Titans drop regular-season finale at Sioux Falls, 46-31

The Cedar Rapids Titans lost the final game of the regular season to the four-time defending Indoor Football League champion Sioux Falls Storm, 46-31, last night at Sioux Falls.

The game had no bearing on the playoff schedule. The Titans (9-5) will return to Sioux Falls (14-0) for the United Conference championship game, with the winner earning a berth in the United Bowl for the IFL championship.

The Titans jumped on top first when defensive back Tyree Robinson returned an interception 14 yards for a touchdown on the first play from scrimmage.

Trailing 16-10, the Titans regained the lead in the second quarter when receiver Jasonus Tillery snared his first touchdown of the season on a 25-yard pass from quarterback Willie Copeland. Kick returner Robert Brown added a 50-yard touchdown return just before half, but Sioux Falls led, 33-24, at the break.

The teams were scoreless in the third quarter, then Copeland pulled the Titans within 33-31 with an 11-yard touchdown pass to Bryan Pray on the first play of the fourth quarter. Sioux Falls closed the scoring with a pair of late touchdowns.

Copeland finished 13-of-27 passing for 100 yards and two interceptions to go with his two scores.

Running back Washaun Ealey ran for 31 yards and failed to score a touchdown in a game for the first time all season.

Tillery led the receivers with four catches for 41 yards in his first action since joining the team June 8.

Sioux Falls quarterback Lorenzo Brown threw for 108 yards, ran for 48 and had four total touchdowns.

l Comments: douglas.miles@thegazette.com