Firebirds out for revenge against Outlaws

ALBANY, NY ( NEWS10 ) — It’s Arena Bowl week for the Albany Firebirds who just won their semifinal playoff game against the Salina Liberty on Saturday. They have now shifted their focus to the team that handed them their second-season loss. The Billings Outlaws.

Head coach Damon Ware believes the offense is going to have to strike early and often.

“We had to put up more points obviously, but they’re a team that slows the game down,” Ware said. “They obviously want to win their last couple of wins have been in the 30s so, they’re going to try and slow down the clock as much as possible, but we have a dangerous offense. I think we can get some points on the board early.”

That dangerous offense just hung a season-high 80 points against the Salina Liberty over the weekend. However, the unit that arguably wants this rematch the most is the defense. Nobody more than Linebacker Nick Haag who missed the first match-up with an injury.

“You know that’s big time obviously,” said linebacker Nick Haag. “I didn’t get to play against them the first time we played out there so, for me I’m definitely itching and ready to get out there and help this team get after it.”

In their last meeting, the Firebirds defense registered five sacks. However, everyone on the roster wasn’t 100% healthy but Lineback Trevon Shorts believes this time around will be different.

“Definitely excited because the last time we played them we had a lot of guys that were banged up that really couldn’t be a part of that so we’re going to be more healthy this time I know they probably are as well so, I feel like it’s going to be a more physical game but anytime we hit hard teams end up starting to fold in their little lawn chairs,” said Shorts.

In their first meeting back in week 9 the Firebirds lost 36-35. Late in the 4th qtr. some questionable calls played a big part in the outcome and Albany hasn’t forgotten.

“This is the match-up I wanted because we should’ve won that game, defense played good, we played good, and the refs cheated us so this is the only match-up I wanted,” said defensive back Markus Smith. “I don’t even take stuff personally but this one is because we should’ve won this one. So, yeah this is the match-up we got to pull it out.”

Despite week 9, the Firebirds’ main goal is to bring a championship back to Albany.

Damon Ware: “Every year I think it’s championship or bust so um the fact that we’re here again, we’re representing the Capital Region, we’re just super excited and we want to bring a ring home.”

Kick-off for Arena Bowl 33 is scheduled for Friday, July 19 at 5:30 pm at the American Dream.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NEWS10 ABC.