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By Nate Morello, Outlaws Beat Reporter – August 1, 2071
The Los Angeles Outlaws are no strangers to adversity. For years, they've been overshadowed by their divisional rivals in the Ring of Fire conference. The Las Vegas Rounders have been the undisputed kings, ruling the division with iron-clad consistency. And when the Rounders stumble, it’s the Honolulu Sharks that feast on their competition, leaving the Outlaws—and the Tucson Toros—scrambling for relevance.
But something has changed in Los Angeles.
The Outlaws, once perennial underdogs, have quietly been building a roster capable of competing with the heavyweights. After a string of strong drafts over the past three to four years, GM Vito Stallione has pieced together a talented squad that may finally be ready to break free from the shadows.
Yet, as the 2071 season approaches, question marks still loom over this franchise—most notably at quarterback, where Jim “Rizz” Ellison enters the final year of his contract, and on the sidelines, where Head Coach Reuben Winters faces growing pressure from an impatient fan base despite the backing of the front office.
The Head Coach Debate: Is Reuben Winters the Problem?
Since taking over as head coach, Reuben Winters has led the Outlaws to a respectable 34-31-1 record. While it’s far from elite, Winters has guided the team through difficult rebuilding years and helped mold the roster into one with legitimate playoff potential. His relationship with GM Vito Stallione is rock solid—Stallione has made it clear that he believes Winters is the right man to lead the team forward.
But the fans? They’re not convinced.
Many in Outlaw Nation believe Winters’ conservative play-calling and inability to get the most out of his quarterback have held the team back. A vocal contingent of fans blames Winters for the team’s middling records in recent seasons and believes that he’s the one thing standing between the Outlaws and true contention in the Ring of Fire.
The pressure is mounting for Winters, and if the Outlaws don’t take a step forward this year, the calls for his dismissal may become too loud for even Stallione to ignore.
The Quarterback Conundrum: Rizz on the Clock
Jim "Rizz" Ellison's time with the Outlaws has been anything but smooth. After being traded from the Boston Blizzard to LA, Ellison has had two solid seasons—54 touchdowns to 27 interceptions, 560 rushing yards, and 5 rushing touchdowns—but the Outlaws' 7-9 and 8-7-1 records under his leadership have left GM Stallione unconvinced. Despite his dual-threat capability, Ellison’s 9 fumbles in two seasons have been costly, and consistency remains elusive for the veteran QB.
Stallione’s decision to let Ellison play out his contract without offering an extension speaks volumes. The message is clear: it’s time for Ellison to prove whether he can take this team from middling to elite. Behind him on the depth chart is rookie Efrain Michi, but no one expects Michi to challenge for the starting job this season. It’s Rizz or bust.
The Franchise Cornerstone: Mighty Mick Sherman
While Ellison’s future remains in limbo, there’s no question who the Outlaws' true star is—Mickey "Mighty Mick" Sherman. Since bursting onto the scene in 2068, Sherman has been the workhorse of the Los Angeles offense, putting up jaw-dropping numbers year after year. With 1,405 rushing yards in his rookie season, followed by 1,043 in 2069 and a bounce-back year in 2070 with 1,378 yards on the ground, Sherman has cemented himself as one of the league’s most dangerous running backs.
And let’s not forget his contributions in the passing game: 468 receiving yards in 2069 alone showed just how versatile Sherman can be. But at 29 years old and with his agent shunning all contract extension talks, this could very well be Sherman’s final season in LA. It’s a storyline that looms large as the Outlaws head into training camp.
The Supporting Cast: Rising Stars and Big Hopes
If the Outlaws are going to make noise in the Ring of Fire this year, it won’t just be up to Ellison and Sherman. Los Angeles has quietly assembled a cast of young stars who are poised to break out.
Colin Magana and Ryan Lyons form one of the league’s most promising tight end duos, offering versatility both in the passing game and as blockers.
Asher Waggoner and Bart Anagnostis are dangerous weapons on the outside. Waggoner’s speed and Anagnostis’ sure hands should give Ellison plenty of options downfield.
On the offensive line, Arnold Cote remains the anchor, providing crucial protection for both Ellison and the running game.
But it’s the defense where the Outlaws could really surprise people this year.
Korey Andrews has quickly become one of the most feared pass rushers in the league. With his size and speed, Andrews is a nightmare for offensive linemen to handle.
Joining him is Cornell Gallacci, another star on the defensive line who has racked up an impressive 28.5 sacks and 7 forced fumbles in his 4 seasons. Together, Andrews and Gallacci form one of the most devastating pass-rushing duos in the CFL, and their ability to pressure opposing quarterbacks will be crucial if the Outlaws are going to compete with the high-powered offenses of the Rounders and Sharks.
The safety duo of Richard Uremovic and Mitch Baker is as good as any in the conference, capable of shutting down the deep ball while coming up strong in run support.
The Ring of Fire Gauntlet: Can the Outlaws Compete?
The Ring of Fire has long been one of the toughest divisions in the CFL, and it’s not going to get any easier this year. The Las Vegas Rounders are once again the team to beat. With a high-flying offense and a defense that punishes mistakes, they’ve set the standard for success in the division. The Honolulu Sharks are never far behind, known for their opportunistic defense and explosive playmakers on offense. As for the Tucson Toros, they remain a wild card, but no team can afford to take them lightly.
For the Outlaws, the 2071 season represents an opportunity to prove that they belong among the elite. After years of building through the draft, Los Angeles finally has the pieces to make a serious run at the playoffs. But to do so, they’ll need to beat the best—and that starts with taking down the Rounders and the Sharks.
Season Outlook: Boom or Bust
The Los Angeles Outlaws are a team on the cusp. They have the talent to compete, but the question remains: can they put it all together? The fate of their season will likely come down to Jim "Rizz" Ellison’s ability to play consistently at a high level and whether Mighty Mick Sherman can carry the offense for one more season.
And then there’s Reuben Winters. Loved by the GM, questioned by the fans, Winters is entering a pivotal year as head coach. If the Outlaws underperform once again, the heat on Winters could reach a boiling point—even if Stallione still has his back.
If everything clicks, the Outlaws could surprise everyone and finally knock the Rounders off their throne. But if the same issues that have plagued them in recent years—turnovers, inconsistency at QB—rear their ugly head again, Los Angeles could be staring at another frustrating season of being stuck in the middle.
Outlaws fans are hoping that 2071 will be the year the team finally turns the corner. Either way, one thing is certain: it’s going to be a wild ride in the Ring of Fire.
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Atlantic Division Champions - 2007, 2008, 2010, 2018, 2020, 2021, 2028, 2035, 2037, 2039, 2044, 2046, 2047
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