Team Preview by: Ed Cerise


The Helena Titans come into 2008 with the goal of being AA RMFL Champion.  This is a very attainable goal for this year’s team.  With Missoula and Bitteroot moving up to AAA the Titans no longer have to contend with those two teams, nor does the rest of the league.  This year the Titans should be a playoff team, but do they have what it takes to get them to the top?

 

Over the past several seasons the Titans have undergone various forms of restructure from Management and Coaching staff, to players coming and going to other various teams in Montana.  This team finished in the middle of the pack both offensively and defensively last season and I expect them to build upon that and improve to being one of the top teams in AA.  Like their Gladiator counterparts the Titans need to step up and make a mark in Montana like Missoula and Bitteroot have in years past.  This team has a great chance of going undefeated at home this season and if they can pick up two big wins on the road this team could realistically finish the season at 6-2 and be one of the top teams in AA vying for that first round bye.  Everyone knows you don’t want to have to travel to Montana for a playoff game so late in the season.   On the flip side if they have to travel during the playoffs their hopes for a championship will be a tough one to grasp.

 

Offensive Outlook: 

 

Steve Kurschner (6’-0” 180) is returning as starting Quarterback for the second straight year.  Kurschner was the AA’s second highest rated passer in ‘07.  With an experienced Q.B. leading the team, the Titans have a great shot at that championship.  Behind Kurschner will be Derek Burch (5’-2” 210) who is short but solid and will be a tough runner.  Blocking for Burch is Reggie Stanfield (5’-9” 245) who will punish any defender that get’s in front of him.  Leading the way for these guys on the front line will be Nathan Strum (6’-3” 360), Dave Anderson (6’-2” 280), Mike Soto (6’-2” 300), Rain Two Feathers (5’-10” 235), and Ken Hollibaugh (6’-1” 205).  Last season this group gave up 19 quarterback sacks, they are going to need to come together as a group to prevent so many sacks this season.   By allowing their Q.B. time he can get the ball to Aj Varela (6’-2” 190), Cade Rasmussen (6’-2” 190) and Daniel Shultz (6’-0” 220) at Tight End.  Kurscher will also be getting the ball to 2007 top receiver Freddie Brown (6’-5” 208) who was 3rd in AA receptions last season.  Varela and Rasmussen are going to have to step up big if this team wants be productive and compete for the championship.  This very well could be the top receiving group in the AA.

 

Defensive Outlook: 


The Titans are a team with big hitters and leading them in that department are safeties Derek Rasmussen (6’-0” 235) and Johnny Pittman (5’-9” 190) who are no strangers at mixing it up.  While they the safeties are busy smashing opponents the coverage will fall on the shoulders of Tarry Anderson (5’-8” 145) and Andrew Wilson (5’-10” 175).  All-Star Tiff Myers (6’-2” 230) returns as the heart and muscle of this defense at Linebacker.  Dan Roope (5’-10” 210) and Ben Rigney (5’-10” 210)will line up alongside Tiff creating havoc wherever these three are.  Upfront All-Star Terry Hiatt (6’-3” 285) will be back to business with new partner Jeremy Hicks to put pressure on opposing Q.B.’s.  Rounding out the line will be Tonto Lindberg (6’-3” 290) and Aaron Ferron (6’-2” 260). This Defense is not only mean, they are athletic.  Think about a 6’-0” 235 Strong Safety in Rasmussen that is a Lineman for some teams.  This team has so much potential if they can bring it together the championship may be in their grasp.

 

OVERALL RANKING: 4th