Titans take on Reading

HIAWATHA - Kyle Moore-Brown is an indoor football lifer.

After a 15-year career in the game, he turned to coaching and has not lost his passion for the sport.

Not even a six-game losing streak can dull the enthusiasm of the Cedar Rapids Titans field boss. His team is 2-7 with five games remaining and the chance of making the playoff is remote at best. Still, Moore-Brown remains confident in his team and his vision for the future.

"I want the people of Cedar Rapids to know that we have this franchise going in the right direction," Moore-Brown said. "I've been so pleased with all the great things I have heard from people here in town, even during this losing streak.

"I remember the other night, coming back into my hotel after we had just lost at Chicago, two people stopped me and told me that everything is going to be all right. (Owner Chris) Kokalis is committed to having a great team here and so am I."

Moore-Brown believes that turnaround could begin tonight when the Titans host the Reading Express. Reading also is 2-7. Reading got its first win after a 0-7 start two weeks ago against Cedar Rapids, 51-47.

"They are beginning to put things together," Moore-Brown said of the Express. "This will be a big test for us. We have been so close in the last couple games. Getting back home will be good for us."

The Titans have found their offensive stride since Kenneth Black Jr. was installed as quarterback and the kicking game received a boost with the signing of Chris Enos. It is on defense where Cedar Rapids has struggled in recent games, due in large part to injuries at linebacker and in the defensive line.

"For us to win, it is real simple," Moore-Brown said. "We have to play well in all three phases - offense, defense and special teams. The young men we have here have continued to play hard.

"We know we need some help to get into the playoffs. We have five games left and it all begins with Reading. We have to try and win that one and go from there."