Cedar Rapids Titans unite through disappointing season

CEDAR RAPIDS — With two games left in a 1-13 season, one would assume players for the Cedar Rapids Titans would have a foot out the door and their minds on the coming offseason.

Yet, when the team spoke to the media this week a common theme was evident.

Through defeat, an enduring bond was established among a group of guys anxious to return and right the ship in 2018.

'The brotherhood that we have here is stronger than any I've been a part of,' said Brion Carnes, who will quarterback the Titans in their Indoor Football League regular-season home finale against the Nebraska Danger (7-6) Saturday at 7:05 p.m. at the U.S. Cellular Center. 'I just feel like next season, with the chemistry that we've got coming back, I feel like we'll be a lot more dynamic.'

The offense has had its moments this season. Carnes is second in the IFL with 170.7 passing yards per game and 46 TDs, and also has tallied 192 yards and five TDs running the ball. Receivers Damond Powell (60.6) and Tre Parmalee (49.4) are second and fourth in the league, respectively, in receiving yards per game and Powell ranks third with 17 TDs.

'We've put up some good numbers,' said receiver Connor Hollenbeck, who has 36 receptions for 465 yards and 11 touchdowns in 13 games. 'A slow start, but once we work this offseason and just stick around, get used to the game more it's going to be really good for next year.'

The Titans have led in nine of 14 games, but managed just one win. The talk throughout the locker room has centered on one final opportunity for victory in front of the home fans Saturday.

'We were all talking about how we always gave you guys close games, but didn't finish,' said defensive tackle Carlif Taylor, who has registered 44 tackles, 3 1/2 sacks and six tackles for loss this season. 'As much as you all have been there supporting us, we owe you all a great game. We owe you all a win here.'

Cedar Rapids closes the regular season at Arizona June 11.

l Comments: douglas.miles@thegazette.com