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Outlaws Hold Off Fever In First-Round Of The IFL Playoffs

June 28, 2010 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Billings Outlaws News Release


The Billings Outlaws offense couldn't be stopped on Sunday afternoon in the First Round of the Indoor Football League playoffs in front of about 800 frenzied fans at the Billings SportsPlex in the first ever IFL game played at the arena.

Outlaws quarterback Chris Dixon threw five touchdown passes and ran for one more to lead another offensive Outlaw explosion as they racked up 310 total yards in a 54-45 win over the Tri-Cities Fever.

After building leads of 14-0 and 26-14, before allowing the Fever to take the lead just two plays into the third quarter when running back Ray Little scored from 11 yards, bringing the score to 35-32.

Billings scored on their first four drives of each half but struggled to finish out the Fever when they had the chance.

Leading 26-14 five minutes into the second quarter, Dixon found James Walton in the end zone for what appeared to be touchdown, but the officials ruled the ball didn't cross the plane of the goal and ruled Walton down at the one, setting up fourth and goal. On the ensuing play Dixon was unable to convert after the Tri-Citites defensive front won the battle in the trenches.

The Fever, who came into the game at 7-7 on the season, added a pair of touchdowns late in the second quarter and trailed by a score of 32-27 at the half.

The Outlaws went ahead for good when Dixon found Walton from five yards out with six minutes left in the third to make the score, 45-42.

Dixon finished the game with an IFL season-high 134 yards rushing on 18 carries. He also completed 15 of 20 passes for five touchdowns and 162 yards.

James Walton and Carl Sims again combined to lead a balanced receiving unit.

Walton caught four passes for 32 yards and three touchdowns while Sims tallied four receptions, 72 yards and two scores.

Tri-Cities' rookie quarterback, Houston Lilliard, completed 21 of 34 attempts for 206 yards and three touchdowns. Lilliard also threw two interceptions, one each to cousins Travonti Johnson and Kadafi Tunsil.

Defensively, the defending IFL champions were led by linebacker Kelly Rouse. Rouse had eight tackles and a sack, while defensive back Michael Eby added seven total stops.

The Outlaws have been forced to host their home playoff games at their five-million dollar practice facility after last Sunday's tornado left MetraPark Arena unusable.

Along with the 800 fans inside the arena on Sunday, there were about half dozen fans tuning into the game outside in the SportsPlex parking lot while enjoying cold beverages, ice cream and food

"The atmosphere is incredible," one fan stated during the third quarter. "It feels like a real NFL-type atmosphere having all this stuff going on outside and the game taking place right over there."

The same setup will be in place for next weeks game, along with the addition of about 500-600 seats in the SportsPlex south end zone.

Billings will host the Intense Conference Semifinals next Saturday, July 3rd at the SportsPlex. Kickoff is set for 3 p.m.

Tickets are on sale online now at www.billingsoutlaws.com . Tickets will also be available for purchase at the Billings Outlaws office between 9-5 Monday-Friday or call 839-9080, ext. 201.



Indoor Football League Stories from June 28, 2010


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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