Paul Chivari
Two quick Cedar Rapids Titans scores in the early minutes of the second half found the Chicago Slaughter down 31-7. By the final 17 seconds of the game they would find themselves kicking an onside kick, down by six, following a key David Brown touchdown grab from Cody Kirby.
In a game that featured teams in a home and home rematch from the previous week’s season opener, the Slaughter (0-2) played host to a Titans (2-0) team they were looking for revenge on after their week 1 loss in Cedar Rapids .
The Sears Centre crowd was eager to see this year’s brand of Slaughter football, showing their support for the team’s home opener by sporting red colors, with many in Chicago Blackhawks sweaters. Unfortunately, the hot streak Chicago ’s Hockey Team seems to be having on Chicago ’s West Side doesn’t seem to be rubbing off on Chicago ’s Indoor Football Team from Hoffman Estates , who now start the 2013 season with back-to-back losses.
Coincidentally, this week’s game mirrored last week’s with both teams failing to score in the first quarter. Titans kicker Radamez Rubio failed to net two early field goals due to low kicks that ricocheted off of the back of his teammate’s helmets. He would put the Titans on the board first with a 38 yard field goal three minutes into the second quarter. Charles McCullum, the Titans quarterback, was effective going 8 for 12 passing good for 113 yards and two touchdowns. Most of McCullum’s production came in the first half, as he only appeared for the Titans first series in the second half, a series which came after a Slaughter turnover to start the half. McCullum was able to capitalize by ending the Titan drive rushing for a 30 yard scramble to the end zone, putting Cedar Rapids up 24-7 early in the third quarter. Colton Hansen, the Titans backup quarterback came in for McCullum in the second half and managed to throw for 5 touchdowns including his first TD throw to Carl Sims to give the Titans a 31-7 lead in the middle of the third quarter, their largest lead of the game.
The Slaughter weren’t able to get anything going after two big penalties soured their first offensive possession of the game. Such was the case until the last second of the first half saw Daniel Dufrene carry the ball into the endzone from the one yard line giving the Slaughter their only points of the first half. The first Slaughter offensive possession ended with a turnover on an intercepted pass from Cody Kirby. Kirby came into the game after WR Trae Johnson was ejected late in the second quarter. Starting quarterback Juice Williams replaced Johnson in the lineup at the wideout position and became an effective weapon after a couple of missed opportunities. Kirby threw all four of his touchdowns in the second half and was 14 for 19 passing in the second half with 161 yards gained, a turnaround from his 1 for 5 and 10 yards from his few plays in the first half. Williams ended his day with 23yards, 1 TD rushing; 3-4, 19 yards passing; and four receptions and 46 yards receiving. Williams said that he did not practice this week at the wide receiver position leading up to the game. Standout linebacker, Lenny Radtke was able to keep the Slaughter in the game by scoring in the fourth quarter on recovered Rubio field goal attempt that was blocked by the iron stomach of Kyle Jenkins.
The Slaughter’s next game is this Saturday at home against the Green Bay Blizzard (0-1). The Blizzard lost their opener 61-41 last week to the defending champion Sioux Falls Storm. Kickoff is at at the Sears Centre. It’s Star Wars Night, so be sure to grab your lightsaber and come out to watch the Slaughter try to get their first win of the season.