Locos face Nighthawks in potential title game preview

The Locomotives' road to a second consecutive United Football League championship game is getting shorter, though not necessarily easier.

Las Vegas leads the five-team league at 4-1 with three games to play, needing to finish in the top two to earn a spot in the Nov. 27 title game at Rosenblatt Stadium in Omaha, Neb.

The Locos visit there today to play the second-place Omaha Nighthawks in what could be a dress rehearsal for the season finale.

"Things are more defined at this point of the season," Las Vegas coach Jim Fassel said. "There's only three games left, and we need to maintain the momentum we've built the past few weeks."

The Locos have won four in a row since their season-opening loss to Florida on Sept. 17.

Las Vegas has managed to remain atop the UFL standings despite losing several starters to injury, particularly quarterback Tim Rattay, who ruptured his right Achilles' tendon Oct. 15 at Sacramento.

Backup quarterback Drew Willy performed well in the Locos' 24-21 overtime win over Hartford on Saturday at Sam Boyd Stadium, completing 18 of 29 passes for 191 yards and a touchdown in his first pro start.

"He was fantastic," Fassel said of Willy, who was sacked twice and coughed up a fumble that the Colonials returned 83 yards for a touchdown late in the second quarter. "He made a lot of nice plays, and other than the one ball security issue -- I told him he should have thrown that one away -- he did a great job."

Fassel said he didn't limit the playbook last week and won't today.

"I have total confidence in Drew that he can execute anything we send in," Fassel said. "The team believes in him and so do I."

Fassel's main concern is having a short week to prepare for an Omaha team that is also trying to lock up a spot in the title game.

The Locos flew to Nebraska on Wednesday after having Sunday off and practicing Monday and Tuesday, neither day in full pads. Fassel acknowledged that he's worried about the physical state of his team.

"They showed good energy (Monday and Tuesday), but it's still very tough," he said. "We've got a lot of people banged up, and we were in a very physical game against Hartford.

"It's like playing in the NFL on Thanksgiving, only that's an even shorter week. We've spent a lot of time in meetings this week, making sure we're mentally prepared to play."

Las Vegas' biggest injury concern is free safety Lewis Baker, who suffered a concussion against Hartford and will not play today. Jamal Lewis will take Baker's spot.

A win today won't clinch a spot in the title game but would put the Locos in great position to make a return trip to Omaha for Thanksgiving weekend.

"We played well against them the first time," Fassel said of the Locos' 22-10 win Oct. 6. "I expect a tough game, but we all know what's on the line and we'll be ready."

Contact reporter Steve Carp at scarp@reviewjournal.com or 702-387-2913.