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Outlaws Roundup Players

December 14, 2005 - National Indoor Football League (NIFL)
Billings Outlaws News Release


The Billings Outlaws, well into their recruiting effort, today started signing some of the "local" players for the upcoming 2006 season.

Included in this list of familiar faces is B.J. Charlton. Who could forget his 3 end zone touchdowns in a two-minute drill last year? B.J. The only Billings player selected to the 2005 NIFL All-Star game. BJ caught the game-winning touchdown for his squad at the All-Star game to honor the best athletes in the league. Charlton stated, "It was great to represent the city of Billings at the All-Star game. Players from around the league all commented on the support and loyalty of our community and the great fans that we have here. I wouldn't want to play anywhere else!"

Also returning for the 2006 season is quarterback Chris Dixon, who guided the team into the playoffs last season. Dixon commented, "I am excited to be back with the team and in the City of Billings! At the end of last season, I felt like the team and I took a step up in our play and in our confidence. This year it seems like the Outlaws ownership has taken a step up also and has identified key talent, brought in a coaching staff that is the best in the league and has made a real commitment to bring a championship home to the City of Billings!" An interesting "side-bar" on Chris, Chris was part of the basketball team profiled in the movie "Coach Carter". Check out the trailers to see an interview with Chris.

"Billings is blessed with more quality local players then any other team in the league" stated owner Dan Austin. "Getting these guy's signed early helps us focus on where we need to add talent. Anytime we can sign local talent, rather then bring someone in, we are quick to do so." We are pleased that the following players weighed their options and elected to stay in Billings this season. NIFL, A1, & A2 Stand out and legend Anthony Bonner will be back and leading the D-line. Talent runs deep in this family, Chris Wells, who helped Billings West High win the AA State Championship, is Anthony's "little" brother. Cameron Smith (who we lost early in the season to injury) last year is back 110%. Simon Bergen will also be back for another year as Defensive Corner.

Theo Johnson is also returning and can be seen in a local gym 24/7. Fan favorite Fontez Jefferson will be back in the Silver and Blue. Bone crushing Safety Shon Flores is committed and will be intimidating receivers for another year. Rocky Mountain College graduates, who really stepped up last year for the team Matt Nelson, Jason Maruffo and Justin Helvik will be back and a bit more experienced with the indoor game, as will defensive lineman Ramon "Och" Ochoa. The biggest, strongest, fastest schoolteacher to ever hit Hardin, Pete Hamilton will also be signing today. Also returning to Billings, and ready to step it up is wide receiver Octavius Spencer. Octavius was a stand out early in the season last year before a knee injury sidelined him.

Billings is pleased to announce the return of several of the key players that helped Everett win the Pacific Conference Championship. First to re-sign with Billings for the 2006 season is Jaquan Breckenridge and Jerry Jones. Other Everett Players will be signing soon on their return home to Billings. In the weeks ahead there are sure to be a few surprises, as we continue to recruit the best of the best.

In addition to the above known names, Billings Coaches have been busy recruiting coast to coast. With the strong history of the Outlaws of Billings in the indoor game and the commitment the ownership and coaches have to helping players "move up". Billings is the place to play and there is no shortage of known and up and coming talent wanting to play for the Outlaws.

Joining the team this year will be defensive corner Joey Longoria, Joey played with Coach O'Neal in Casper last year and lead the league in Defensive scores while being number 2 over all in interceptions. Several other key Casper players have expressed a desire to play in Billings and are working on getting released.

The indoor game is so different than 11-man outdoor football and experience is key, as is raw talent. You have to get started sometime and we look to introduce several All American college players in the coming weeks.

The team will hold open up to 10 slots for players that they have invited to two tryout camps this season. The first one is in Billings at the Metra on January 8th and the second will be in California on January 15th.

For more information on the Outlaws, and or specific player profiles watch for our new website at www.billingsoutlaws.com scheduled to launch 12/15/05, for season ticket information contact Scott at 1-406-254-6287 or by fax at 1-406-254-1170.

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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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