INDOOR FOOTBALL: Axemen trade for quarterback, re-sign seven other players

BEMIDJI - After an offseason full of change, the Minnesota Axemen are starting to build their 2016 roster.
The Axemen’s biggest move so far has been trading defensive lineman Ino Vitale to the Nebraska Danger for quarterback Brion Carnes.
“Brion was one of the most coveted free agents in our league,” said head coach and general manager Richard Davis in a press release.
Carnes served as the backup quarterback to Indoor Football League MVP Jameel Sewell last season.
After sitting behind the best quarterback in the league, Carnes feels he can now go on and lead an IFL team of his own to success.
“(Sewell) is like my big bro,” Carnes said. “I had the privilege to sit and learn, learn what what needs to happen to be successful in this league. Coach Davis has given me the opportunity to lead.”
Carnes started the Dangers’ final regular-season game, a 60-50 loss to the Billings Wolves.
Despite the loss, Carnes shined as he completed 15-of-28 passes for 178 yards and five touchdowns while rushing for 25 yards and two more scores.
“I knew I had to go out and play my best,” Carnes said. “I had fun. When my number is called I know I have to be ready.”
Carnes played his college ball at the University of Northern Iowa where in his senior season he threw for 1,182 yards and six touchdowns while rushing for 314 yards and four more scores.
He was originally recruited to the University of Nebraska where he was redshirted in 2010 before seeing minimal playing time in 2011 and 2012 as a quarterback and receiver.
Besides Carnes, the Axemen are returning some key players from last season.
Defensive back Tony Grimes, who led the team in tackles, returns as does Antonie Tharpe.
Rony Nelson, William Slade and Henry Orelus also return to the defense.
The Axemen also re-signed a couple key offensive linemen in Neemia Vitale and Kasimili Uitalia.
Uitalia was a leader on the offensive line in 2015 and Davis made it a point to resign the lineman.
“Kasimili was the first person I wanted back here,” Davis said in a press release. “He’s a pro, he comes to work everyday and gives everything he has. On top of that, he’s a high-character person. He’s exactly what I expect out of all my players.”