Preview: Cedar Rapids vs. Nebraska
March 3, 2016 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Cedar Rapids River Kings News Release
Cedar Rapids, IA - The Cedar Rapids Titans (1-1) return back home tomorrow night to take on the reigning Intense Conference champion Nebraska Danger (1-0). The all-time series between the Titans and Danger is split with each team having won one game. Kickoff is slated for 7:05 p.m.
The Titans go into tomorrow evening's game third in the United Conference standings after losing their Week 2 contest to the five-time IFL champion Sioux Falls Storm. In last week's 54-45 loss in Sioux Falls, Cedar Rapids was led mostly in part by rookie quarterback Dylan Favre. Favre, appearing in his second professional football game, completed 18 of 25 passes for 123 and a pair of touchdowns. Favre also added a pair of touchdowns on the ground as he recorded six carries for 17 yards.
Wide receivers Jared Elmore (6 catches for 41 yards) and Tank Thomas (two catches for 23 yards) each caught one touchdown passes from Favre. Thomas also added one rushing touchdown on two rushes for eight yards. Reigning IFL Offensive Rookie of the Year running back Waymon James returned three kick returns for 58 yards and one touchdown. James was named TheGridironCrew.com IFL Special Teams Player of the Week for his efforts. Defensive lineman Xzavie Jackson intercepted a deflected pass in the Sioux Falls end zone for the final Titans score of last weekend's matchup.
James leads the Cedar Rapids squad in all-purpose yardage, having notched 229 yards through two games. Linebacker Niko Sierra leads the Titans in tackles (15) while defensive lineman Jermiah Price leads the team in tackles-for-loss with six. Jackson leads the team, and Indoor Football League, in sacks (4) while Price is second in the league with three sacks.
The Danger are led on the field by reigning IFL Most Valuable Player Jameel Sewell. Sewell, a product of the University of Virginia, was honored as the IFL's top player after finishing 2015 having completed 146 of 260 passes (56.2% completion percentage) for 1,739 yards and 38 touchdowns. Sewell threw just three interceptions through 14 games last season, the lowest of any starting quarterback in the IFL.
Nebraska had a bye week the opening week of the 2016 and squeaked out a 47-46 over the Tri-Cities Fever last weekend in Grand Island, NE. In last weekend's game against the Fever, Sewell completed just 6 of 19 passes (31.6%) for 82 passing yards and two touchdowns. Sewell also matched his interception total from last season in just one game, throwing three interceptions against the staunch Tri-Cities defense.
Sewell led the Danger on the ground, carrying the ball 10 times for 109 and four touchdowns. IFL rookie Lyle McCombs got his first professional start at running back, adding 73 rushing yards on 14 carries. The former UConn Husky added two receptions for 17 and one touchdown. Former Billings Wolves player Regginald Lewis Jr. made his debut for the Danger, hauling in a pair of receptions for 39 yards and one touchdown.
IFL rookie and former Florida Gator Michael Taylor paved the way for the Nebraska defense, making nine tackles and adding one forced fumble. Defensive back Corey Cooper added eight stops while seasoned IFL veteran Harcourt Farquharson recorded one interception and one pass break up.
Doors open at 5:00 p.m. tomorrow night as the Ultimate Tailgate Party takes on place on the concourse of the US Cellular Center as live entertainment takes place while $2 hot dogs, $2 sodas, and $2 draft beers will be available.
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Indoor Football League Stories from March 3, 2016
- Preview: Cedar Rapids vs. Nebraska - Cedar Rapids River Kings
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