Semi-Pro Football Team Builds Comraderie on and off Field

Story and Photos by Army Pfc. Jason Northcutt, 139th Mobile Public Affairs Detachment

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Capt. Tomas Akers of Springfield has a half time huddle with his Defensive Team. Akers is a Counter Drug officer with Joint Force Head Quarters in Springfield.

SPRINGFIELD, IL (04/11/2011)(readMedia)-- On a cold spring day, sixteen men gather on the field to wage battle. Some of have waged battle overseas, but today they wage battle yard by yard, touchdown by touchdown, in a game called football.

The Capital City Outlaws, a Semi-Pro, football team is not just a group of men playing football, but are tied to a great heritage, a military heritage.

The team is currently co-owned by three Illinois Army National Guardsmen; Col. Chris Lawson, Lt. Col. Alex Lawson and Capt. Tomas Akers, but it goes further than just the owners. There are five Illinois Guardsmen, four Soldiers; Sgt. Matt Lehman of New Berlin, Sgt. Jae Russell of Springfield, Spc. Darius Miller of Springfield, Officer Candidate Dave Ferguson of Chatham, and one Airmen, Airmen Erik Baumberger from Springfield, playing on the team.

With the team playing by Eight Man Football League rules (8 FL) they make up over half of an eight man team.

"For many of the players, it's a chance to continue their dream of playing football," said Akers of Springfield a Counter Drug officer with Joint Force Head Quarters in Springfield and commander of the 1844th Transportation Company in Quincy. "Many played through high school, college even Division 1 and Arena. This allows them to teach others what they have learned and continues that dream of playing."

The Outlaws, part of the 8FL, fall under one of two conferences, currently the National Conference and run an eight man team, offensively and defensively. They follow many of the rules of the NFL with a few differences, shorter field and 12 minute quarters.

For some, playing football, and coaching is something that just comes naturally. Chris and Alex Lawson both of Springfield grew up knowing football. Their father, Leland Lawson, was a professional player with the LA Rams. They grew up watching, eating and breathing football.

"Playing football and now owning a team is what we know," said Lt. Col Lawson, commander of the 2nd Battalion, 122nd Field Artillery Regiment. "Our father told us we had to play to go to college. Our father played, we played, and now we teach others to play."

Miller, an Outlaws player from Springfield, loves playing the game of football.

"I don't play because I want to get paid or famous, I play because I love the game," said Miller. "Being part of the team, knowing Capt. Akers, the friends I have made, helped me to make a decision to re-enlist with the Guard. I cannot think of doing anything else."

The Outlaws were not always the Outlaws. The team was created in 1991 as the Springfield Statesmen and in

1992 to 2002 changed its name to the Springfield Buccaneers with the Mid-Continental League. The football organization switched names once more to its current name, the Capital City Outlaws in 2003.

They joined the 8FL in 2004. The first year in the 8FL league they won the league championship. The Outlaws have since played in two more championship games in 2007 and 2008 with one victory in 2007.

But playing football is more than just a team sport on the field, it is also plays a large role in the military life of the players. "The team structure on the field also carried over to our daily job for the Guard. Structure is the biggest benefit on and off the field", said Russell a noncommissioned officer in charge of training with Joint Force Headquarters.

"The military plays a strong role in leadership. I draw on my military experience and times on the football field help me stay level headed in times of pressure."

For more information, photos, game dates visit the Capitol City Outlaws website: www.capitalcityoutlawsfootball.com