Outlaws score 12 points in nine seconds to pull off win over Firebirds; take command of first place
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BILLINGS, MT — The Billings Outlaws (7-1) pulled off a comeback win against the Albany Firebirds (7-2) to take command of first place heading into the final week of the regular season.
The Outlaws, trailed 35-24 with nine seconds left in regulation. After multiple defensive penalties committed by the Firebirds, including a potential game-sealing interception, quarterback Isaac Harker threw a five-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver and defensive back Duane Brown.
The offense scored on the four-point conversion to cut the lead to 35-34.
On the ensuing kickoff with four seconds remaining, kicker Bailey Giffen kicked through the uprights for the deuce to give the team the 36-35 win over the Firebirds.
“I’ve been to hundreds of football games in my life and I’ve never had the adrenaline rush that I did in the last minute of [Saturday’s] game,” Steven Titus, owner of the Outlaws, told Arena Insider. “Everything that the guys have worked so hard to do to prepare for this game was executed perfectly. All of our players and coaching staff led by coach [Cedric] Walker did an amazing job. They proved all the naysayers in Arena and Indoor football that the Outlaws are for real and have a sole quest to win Arena Bowl 33.”
The Outlaws’ win placed them in position to clinch the top seed and a first round bye in the playoffs. The team will travel to play against the Salina Liberty (6-2) in week 10.
The Firebirds dropped their last two games after an undefeated start. Their final game will be on the road against the Orlando Predators (5-2) who are on a five game win streak.
If the playoffs were to begin after week nine, the Outlaws would await the winner of the Predators and Southwest Kansas Storm, while the Firebirds would host the Liberty in the semifinals.
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