Cedar Rapids Titans vs. Iowa Barnstormers Game Preview
Published on February 28, 2015 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Cedar Rapids River Kings News Release
CEDAR RAPIDS, IA : The Cedar Rapids Titans (0-0) will face off against the Iowa Barnstormers (0-0) in the inaugural 'Iowa Bowl' this Saturday, February 28. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:05 p.m on Mediacom Field at the U.S Cellular Center.
The newly-created 'Iowa Bowl' celebrates the in-state rivalry between one of the newest members of the IFL in the Barnstormers and the 2014 IFL Franchise of the Year in the Titans. The home-and-home series will also feature a traveling trophy.
The Titans come into the game having won ten consecutive games at home and looking to continue their streak albeit with several new faces on offense.
Quarterbacks Sam Durley and Sean Reilly replace quarterback Spencer Ohm in 2015. Durley played last season for the IFL's Wyoming Cavalry and was third in the league throwing for 43 touchdowns. Reilly is an IFL rookie and played at UNLV last season. Also gone is the IFL's all-time rushing leader Laron Council. The Titans will look to replace Council with running backs Washaun Ealey and Zack Brown. Ealey rushed for 124 yards in the Titans United Conference Championship game last season, third most in IFL postseason history.
The new faces on the Titans offense are offset by several returning veterans however. Wide receivers Carl Sims and Bryan Pray return for their third seasons as a member of the Titans. Sims led the Titans in receiving last season with 52 receptions, 789 yards and 14 touchdowns. Pray contributed an additional 474 yards and seven touchdowns.
On defense, IFL All-time Sack leader Xzavie Jackson returns for his fourth season with the Titans. The two-time First Team All-IFL selection leads the IFL with 46.5 career sacks. Returning with him on defense are DB Robert Brown, DL Jeremiah Price and LB Nick Haag. Former university of Iowa defensive back B.J Lowery joins the Titans for his first season in 2015. Lowery accumulated 128 tackles, 22 pass breakups and three interceptions during his time as a Hawkeye.
The Iowa Barnstormers joined the IFL this past offseason after spending several seasons in the Arena Football League. The Barnstormers are one of the most well known indoor football teams in the country and is known for being the beginning of NFL quarterback Kurt Warner's professional football career.
Under new Head Coach Joe Brannen, the Barnstormers will quickly look to make their presence felt in the IFL. The offense will be led by former Winston Salem State QB Kameron Smith. Smith will be accompanied by Wide Receivers Lemans Casimier and Dejay Lester. Casimier played for the IFL's Billings Outlaws and Colorado Ice and has 179 receptions for 2185 yards and 45 touchdowns in his IFL career. Lester played for the IFL's Green Bay Blizzard in 2013 and the Bemidji Axemen in 2014.
On defense the Iowa Barnstormers are led by DB T.J Simmons. Simmons played for the Titans during the 2012 and 2013 season and is the team's all-time interceptions leader. Simmons will take the field against his former team on Saturday.
Tickets for the game are on sale now at the US Cellular Center box office and online at ticketmaster.com starting at just $8. Their will be activities for the entire family including live music, live performances, autograph signings, giveaways, special guest appearances, and much more.
Season tickets for the 2015 season are still available. A free parking pass courtesy of Park Cedar Rapids is included in all season ticket packages. To order season tickets or to find the Titans complete 2015 schedule visit http:// www.cedarrapidstitans.com or call the Titans office at 319-730-6301.
Indoor Football League Stories from February 28, 2015
- Axemen fall to the Storm 66-42 - Minnesota Axemen
- Barnstormers Trumped by Titans - Iowa Barnstormers
- Cedar Rapids Titans vs. Iowa Barnstormers Game Preview - Cedar Rapids River Kings
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