Billings Outlaws advance to ArenaBowl 33 after walk-off field goal in semifinals against Nashville Kats
2 min read![Billings Outlaws kicker Bailey Giffen](https://arenainsider.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/Article-format-for-teams-25-1024x538.png)
Billings Outlaws kicker Bailey Giffen
BILLINGS, MT — The #1 Billings Outlaws are headed to the ArenaBowl following a game winning field goal against the #6 Nashville Kats in the semifinals.
The Outlaws led 32-25 with less than one minute remaining in the game. Kats quarterback Randy Hippeard, who anchored a nearly five minute drive, rushed for a one-yard touchdown to help tie the game at 32 with 47 seconds left.
Outlaws quarterback Isaac Harker’s only completion on the final drive was a 19-yard pass to wide receiver Dallas Dixon. The Kats were hit with a defensive holding penalty that placed the Outlaws at their own 24-yard line.
Kicker Bailey Giffen then made a 39-yard field goal as time expired to send the Outlaws to New Jersey.
Following a scoreless first quarter for both teams, the game was tied at 14 at halftime. The Outlaws led 26-16 going into the fourth quarter and were able to hold off a late game comeback by the Kats.
Hippeard finished the game going 18-36, threw for 185 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.
Harker recorded 19 completions on 29 attempts, 164 passing yards and three touchdowns. Dixon was the leading receiver with five receptions, 57 yards and two touchdowns.
The Outlaws will play the Albany Firebirds in ArenaBowl 33 on July 19 in East Rutherford, New Jersey.
[…] 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 […]