Wild Beat Bombers, Clinch First Playoff Seed
June 7, 2014 - Champions Professional Indoor Football League (CPIFL)
Wichita Wild News Release
WICHITA, Kan.-The Wichita Wild (10-2) clinched the first seed in the 2014 CPIFL playoffs with a hard-fought 63-41 win over the Salina Bombers (8-4) Saturday night in Hartman Arena. Led by QB Rocky Hinds, who went 18-30 with four touchdowns, no interceptions and no sacks, the Wild offense played its best game all season to match the Wild defense who gave up just 7 points each quarter until the fourth quarter, including a momentum-stopping fumble recovery by DL James McCartney. Wild DB Dan Kontz opened up the game with an interception, picking off Bomber QB Dane Simoneau and giving the Wild good field position. Tywon Hubbard capitalized for the Wild with a short rush for a touchdown, however the extra point went missed by Lacayo. The Bombers came back with a touchdown of their own to take the lead, but not for long, as Hinds found Kelley to take 13-7 lead at the end of the first quarter.
The second half contained little excitement, with Lacayo hitting a 21 yard field goal to extend the Wild lead early on. DB Kiaree Daniels kept the Bombers out of scoring position, grabbing Simoneau's second interception of the night, setting up Lacayo to convert on a season-long 55-yard field goal as time expired to give the Wild a 25-14 lead at halftime. Wild defense came out hot in the third quarter, keeping the Bombers from scoring in the red zone. The Wild offense continued to hammer away with Hinds finding WR Rashad Daniels on a long pass for a touchdown to add to their lead for the only score in the quarter.
WR Joe Kassanavoid scored early for the Wild in the first quarter, but from then on, it was a back and forth affair that included a total of 51 points scored between the two teams. For the Bombers, a kick return for a touchdown by Ira Autrey and two passes from Simoneau to Zach McClain and Keithen Valentine would finally put some points on the board, but would not be able to catch up to the red-hot Wild offense or outlast their stingy defense. Kassanavoid caught his second pass of the night for a touchdown, Lacayo hit a 30-yard field goal, and Tywon Hubbard found the end zone twice to give the Wild a 63-41 win.
Ending the regular season as the top team in the CPIFL, the Wild also clinched home-field advantage in the 2014 CPIFL playoffs beginning with the Dodge City Law. Playoffs kick off next Saturday, June 14 at 7:05 p.m. when the Wild host the Law and the Salina Bombers make a trip to Sioux City to take on the Bandits. Season ticket holders will be contacted directly on Monday to purchase their seats, as they will be held. All other tickets can be purchased for next week's game by calling 800.745.3000 or visiting ticketmaster.com. For all the latest news on the Wild, visit wichitawildfootball.com or follow the team on Facebook and Twitter (@wichita_wild).
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Champions Professional Indoor Football League Stories from June 7, 2014
- Wild Beat Bombers, Clinch First Playoff Seed - Wichita Wild
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