Billings Outlaws win ArenaBowl 33; defeat Albany Firebirds
2 min read
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ — The #1 Billings Outlaws capped off a nearly perfect win season with an ArenaBowl 33 trophy hailed in America’s second largest mall.
The Outlaws defeated the #2 Albany Firebirds 46-41 in front of a roaring crowd at American Dream Mall.
”It means so much to Billings for this to happen as it’s been a long time since we took home a championship,” Outlaws owner Steven Titus said after the game. “It’s not without saying this is because of coach [Cedric] Walker, coach [Shedrick] Bonner, our whole coaching staff and the players. This has been a magical team since week one.”
Outlaws quarterback Isaac Harker, who was named ArenaBowl 33 Most Valuable Player, threw five touchdowns and 184 yards.
Outlaws wide receiver Duane Brown caught all five touchdowns along with 125 yards off of nine receptions.
”This was the end goal and we were able to go out there and get it done,” Brown said. “All ups to this team, coaches, our owner and everybody that helped make this happen.”
Outlaws kicker Bailey Giffen, who was hailed a hero for his game-winning field goal in the semifinals, scored the first points of the game with a field goal.
Firebirds running back Trevon Shorts rushed for a one-yard touchdown to give the team their only lead of the game.
Harker threw a nine-yard touchdown to Brown to go back up at 10-7. The Outlaws held the lead throughout and ended the first half up 17-13.
The Outlaws’ largest lead came in the fourth quarter at 46-35
Firebirds quarterback Jake Medlock finished the game by throwing for 19-32, 213 yards, two touchdowns and one interception.
The Outlaws captured the Arena Football League’s first title since the Firebirds, who were then the Empire, won in 2019 against the Philadelphia Soul.
Despite the game being held at a neutral site and more than two-thousand miles away, the Outlaws were cheered on by many of its long-time fans who travelled to support the team.
”This might be a neutral site but we had about 20 times more fans than Albany,” Titus said with excitement after the win. “This has been an away game atmosphere and we came in here and we dominated from start to finish.
”Billings, Montana deserves this. This is an Outlaws championship.”
About Author
