Titans wary of winless Blizzard

CEDAR RAPIDS — All that stands between the Cedar Rapids Titans and clinching a spot in the United Conference championship game is a victory Friday against the winless Green Bay Blizzard at the U.S. Cellular Center.

Easy enough, right?

To hear Cedar Rapids Coach Mark Stoute tell it, the 0-10 Blizzard are the type of team that should have had his Titans sitting up straight in team meetings all week.

'An 0-10 team is the most dangerous team you'll ever play,' Stoute said. 'It's worse than playing a 10-0 team because they have nothing to lose. You don't know what to get ready for.'

There is evidence to suggest Stoute may be on to something. After losing its first six games by an average of 23 points (including two to Cedar Rapids), none of Green Bay's last four losses have been by more than 12 points.

'They're putting out 100-percent effort,' linebacker Pasquale Vacchio said. 'Each game they're getting closer and closer. We're not going to be the team to lose to them.'

Cedar Rapids (8-2) hasn't played since having its eight-game winning streak snapped May 10 at undefeated Sioux Falls.

'We just want to get back out there,' said Vacchio, who leads the team in tackles, tackles for loss and is the IFL leader in forced fumbles. 'The bye week's good, but it's over with so it's back to business.'

The Titans still are feeling the effects of the Sioux Falls loss. Stoute confirmed a pair of Titans will miss Friday's game with injuries.

IFL leading rusher LaRon Council (695 yards, 15 TDs) still was wearing a walking boot on his right foot during Wednesday's practice and offensive lineman Jordan Mosley still is nursing a turned ankle. Defensive lineman Richard Posey also will miss the game as he tends to a family emergency.

'Gives a chance for some guys to step up and play,' Stoute said.

Council's absence could be particularly costly for an offense that has struggled to find focus and continuity in practice.

'We're playing at a very high level one minute, and then the next minute you can't believe it's the same guys,' Stoute said.

Friday will be the first of two meetings with the Blizzard in eight days. The Titans visit Green Bay on May 31.

'This is their championship game,' Stoute said. 'If you want to prove to somebody you can play, especially at a higher level — play the game against Cedar Rapids. An 8-2 team, second in the conference, and let's go beat them.'

Kickoff is at 7:05.

l Comments: douglas.miles@sourcemedia.net