Force Host Champions Indoor Football Champions Bowl II Versus Amarillo Venom
June 22, 2016 - Champions Indoor Football (CIF)
Wichita Force News Release
WICHITA, Kan. - The Wichita Force (10-2) will host the Amarillo Venom (10-4) on Monday, June 27 at INTRUST Bank Arena for the Champions Indoor Football Champions Bowl II. The appearance in the Champions Bowl will be a first for both organizations.
In the semi-final round of the Northern and Southern Divisions, the Force and Amarillo finished the rounds with victories over the Bloomington Edge and Texas Revolution, respectively.
Wichita, the No. 1 seed of the Northern Division, earned a one-week bye in the first round of post season play before the earned matchup against the Bloomington Edge.
Wichita took a quick 13-0 lead over the Edge early in the first and maintained it throughout the second until Bloomington K Edward Ruhnke hit a 25-yard field goal to tie the score at 25-all before the intermission break.
Starting in the second half, the lead was quickly exchanged three times in the midst of a 23-yard field goal by Ruhnke, 11-yard touchdown reception by Force WR Brett Soft from QB David Olson, and 39-yard Edge touchdown pass by QB Caleb Holbrook to WR Orlandus Harris, respectively.
In the fourth, the Edge took a one-point lead following a six-yard run by RB Andre Raymond. The team's two-point conversion attempt was picked off by DB Kendrick Harper and returned for a touchdown, ruled a safety, and gave the team the one-point lead over the Edge and ultimate win to the final dance.
Taking down the No. 1 seed Revolution, the Venom put up a hard fought battle in the semi-finals of the south. Battling for the lead early in the first, the Revolution and Venom exchanged the lead six times in the first quarter before Texas as able to hold an 11-point lead heading into the locker room.
Late in the third, the Venom regained the lead for a short period of time before the Revolution answered with a score of their own. Back-to-back scores from the Venom sealed the 57-53 win despite a Revolution score late in the fourth, advancing the team to the championship round.
Separated by 420 miles, the Force and Venom met once during the regular season at the Amarillo Civic Center. Similar to several of the team's victories this season, it was a close-knit game between the two but the Force managed to carry away 59-51 win.
Force Player(s) to Watch: DB Dontra' Matthews
Rookie starter Matthews has quickly become a fan favorite within the Wichita community for his enthusiasm and style of play. Standing at 6-foot-3, Matthews is quick on his feet and on offensive reads. Racking up 39 total tackles and four interceptions, Matthews emerging leadership has given a new spark to the Force's defense intensity.
Venom Player(s) to Watch: QB Nate Davis/WR Raymond Johnson Jr.
QB Davis, a 2016 league MVP nominee, created buzz over the regular season for his stellar performance throughout the regular season. Throwing for 2,933 yards and 56 touchdowns, Davis is a key component of the team's success and first appearance in a championship since 2013.
WR Johnson Jr., the top receiver for the Venom, has recorded 1,211 yards on 89 receptions and 21 touchdowns from Davis. With the team averaging 208.8 yards per game, Davis and Johnson's top performance is vital for a victory.
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