants roster.

Johnson was the 2008 UIF rookie of the year with the Outlaws and Eby won the IFL’s defensive rookie of the year award last season.

“Our defense is playing ok,” added O’Neal. “We need to clean some things up but we’ve always been a “bend don’t break” kind of team. We are going to give up yards but when it comes down to it we have done a good job of limiting points”

Kickoff is set for 4 p.m. Sunday at Rimrock Auto Arena at Metrapark.
Tickets start at $11.

Fever Statistical Leaders
Passing -- Collins, 22-33-2, 6 TD’s; 261 yards.
Rushing -- Thompson, 8-41 yards, 1 TD.
Receiving -- Pitts, 7 receptions for 100 yards, 2 touchdowns; 8 catches for 87 yards, 2 touchdowns.
Defense -- Derek Nicholson, 11 tackles; Larelle Cunningham 2 sacks

Outlaws Statistical Leaders
Passing -- Dixon, 25-47-1, 7 TD’s; 227 yards.
Rushing -- Dixon, 18 carries for 108 yards, 2 TD’s; Linscomb 10 carries for 45 yards; 2 TD’s; Anthony Jones, 8 carries for 48 yards.
Receiving -- Casimier, 12 catches for 90 yards, 3 TD’s; Walton 2 catches for 45 yards, 2 TD’s.
Defense -- Kelly Rouse, 17 tackles; Mike Bazemore 3.5 sacks; Kadafi Tunsil 1 interception.

Outlaws make roster moves, welcome old face back to anchor the defense

2010-03-12T12:40:00.001-07:00

The Billings Outlaws will have a pair of familiar faces and fan favorites back in uniform when the host the Tri-Cities Fever this Sunday at Rimrock Auto Arena at Metra Park.

The United Indoor Football League's 2008 defensive MVP, Travonti "Tuff" Johnson, arrived in Billings this week and according to Outlaws head coach, Heron O'Neal, "has picked up where he left off."

In 2008, Johnson recorded 10 interceptions for the Outlaws and returned three of those for scores before signing a contract with the New York Giants as a member of their practice squad.

Also returning to the Outlaws this weekend, will be defensive lineman, Eugene Phillips who was a member of the Bloomington Extreme last season. With the Extreme, he tallied 28 tackles and four sacks in 12 games.

Phillips led the 2007 Outlaws squad with 10 sacks.

In other roster moves on Friday, the Outlaws released Fred Holmes, Lorenzo Phillips and Travis Brown. All are nursing injuries and were released to make room for Johnson and Phillips.

STU Players of the Week: Week Two

2010-03-12T12:00:00.000-07:00

In his return to the Billings Outlaws roster, "Fast" Eddie Linscomb racked up 171 all-purpose yards and scored three second half touchdowns to propel the defending champion Outlaws to a 47-39 road win over the Colorado Ice last Friday, and earned himself the Splitting the Uprights Player of the Week award.

Linscomb rushed for 45 yards on ten carries and two one-yard touchdowns. He also caught three passes for 33 yards and a score.

Linscomb, who was Billings' leading rusher in 2007 with 542 yards, made his return to the Outlaws after retiring prior to the 2009 season.

Bazemore wins IFL defensive honor

2010-03-03T20:57:00.000-07:00

Outlaws defensive lineman Mike Bazemore was named the leagues defensive player of the week on Wednesday, four days after recording eight tackles and 3.5 sacks in the Outlaws 56-40 win over the Kent Predators.

Bazemore, a former Michigan State Spartan standout, and the Outlaws will hit the road this week to face rival Colorado.

Kickoff is set for 7 p.m. MST on Friday and the game can be seen live at BUGZ Bar on Main Street in the Heights or at the Squire Lounge on Broadwater.

Week One STU Players of the Week

2010-03-03T20:45:00.000-07:00

As your Billings Outlaws prepare to travel to Fort Collins for a rare Friday night game against the ICE, it's time to take a look at last weeks top performers.

On the offensive side of the ball, Lemans Casimier earned the inaugural STU Offensive Player of the Week. Casimier caught just five passes for 34 yards but scored three touchdowns in the Outlaws season opening 56-40 win against the Kent Predators.

Defensively, lineman Mike Bazemore earned top honors with 3.5 sacks and eight total tackles and was also named the IFL's defensive player of the week.

Kicker Garrett Palmer made his Outlaws debut by converting on all six of his attempted extra point attempts to earn the first ever STU Special Teams Player of the Week

Biggest off season additions?

2010-02-27T20:52:00.000-07:00

As we approach kickoff of the 2010 season, I got to thinking about the off season acquisitions and who I think will have the biggest impact for the defending IFL champions.

In taking a look at the roster, it's obvious the additions on offense of Lemans Casimier, Allen Burrell and Ulysess Odom are the three that will catch the eye of the fans, but I think the biggest addition is rookie running back Anthony Jones.

Jones, who played his college ball at Troy State, showed in last Saturdays exhibition game against the Great Falls Gladiators he has the ability to be a dominating back in this league. His bruising running style and quick feet well be a welcome change of pace for an Outlaw offense that will rely heavily on an aerial assault.

So Outlaw fans...who are you most looking forward to see in action when the season gets underway on Sunday?

Welcome to Spliting The Uprights With Ryan Minch

2010-02-01T19:35:00.001-07:00

Are you ready to rumble????

The Billings Outlaws kick off their 2010 IFL season 27 days from today when they host the Kent Predators at Rimrock Auto Arena at MetraPark and beginning today, Splitting The Uprights With Ryan Minch (STU) will be your complete source for everything surrounding the leagues defending champion Billings Outlaws.

As the team gears up for the opening of training camp on February 14th, STU will take a look at some of this years new additions and key returnees.

In addititon, Outlaws fans can also look forward to the STU Player of the Week and STU is currently working on numerous features including a game analysis with Billings Outlaws quarterback and two-time league MVP Chris Dixon and myself, taking a look back at the previous contest and a look ahead to the upcoming games in a feature called "Inside The Helmet" (Credit to Mr. Dixon on the title)...

So Outlaws fans, sit back, relax and enjoy the premier blog in the IFL...and hopefully another IFL championship.