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Titans to Host Axemen in Rematch

April 18, 2014 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Minnesota Axemen News Release


Bemidji, MN - The Bemidji Axemen are traveling to Cedar Rapids, IA to take on the Cedar Rapids Titans in the second regular season matchup between the two teams this season, a game that will feature two of the league's staunchest defenses. The Axemen lost the first regular season matchup 48-37 in Cedar Rapids.

After injuries sidelined the two quarterbacks on the Axemen roster, reigning IFL Rookie of the Year Cody Kirby will make his debut for Bemidji. Kirby was released by the Nebraska Danger early last week in favor of reigning IFL MVP Jameel Sewell. Through three games with the Danger, Kirby completed 40 of 76 passes for 502 yards and seven touchdowns. He proved to be an effective runner on the ground as well, rushing 27 times for 128 yards and three touchdowns.

Last season, his rookie year, Kirby completed 199 of 323 passes (62 percent) for 1,993 yards, 39 touchdowns, and six interceptions. On the ground, Kirby recorded 116 rushes for 388 yards and 13 touchdowns. At the conclusion of the season, Kirby was named IFL Rookie of the Year and earned Second Team All-IFL honors.

Defensively, the Axemen continue to be led by linebacker Jory Johnson. This season, Johnson has recorded 32 tackles, six tackles-for-loss, four-and-a-half sacks, two interceptions (one returned for a touchdown), and three pass breakups.

The Titans are led by quarterback and Concordia-St. Paul alum Spencer Ohm. Ohm has completed 59 of 121 passes for 749 yards and 15 touchdowns this season. Carl Sims has been Ohm's favorite target this season, recorded 24 receptions of 354 yards and five touchdowns.

Linebacker Pasquale Vacchio anchors the Titan's defense, tallying 56 tackles, five-and-a-half tackles-for-loss, and three-and-a-half sacks on the season.

Last week, the Axemen completed their sweep of the Wyoming Cavalry, winning the contest 33-14. Bemidji's defense, led by defensive coordinator Dixie Wooten, played their best game of the season, holding the Cavalry to zero points and one pass completion in the first half of the ball game.

Offensively, the Axemen were led by wide receiver Ryan Balentine. Due to injuries to both quarterbacks on the roster at the time, Hunter Wanket (neck) and Josh Aakre (knee), Balentine was slid into the quarterback role and completed four of 12 passes for 49 yards and one touchdown while rushing 16 times for 90 yards and three touchdowns.

Kickoff is slated for 7:05pm CST on Saturday, April 19 from the US Cellular Center in Cedar Rapids, IA. The game will be broadcast on AM 870 KPRM and AM 820/103.1 FM WBKK. A webcast can also be seen online at AmericaOneSports.com.

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