My Billings Gazette

With week seven of the Indoor Football League season in the books, here is a look at the top performers and teams from a week that saw everything — Blowout wins from Maryland and River City to the thrilling comeback by the Billings Outlaws (5-1) to hand rival Sioux Falls their first on-field loss of the season — not to mention the sanctions placed on the Storm prior to that game in Billings, last week was by far the most exciting week of action in IFL history.

Week eight gets under way Friday night, when the Muskegon Thunder hope to get on the winning track by hosting the Saginaw Sting.

The Sting have defeated the Thunder twice this season, by scores of 16—9 and 65-21. Also in week eight, the Billings Outlaws travel to Alaska for the first time in franchise history when they will face the Fairbanks Grizzlies, a team Billings crushed 74-3 on Easter weekend in Billings.

So, Here’s to blow-outs (because that is ievitable), comebacks and (cross your fingers) no forfeits!!!

Friday Night

In Omaha, NE…Beef quarterback, James McNear was an efficient 15-of-22 for 162 yards and two scores in Omaha’s 70-58 win over the Odessa Roughnecks. Omaha running back, O.J. Simpson scored two touchdowns, while catching six balls for 68 yards. The Roughnecks were led by strong performances from quarterback Dennis Gile and receiver Eric Taylor. Gile finished 18-of-37 for 260 yards, while Taylor hauled in eight catches for 141 yards and four scores for winless Odessa (0-4).

In Muskegon, MI…Maryland quarterback, Bryson Spinner, ran for two touchdowns and threw for two more as the Maniacs improved to 3-2 with a dominating performance last week, 40-13 over the Thunder. Maryland outgained Muskegon, 211-92, in total yards, and the Maniacs controlled the game despite being penalized 10 times for 73 yards.

Saturday night

In Abilene, TX… Abilene took advantage of a huge night from quarterback Quincy Carter. Carter threw for 220 yards and eight touchdowns, four to Fred Howze, as Abilene overcame a slow start to knock off San Angelo Stampede Express, 59-20 in a Lone Star Divison game.

In Sioux City, IA…The Bandits got their first win of the season, defeating the Wichita Wild, 30-28.  The Bandits used three Andrew Kroell field goals and a lack luster 9-for-19 performance from quarterback Scott Jensen. The Bandits defense dominated the Wild for much of the game, getting stops on five straight possessions—spanning the late first quarter into the third.

In St. Charles, MO…Dixie Wooten completed 15-of-20 passes for 209 yards and five scores in a 60-29 win over the Rage (5-1) , who are tied with the Outlaws for the top record in the IFL.  

In Billings, MT…Billings (5-1) scored three times in the final four minutes to steal a 42-41 win from the Storm (1-6). Outlaw quarterback found receiver Willie Austin for the go-ahead 2-point conversion with 10 seconds left, as the Outlaws beat the Storm for just the second time in their last 10 meetings. Dixon finished with 14-of-26 for 149 yards and three TDs.

In El Paso, TX…El Paso wide receiver Deangelo Woodie caught eight passes for 138 yards and four scores, as the Generals crushed Corpus Christi, 68-16. El Paso used a 32-0 fourth quarter advantage to put the game away.

In Fairbanks, AK…The Grizzlies (3-2)  got back on the winning track, knocking off the Bloomington Extreme (4-4) 49-44. Fairbanks quarterback, Justin Rummell earned player of the week honors with his performance. Rummell was 20-of-32 for 301 yards and six touchdowns-with three going to Lonnie Sanders. Sanders finished with 8 catches and 136 yards. Extreme gunslinger, Mitch Tanney, threw for five touchdowns. Tanney completed 21-of-37 passes for 229 yards in the loss.

Sunday

In Anchorage, AK…The ICE overcame three interceptions by quarterback Justin Holland to earn their third victory of the season, 38-19 over host Anchorage. Holland did throw for three scores as the ICE jumped out to a 24-7 halftime advantage.

The Indoor Football League has announced its week seven players of the week.

This week the offensive honor goes to Fairbanks Grizzlies (3-2)quarterback, Justin Rummell. Rummell became the first player in IFL history to throw for over 300 yards on Saturday night in a four-point win over the Bloomington Extreme. Rummell 20-of-33 for 301 yards and six scores. Rummell also won the award in week four, throwing for seven touchdowns and just over 200 yards, while completing 10-of-12 passes.

Abilene Ruff Riders linebacker, Rico Brooks, took home the defensive honor. Brooks recorded six solo tackles and assisted on five others. Brooks also had one sack, forced safety and one fumble recovery. This is the second consecutive week a Ruff Rider won the award. Last week, former Billings Outlaw, Joey Longoria won the award.

Omaha Beef kick returner Courtney Grixby was dubbed special teams player of the week after scoring two touchdowns in the Beef's 70-58 win over Odessa. Grixby's first score came on a blocked field goal that he returned 50-yards. Grixby also returned a kickoff 57-yards.

As the dust settles from the news late Friday night that Sioux  Falls must relinquish their first five victories of the season, among other penalties and the Sioux Falls Storm (1-5) get ready to play what was supposed to be the biggest game of the year against the Billings Outlaws (4-1), Sioux Falls Storm team president Colin Steen admits the organization was at fault, but says “these penalties are just to single us out and put us at a competitive disadvantage for something that doesn’t have to do with on field issues.”

League rules state that all teams in the Indoor Football League must provide proof of Workmen’s Comp. Insurance prior to training camp, which according to Steen, only five teams did.

“We weren’t the only team in this situation, but the others just weren’t in it as bad I guess. The rates are just ridiculous and when you’re trying to run a business sometimes risks are taken”, said Steen over the phone Saturday morning. “I admit we were in the wrong, we should have been punished, but it is just discouraging for all these players who have worked so hard during the offseason up until now”.

Steen said the Storm ownership and administration decided to pay the players medical bills out of their own pocket in an effort to try and cut costs for the franchise and notified the league of their decision before March 19th.

“We paid our medical bills out of our own pockets, and our owner was taking a big risk-if anything major was to happen to a player(s, they  could have came back on him”, said Steen. “It was strictly an ownership decision”.

The league notified the Storm on Monday of the penalties, which Sioux Falls appealed immediately. After filing the appeal papers on Tuesday, the Storm were forced to post a “bond” by Thursday (not the $10,000 dollar fine, but a separate amount Steen didn’t reveal) in order to have a appeal hearing by Friday.

“We started the process right away, and I got some encouraging words (that our penalties would be reduced) from the commissioner (Tony Benizio)”, a dejected Steen commented. “But ultimately it was still left up to the owners of the league to vote on the penalties”.

According to Steen, who did not travel with the team to Billings, the Storm were allowed to make their case and then “rest was up to the owners, but we weren’t allowed in on that part of the call”

The other penalties include a 10,000 dollar fine, the forfeiture of the teams’ first five wins, Sioux Falls can only dress 20 players per game instead of the league-allowed 21, and if the Storm makes the playoffs they can not host a first-round playoff game.

“This is just an injustice to these players and our fans. We are like the Steelers of South Dakota, so it has been pretty discouraging”, stated Steen.

Steen did acknowledge that Storm head coach Kurtiss Riggs was unaware of the lack of insurance on the players.

“We were in contact with coach Riggs all week, but didn’t address the players until Friday after the hearing”, noted Steen. “The players are extremely disappointed. But I think they will use this to rally together. We have had adversity before and banded together, so I think we’ll be ok”.

Riggs, who is in Billings preparing his squad for tonight’s game against the Outlaws, said he is frustrated and feels "like we are back in the NIFL, having to deal with (commissioner) Carolyn Shiver".

Riggs also added that other teams in the leauge have not complied with the rule either.

"If the commissioner wants this to be the best league possible, it is only fair to investigate the others teams as well".

IFL commissioner Tommy Benizio would not confirm or deny any of the comments from the Storm orginization.

“The Storm are, a valued part of our league but were not in compliance with league regulations.  As the IFL strives to be the strongest it can possibly be, the league will not tolerate such behavior and our board took strong action on the matter,” stated league commissioner Tommy Benizio.

 Saturday Night at Rimrock Auto Arena (7:05 PM)

Matt Zimmer (Storm Beat Writer, Argus Leader)

TJ Simmons is a dangerous kick returner, averaging nearly 20 yards per return. However, on the other side, kickoff coverage has been problematic.

Ryan Minch (Billings Gazette Sports) Obviously, the Storm have a distinct advantage here. The Outlaws do have the ability to neturalize their kicking woes somewhat if return men, Tim Brown (who leads the league at 22 yards per kick return) and Charles Anthony can bust free for an easy score or two.

Coming up tomorrow morning: Game Prediction

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Saturday April, 25th at 7:05 PM  

Last night we looked at how the Outlaws defense matches up with the Storm offense. Tonight we will take a look at the Outlaws offense and Storm defense.

Matt Zimmer (Argus Leader and Storm beat writer) — The front three of Rachman Crable, Leif Murphy and Corey Johnsen is the best in the league (18 sacks this season). Johnsen and Murphy both have UIF sack titles under their belt, while Crable is the most athletic of the three.

They have two outstanding, hard-hitting linebackers that they love to play at the same time in Mark Blackburn and Keke Bouie, and while their defensive backfield is inexperienced, it has plenty of depth and athleticism.

Mike Zimmer (Gazette Sports Editor and Outlaws beat writer) —

Billings leads the IFL in scoring offense (57.4 points/game), while Sioux Falls is fourth in scoring defense (33.3 points/game).

Outlaws quarterback Chris Dixon, last year's league MVP, leads the league in TD passes (25), completion percentage (70.2) and passer rating (117.3). Billings receiver James Walton leads the league in TD receptions with 11. Dixon, Walton & Co. will be facing a Storm defense that leads the league in sacks (18).

As always, Billings will be looking to get the ball into the hands of running backs Charles Anthony and Tim Brown as much as possible. Anthony leads the league in touchdowns with 13 (6 rushing, 6 receiving and 1 kick return), while Brown leads the league in all-purpose yards with 633 (175 rushing, 177 receiving and 264 in kick returns).

Ryan Minch (Gazette Sports) — The Outlaws Offense has a slight advantage here, with the inexperience at defensive back for the Storm, and the tandem of Brown and Anthony at running back, Dixon, Walton & Co. should have multiple big play oppurtunities.

However, execution will need to be better for the Outlaws this week after Dixon struggled to control errant snaps from center Ya'Tarre Brown in last weeks 48-33 road loss to the Omaha Beef.

Offensive lineman Nolan Fisher and Anthony Bulluck will have their work cut out for them, trying to protect Dixon from Corey Johnson (6.5 sacks-2nd in IFL), but are more than capable of getting the job done.

Coming up tomorrow: Special Teams.

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Coming off last weeks surprising - but not shocking - 48-33 loss to the Omaha Beef, the Outlaws don't get a break this week, hosting fierce rival Sioux Falls on Saturday night.

Over the next few days we will take a look at the offense, defense, and special teams of the top two teams in the Indoor Football League.

With the help of Gazette Sports Editor, Mike Zimmer and Sioux Falls Storm beat writer from the Argus Leader Matt Zimmer, tonight we will look at the match up between the Storm offense and Outlaw defense.

Matt Zimmer (Arugus Leader) -- The Storm's offensive success is based on the rapport of head coach Kurtiss Riggs and QB Terrance Bryant, who are in their fifth year working together.

While Bryant has thrown for 19 touchdowns he has also thrown six interceptions.

Their offensive line has received a huge boost this year from Ian Snell, Zac Tubbs and Bruce McCaleb.

The strength of the Storm is their receivers, they have more than they know what to do with in Brent Little, Ben Nelson and James Terry. However, former NAIA standout Dusty Hovorka has been the best of the bunch, catching 11 balls for 113 yards in just two games with the Storm. Running back, Sean Treasure, leads an average running attack with 216 yards (40 ypg) and six touchdowns.

Mike Zimmer (Billings Gazette Sports Editor) -- Rookie defensive back Michael Eby leads the Outlaws in tackles (22) and is tied for the IFL lead in interceptions with 4.

Mike Bazemore is Billings' second-leading tackler (21) and is tied for second in the league in sacks with 6.5 -- trailing only teammate and fellow defensive end Michael Landry (7.5).

Ryan Minch (Gazette Sports)-- I have to give the advantage to the Outlaws defense here. Terrance Bryant is going to make at least a couple of throws he shouldn't while under pressure from Bazemore, Landry and Justin Holman. It will be up to DB's Micheal Eby and Kadafi Tunsil to convert those into turnovers. Not to mention the effect that the crowd of 5500-6000 expected for Saturday nights game will have on the no huddle offense of the Storm.

Coming up tomorrow: Outlaws Offense versus Storm Defense.

Outlaws trade 3 players for former AFL receiver

Three days after their lowest offensive output of the season, the Billings Outlaws have added a new weapon.

Billings coach Heron O’Neal announced on Tuesday that the team has traded three players to the Bloomington Extreme for wide receiver Robert Redd.

In exchange for Redd, a former Arena Football League and NFL Europe player, the Outlaws sent linebacker Paul Szezesny, defensive back Chazman Williams and offensive lineman Jason Peterson to Bloomington.

O’Neal said Redd is expected to arrive in Billings today and could be in the lineup for Saturday’s Indoor Football League home game against the Sioux Falls Storm.

The 5-foot-11, 190-pound Redd, who played college ball at Bowling Green, caught 26 passes for 231 yards and six touchdowns in five games this season for Bloomington.

Last season, Redd caught 129 passes for 1,523 yards and 16 touchdowns for the AFL’s Cleveland Gladiators. He also played for the AFL’s Colorado Crush in 2004 and ’07, catching a combined 106 passes for 1,021 yards and 10 TDs in those two seasons.

Redd was in training camp with the Indianapolis Colts in 2003 and the Philadelphia Eagles in 2005. He played five games for Berlin in NFL Europe in 2005.

“Obviously, this is a huge addition to our offense,” said O’Neal. “Our passing game just took a huge step forward. Robert is a big-play receiver. He’s got great hands, runs great routes and makes things happen after the catch.

“We gave up three good players to get him, but (quarterback) Chris Dixon and everyone on our team is ecstatic to have Robert coming in here.”

The Omaha Beef snapped a 7-game, two-plus year losing streak against to the Billings Outlaws on Saturday night, knocking off the visitors, 48-33.

Omaha (3-2) led from the opening series as they handed the Outlaws (4-1) their first loss of the season.

I will post more on the game tomorrow.

Billings Outlaws quarterback Chris Dixon was named the Indoor Football Leauge's Offensive Player of the Week on Thursday, sharing the award with Omaha Beef wide reciever O.J. Simpson.

Dixon completed 10-of-11 pass for 179 yards and seven touchdowns in Saturday nights 74-3 thrashing of the previously unbeaten Fairbanks Grizzlies (2-1). Dixon played only one series in the second half.

On the season, Dixon has thrown for 707 yards and 24 touchdows in just four games---while completing 72 percent of his passes (61-84). Dixon has only thrown 2 interceptions and has compiled an passer rating of 127.33.

Simpson caught 11 passes for 129 yards in the Beefs' 52-46 win over Abilene Saturday night.  He also scored three times on receptions of 37, 2 and 2-yards. The Beef and Outlaws face off this Saturday night in Omaha, with kickoff set for 6 PM montana time.

Entering week three of the United Indoor Football leauge season last year, the Billings Outlaws and Sioux Falls Storm were setting themselves up nicely for a battle of unbeatens the following week in Billings.

The Storm traveled to Omaha to face a 1-2 Beef team that had given up over 50 points a game, while the Outlaws traveled to Sioux City to face a storm team they just pasted 72-38, the previous week -- games that both teams would easily....right?

WRONG.

The Outlaws lose to Sioux City 31-30, while missing every kick they attempted (five PAT's and 3 field goals) and the Beef domintaed Sioux Falls, limiting the Storm to just 8 second-half points.

Billings would end up winning the week four battle, 38-31, while the Storm took the next three-including the conference title game, 44-42 in Sioux Falls.

So one league and a year later, here we are again. Two weeks away from the first of three -potentially four meetings if they both advance to the title game - and both Billings (4-0) and Sioux Falls (5-0) are unbeaten as the the April 25th matchup looms.

The two teams standing in the way of the unbeatens? You guessed it: Omaha and Sioux City.

Billings will travel to Omaha, a team they struggled against before pulling away for a 52-40 win two weeks ago, while Sioux Falls hosts a Bandits team that lost to the Storm 46-13 just last week.

Neither team should have any problems this weekend but you can bet that the focus this week in practice is on......being focused and taking it one game at a time. 

One thing is certain, whether both are unbeaten or not, they will meet on April 25th and it will be the best game of the young season. Or the whole season for that matter.

For a recap of the action, check out this video featuring coach Heron O'Neal and defensive end Mike Bazemore, who finished with four sacks and a fumble recovery.

As efficient the Outlaws were on offense, it was really a relentless defense that was most impressive. A ruthless pass rush brought the Grizzlies high-scoring offense to its knees as one Outlaw player after another terrorized Fairbanks' signal callers Justin Rummell and Monte Purvis. When it was all over, the Outlaws had collected nine sacks, forced four turnovers, and absolutely embarrassed two quarterbacks and one offensive line.

Outlaws' defense delivers the pain



Of course, it wasn't the defense having all the fun. Billings scored 74 points, and each score provided the Outlaws players a chance to show off an endzone dance or two. Here's a collection of some of the best from Saturday night.

Outlaws' touchdown celebrations

When the Fairbanks Grizzlies (2-0) step off their team bus for tonights game at Rimrock Auto Arena at Metra Park, it will mark the first time an indoor football team from Alaska has played a game in Montana. It also pits the IFL's two highest-scoring offenses against each other, in the Indoor Football League's game of the week. 

Veteran quarterback Chris Dixon brings in his league-leading 17 touchdown passes for the Outlaws, who are averaging 60 points per game.  Dixon also leads the league in completion percentage at just under 70 percent.

"My job is to call plays that put Chris and the weapons we have around him in a position to succeed. Chris leads the league in completion percentage (69.9) and we're second in red-zone scoring percentage (91.7) - to me, those are the two most important quarterback stats", said Outlaws first-year offensive coordinator Robert Reed.

The Outlaws also boast the leagues top two all-purpose yard leaders in Tim Brown (434 yards) and Charles Anthony (410 yards). Anthony, who was named special teams player of the week on Friday, leads the league in touchdowns with nine.

Wide receiver James Walton has caught only 13 passes from Dixon. Those catches, however, have been highly effective and have resulted in seven touchdowns for the sure handed reciever.

The Grizzlies, who lead the league at 63 points a game, rely on quarterback Justin Rummell and wide receiver Lonnie Sanders. Rummell, who has thrown 11 touchdowns to go with no interceptions, has found Sanders for six scores in the first two games.

The 6-foot-3, 225-pound Rummell threw for 224 yards and seven TDs in the first half of last week's 72-41 win over the Maryland Maniacs and didn’t play in the second half.

The Grizzlies x-factor will be Josh Coleman. He has only five receptions on the young season, but four have those have been for touchdowns. Coleman is averaging just over 21 yards per reception while racking up 107 yards.

Outlaws defensive end Michael Landry leads the IFL in sacks with 61/2 and safety Michael Eby is tied for second in interceptions with three.

Game time is set for 7:05 P.M. and doors open at 6:00 P.M.

The Billings Outlaws special teams have been just that early in the season, and the Indoor Football League has noticed. For the second consecutive week a Billings Outlaw was named special team player of the week.

RB/KR Charles Anthony earned the honor this week, while returning four kicks  for 106 yards. Anthony's longest return came on a 58-yard, third quarter touchdown.  He also contributed 174 all purpose yards with 17 rushing, 51 receiving yards, along with 1 fumble recovery, in the Outlaws 52-40 victory over the Omaha Beef.

The IFL also announced that Fairbanks Grizzlies quarterback, Justin Rummell, earned offensive player of the week, while Rochester Raiders defensive end Eddie Bynes took the defensive honor.

Rummell threw for 224 yards while completing 10-of-12 pass attempts and seven touchdowns in the Grizzlies 72-41 win over the Maryland Maniacs last Thursday.

Bynes registered 5 sacks, totaling a loss of 31 yards,while his Raiders crushed the Muskegon Thunder 71-3.

As the Billings Outlaws get ready for their much anticipated week five battle with the unbeaten Fairbanks Grizzlies (2-0), they must prepare for a handful of threats the Grizzlies are bringing to Montana.

One of those weapons is first-year quarterback Justin Rummell. Rummell had a stellar college career at Division III, Earlham College. He set conference records in yards with 9,390, completions with 789 and touchdowns with 76.

Two weeks into the season Rummell leads the league in passing efficiency, throwing for 11 TD’s and 0 interceptions, while completing 21-of-33 passes for 406 yards.

Wednesday afternoon I spoke with him, as the Grizzlies prepare to arrive in Billings on Friday afternoon. The following is part of our conversation:

Gazette: How have you adjusted to playing and living in Fairbanks?

Rummell: It hasn’t been as hard of adjustment as I thought it would be.  The city and fans have been great, and I already have a couple years of indoor experience. I am from Indiana, so the weather here hasn’t even been that bad.

Gazette: How have you been able to turn things around from last year? (Fairbanks finished 3-11 in its inaugural season).

Rummell: Coach Ponder did a great job of bringing a lot new guys, including myself, that have a great chemistry. We all get along great off the field as well, so that makes coming to practice fun. When you like the guys you’re playing with, it is a lot easier to play as a team.

Gazette: What are the teams goals for this season?

Rummell: At the beginning of the year we made the goal that we want to go undeafted at home and win at least half of our road games. We are still unbeaten at home and we would like to get those wins on the road.

Gazette: What do you plan to pass the time following the game Saturday? (The Grizzlies will stay in Billings until Tuesday before flying to Loveland, CO for their game against the ICE on April 16).

Rummell: I think we’ll watch a lot of film and practice a little. Probably catch up on some rest too.

Gazette: What do you know about Billings and the Outlaws?

Rummell: I’ve never been to Billings, so I don’t know a whole lot about the city. I know that the Outlaws are the best team that we have played, and possibly the best team in the league, so we are definitely going to have bring our “A” games if we’re going to get away from there (Billings) with a win.

Former Dallas Cowboys quarterback, Quincy Carter made his IFL debut on Monday night in yet another attempt to comeback from a struggle with drug abuse.

Carter led his Abilene Ruff Riders to a 39-24 season-opening home win over the Odessa Roughnecks in a Lonestar Divison battle, throwing for four touchdowns.

The 31-year-old Carter has not played in the NFL since 2004, when he appeared in seven games for the New York Jets. He was a second-round pick out of Georgia by the Cowboys in 2001 and started all 16 games for Dallas in 2003. He led Dallas to a 10-6 record and playoff appearance, where they were defeated by eventual Super Bowl runner-up Carolina.

Carter has passed for 6,337 yards and 32 touchdowns in 38 games during his four NFL seasons. He also rushed for 518 yards and three touchdowns.

Carter’s career has been full of both ups and downs, but mostly downs.  As an NFL quarterback, Carter had a record of 18-16 during the short four-year career that was tainted by multiple arrests and drug abuse allegations.

Following the play-off appearance with the Cowboys, Carter failed a drug test during the offseason and was subsequently cut by the team – the official statement from the Cowboys regarding his release cited his failed drug test, a poor attitude over the signing of Vinny Testaverde, and an average performance during the first week of training camp as reason for the release.

Carter officially retired from the NFL in 2005, after filling in for quarterback Chad Pennington after he tore his rotator cuff. Carter relapsed, and entered rehab during the ’05 playoffs and filed his retirement papers in September of 2005.

So one league, one stop in rehab and one play-off appearance later, Carter thought he would try is hand at the CFL.... (It worked for Ricky Williams).

Here is a look at the timeline of Carter's career since he left the NFL:
April 2006 — Carter was signed by the Montreal Alouettes on only to be released by the team a month later. One CFL official told the Montreal Gazette that “Carter has a serious marijuana problem.” 

December 15, 2006 — Carter was arrested in Irving, TX on possession of Marijuana charges.

Ok…so the CFL didn’t work either. On to Arena Football Leauge 2!

February 2007— Carter signed with the Bossier-Shreveport Battle Wings, of af2. Through the first three games of the 2007 season, he was the third rated passer, with a rating of 124.3, throwing 18 touchdown passes, but he was suspended indefinitely from the team in late May for missing team meetings.

October 2007 — Carter was again arrested on possession charges. This time being charged with a felony. He was released on his 30th birthday.

May 2008 — Carter made his Kansas City Brigade debut and started the final three games of the season.  Carter threw for 575 yards and eight touchdowns. The Brigade signed Carter to a two-year extension. However, the team cut Carter in October of  '08 for unknown reasons.

December 2008 —  Carter is signed by the Rio Grande Dorados of the Arena Leauge 2. The 16-game season is scheduled to begin in March.

February 27, 2009 —  Carter is charged with his third drug offense in less than three years. He is also charged with a DWI after Mission, Texas police pulled Carter's vehicle over at 2 am on Feb. 27 for failing to signal before making a right turn. They claim his eyes were bloodshot and speech slurred. Carter's blood-alcohol level was 0.14 (.06 more than the legal limit).

March 2009 —  According to a Dorado spokesperson: "Carter is no longer a Dorado."

March 13, 2009 —  Carter is signed by the Abilene Ruff Riders of the Indoor Football Leauge.

April 6, 2009 —  Leads Abilene to a season-opening win over the Odessa Roughnecks, throwing for four scores in the 39-24 triumph.

How many times can some make the same mistakes-and still not be punished for them? Carter is on his sixth chance, and is not going to ever learn until it is to late. I really hope the owners and coaching staff of the Abilene Ruff Riders know what they are doing and truly hope that Carter has turned it around....but only time will tell.

Former Billings Senior soccer player Nick Pertuit made his Indoor Football League debut Monday night as the kicker for the Abilene Ruff Riders.

The Ruff Riders defeated the Odessa Roughnecks, 39-24 in the season opener for both teams, behind a solid showing from Pertuit.

Pertuit finished 3-5 on extra points, and made the only two field goals he attempted, His first put the Ruff Riders up 3-0 early in the first qaurter. Pertuit added a second field goal in the fourth quarter, upping the lead to 39-16.

As a junior at Billings Senior, Pertuit led the Broncs to a 14-0 record and the State AA championship, while recording 16 goals and tallying 15 assists.

Former Billings Outlaw defensive back, Joey Longoria, recorded one interception mid-way through the third quarter that led to a Quincy Carter touchdown pass to put Abilene up 31-16. Longoria added five tackles.

Longoria played for the Outlaws during the 2006 season when they won the NIFL Championship.

Abilene (1-0) hosts the Omaha Beef (0-2), who were defeated by the Outlaws 52-40, next Saturday.

Here is a look at this weeks exciting action in the Indoor Football League. From franchise debuts to near shutouts, IFL fans around the country saw it all. Week four will be capped off Monday night when Odessa, TX travels to Abilene, TX in the season opening game for both teams.

Thursday Night

In Fairbanks, AK…Grizzlies quarterback Justin Rummell led the assault with seven touchdowns and 182 yards on 9-of-10 passing, as Fairbanks defeated the Maryland Maniacs, 71-42. It was the home opener for Fairbanks (2-0), which travels to Billings to face the Outlaws (3-0) next Saturday. Maryland (0-2) will stay in Alaska to take on the Alaska Wild in week five.

Saturday Night

In Billings, MT...Outlaws quarterback Chris Dixon shook off a slow start to finish 17-of-25 through the air for 201 yards and seven touchdowns. Dixon threw five of his scores in the second half of Billings' 52-40 victory over rival Omaha. Omaha's quarterback James McNear led the Beef, completing 16-of-25 passes, total 193 yards.

In Wichita, KS…The Sioux Falls Storm improved to 4-0 with a 45-41 road victory over the Wichita Wild.  Storm quarterback Terrance Bryant led the way with three touchdown passes, while completing 20-of-29 passes for 169 yards. Wild quarterback Derek Rasmussen kept his team in the game connecting on 16-of-36 passes for 202 yards. Rasmussen threw three fourth-quarter touchdowns, but also threw a costly interception with his team trailing 28-21 entering the final quarter. Sioux Falls linebacker Mark Blackburn returned it 15-yards for a touchdown and 14-point Storm lead.

In Rochester, NY…Raiders quarterback, Omar Baker threw for 141 yards and seven touchdowns as Rochester hammered the Muskegon Thunder 71-3.Muskegon did not score until Scott Greene hit a 46-yard field goal with 1:24 remaining in the game. It was the first win of the season for Rochester, who doesn’t play again until April 17^th when they travel to Muskegon. Muskegon (0-3) will travel to Saginaw next weekend.

In El Paso, TX…Generals quarterback Tommy Jones completed 15-of-30 passing for 226 yards and four touchdowns to go with a 1-yard touchdown run,  the first score in franchise history as El Paso pounded the Corpus Christi Hammerheads (0-1),  50-17 in the season opener for both teams. The two teams return to action next week, squaring off once again, this time in Corpus Christi, Texas.

In San Angelo, TX...Stampede defensive lineman Clay Harrell intercepted a pass by Colorado Ice quarterback Justin Holland with 21 seconds left in the game to preserve a wild 48-47 season-opening win for San Angelo (1-0).  Trailing 47-41 with just over six minutes to play, Brannon Hatley returned a kick off 50-yards for the eventual winning touchdown. Colorado (0-2) will host Bloomington next weekend, while San Angelo will host Odessa.

In St. Charles, MO...The River City Rage quarterback tandem of Dixie Wooten and Ben Sankey combined to complete 22-of-29 for 226 yards and seven touchdowns in the Rages’ 59-20 win over the Saginaw Sting, in a match up of the top two teams in the Atlantic Division. River City (3-0) will travel to Wichita next weekend, while Saginaw will host Muskegon.

In what can only be described as an awful start for the Sioux City Bandits, the news got worse Saturday. The Bandits announced that the leauges leading rusher from last season has been suspended.

 According to the Bandits team website:

Bandits running back John Bentley has also been suspended indefinitely, according to DeGeorgia, for "detrimental conduct with the team" in an off-field incident.

The 5-10, 220-pounder from Northern State had just 34 yards on 13 carries in a 48-19 loss to Bloomington on March 21.

Bentley rushed for 36 yards and a touchdown against the Outlaws in the Bandits 82-12 season opening loss on March 15th in Billings.

Sioux City dropped to 0-3, following a 40-10 loss to the Bloomington Extreme, Saturday night in Bloomington, Indiana. All three losses for the Bandits have been by an average of 43 points.

Afterwards, though, it wasn't all celebration from the Outlaws. As you can see from this video, Coach Heron O'Neal and the players expressed dissatisfaction with their early offensive struggles and lack of consistency on defense, especially in the secondary.

Outlaws overcome mistakes, take down Beef

We also had a cool moment at halftime: the Outlaws honored the Rocky Mountain College mens basketball team for its 2009 NAIA championship.

Rocky Men celebrate NAIA title at Outlaw game

Billings Outlaws running back Tim Brown was named the IFL's Special Team Player of the Week on Friday.

Brown had four kick-off returns totaling 124 yards, including a 54-yard return for a touchdown early in the third quarter of last Saturday nights 46-41 win over the Colorado Ice.

"Tim was probably only on the field for three plays in the first half, but we made some adjustments at halftime and got him involved in the game. He was huge" Outlaws head coach Heron O'Neal said of Brown's performance.

Brown also added a 5-yard touchdown run in the third quarter, while racking up 180 all-purpose yards.

Saginaw Sting linebacker Kyle McKenzie took DefensivePlayer of the Week honors after recording 8 tackles, 3 for a loss, and recording two sacks in the Stings' 38-30 win over the Rochester Raiders.

Colorado Ice reciever Cory Sleeth took offensive honors, reeling in 6 catches for 119 yards and three scores, leading a second half rally that fell short against Billings. Sleeth had 19.8 yards per catch average, while catching scoring passes of 35, 24, and 22 yards. 

Not a whole lot has gone wrong for the Billings Outlaws this season, outscoring their first two opponets 128-53 en route to a 2-0 record.

But for the second straight season, Outlaws head coach Heron O'Neal has had to change kickers due to a lack of production.

Carlos Ojeda was signed by the Outlaws this week to replace kicker J.J. Mornin. Mornin, a Billings native, was just 10-17 on PAT's through the early going.

Mornin was released following the Outlaws 46-41 win over the Colorado ICE on Saturday.  He converted just 2-6 PAT's and missed both field goal attempts in Fort Collins, including a strectch of five misses in a row that began late in the fourth quarter against Sioux City on March 15.

Mornin started the season on fire making six of his first seven tries, but struggled from there converting just four of 10 PAT's.

The aqquistion of Ojeda, a three-year vet of the indoor game, will hopefully give the Outlaws something they haven't had since their 2006 championship season — a reliable, consistent kicker.

Ojeda most recently played for the Albany Conquest of the af2 in 2008 and  for the Alaska Wild of the Intense Football Leauge in 2007. In 2007, Ojeda converted the last successfull drop-kick in indoor football, while playing for the wild.

Ojeda, who will celebrate is 27th birthday on Friday, will make his Outlaw debut on Saturday against rival Omaha (1-1).