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11/23/2005: "Thunderbirds vs Titans: Preview"

Thunderbirds vs Titans: Preview
Number 1 seed on the line
2005-09-08
When the Central Minnesota Thunderbirds head to Richfield to take on the Twin Cities Titans on Saturday, there will be a little more on the line than a typical regular season game.
Saturday's game will be the final regular-season game for both teams, and will determine seeding in the Mid-American Football League playoffs, which begin the following weekend.
The Thunderbirds are undefeated at 7-0 this season, while the Titans stand at 6-1. A Thunderbird loss would leave the teams even in league play and they would have to go to the tiebreaker to determine which team would receive the No.1 seed.
Thunderbird Coach Chad Baldwin said his team would not only have to lose, but lose big in order to be knocked out of the top spot. But he isn't about to let it come down to the details.
"I'm really comfortable in thinking that we can beat them," he said. "I don't think we have to play a miraculous game, but we have to play a good game."
Also at stake is the Thunderbirds' position in the national rankings. As an undefeated team, the T-Birds sit fifth in the power ratings (according to the North American Football League). A loss would likely bump them right out of the top 10.
 "For us to win this game is huge on many, many levels," Baldwin said, adding that a victory would give his team added confidence going into the playoffs, would help in the national ratings and would assure the T-Birds the No.1 seed for the MFL playoffs.
That top seed is something the Thunderbirds are shooting for because it will give them the home field for the playoffs, and put them up against lesser-ranked teams in the playoff bracket.
 "It's a very big advantage to be number one," Baldwin said.
As for this week's opponent, Baldwin said the Titans' strength lies in a star quarterback and talented running back. The Titans' offensive line is very athletic and their receiving core is talented, as well.
"It definitely puts our defense in a situation where we have to play a really good game to keep them under control," Baldwin said."Our offense is very high powered and is going to give them a lot of trouble, as well."
Strong safety Todd Western said he expects a good game on Saturday. He said that if the team would happen to struggle early, it will bounce back even harder.
"I expect things to go well," he said. "We're the kind of team that once we get hit in the mouth, we tend to fight back a little stronger."
Western said Saturday's game will be a good one for two reasons: the Titans will be looking to knock off an undefeated team; and an undefeated team will be looking finish the regular season unbeaten.
 Baldwin said that in the end, the outcome of the game lies in the players.
"I think it's going to come down to execution and controlling plays," Baldwin said. "It's gonna come down to the guys. We definitely have a very talented football team, and we have a full coaching staff, which really helps."
Central Minnesota's last MFL title came back in 2001, but the T-Birds have reached the semifinals in each of the previous three seasons.
Western's first season with the Thunderbirds was the championship season of 2001, and he said he's ready to do it again.
 "I think that first year we won it, we were hungry," Western said. "This year, we've got the talent and we can execute. The coaches are well organized this year. All we have to do is show up and perform."
 This year, no one on the team is going to settle for second best.
 "Our destiny is in our own hands right now," Baldwin said.
Saturday's game between the Titans and Thunderbirds is scheduled for 7 p.m. at Holy Angels High School in Richfield.