In last Saturday’s game, the Austin Outlaws shutout the New Orleans Blaze 48-0. It’s no wonder defensive coordinator Narlen Baker felt fairly confident going into their first away game against the Blaze. The Outlaws killed New Orleans 42-6 in their home opener this season. But as Baker explains, the Outlaws need big wins in these last few games if they hope to make the playoffs. “There are always questions that arise when traveling to play on someone else’s turf,” Baker states. “I was confident we would win, but how we would win was a concern. With hopes of making the playoffs on the line, we need to first win, but win big as well.”
Last week’s shutout means the Outlaws could still land one of the wild-card spots. They just need to win their next two games, which they’ll play at home, and give up as few points as possible. This Saturday they play the Dallas-based North Texas Fury, whom they shutout 33-0 in their second game of the season. Another big shutout like that this Saturday would put the Outlaws in a good position for next Saturday’s difficult game against the first-place Oklahoma City Lightning. Secondary coach Bobbie James is optimistic about the Outlaws ability to bring home a championship if they can just power through these next two games. She states, “Ask the New York Giants how it feels to be a wild-card team. Once the playoffs start, everything starts back at the very beginning and it’s anyone’s game!”
This article appears in June 13 • 2008.