C.R. Titans putting early home games to good use

CEDAR RAPIDS - The Indoor Football League has its share of scheduling quirks.

From double-bye weeks in 2013 to home-and-home games with the same opponent in consecutive weeks, the schedule can present challenges.

The Cedar Rapids Titans host the Colorado Ice Saturday at 7:05 p.m. in the U.S. Cellular Center for the team's fourth home game in the first five weeks of the season.

'It helps build the character of the team,” receiver Bryan Pray said. 'I like the way they put our schedule. Down the stretch, we know we're going to have to go on the road, and if we can win these games we can bring the playoffs back home for us.”

After Saturday, six of the Titans' final nine games will be away from the U.S. Cellular Center.

The veteran Pray sees this as an opportunity to perfect their game before the comforting presence of the home crowd.

'Playing at home, you get that confidence,” said Pray, who leads the IFL with 19 catches and seven touchdowns. 'You're working your game out. The crowd is quiet when the offense is on the field. The crowd is loud when the defense is on the field. So we get the best of both worlds.

'So while we're working those kinks out and we're figuring our game out, we can go ahead and transfer that to being on the road.”

For first-year quarterback Sam Durley, the early home games have accelerated the development of chemistry and rhythm with his new teammates.

Durley has led the Titans to a 3-1 record by throwing for 555 yards and a league-leading 13 touchdown passes against three interceptions.

'Having those four home games, that definitely helps out your comfortability with your teammates,” Durley said. 'It just makes it a lot more fun as teammates and you start clicking faster.”

The week brought about a roster shuffle at the wide receiver position.

Carl Sims, the club's all-time leading receiver, was traded to Billings for future considerations. Former Iowa Hawkeyes receiver/kick returner Jordan Cotton, who had been released after training camp, was re-signed.

'Definitely tough to see Carl go,” Durley said. 'Jordan earned his spot back on the roster and he's going to do a good job for us. That's part of professional football. Guys get traded away.”

'Some things don't go the way that you planned and you have to adjust.”

l Comments: douglas.miles@thegazette.com