Force Prepares for Amarillo, Adds Elbert Mack
March 20, 2015 - Champions Indoor Football (CIF)
Wichita Force News Release
WICHITA, Kan.-The Wichita Force (1-1) are prepared to hit the road on Saturday, March 21, 2015 to square off against the Amarillo Venom (1-0); kick-off set for 7:05 p.m. The Force are refreshed after coming off a bye week and are seeking their second win of the season after defeating the Omaha Beef 45-42 in Week 2. Amarillo will make their home debut on Saturday after winning at Dodge City in week two, 68-63.
In Wichita's week two victory over Omaha, the Force raced out to a 28-7 halftime lead courtesy of a strong defensive effort and a balanced offensive attack. Defensive back Kendrick Harper tallied an interception and a fumble recovery, while linebacker Jason Catchings recorded a blocked field goal. On offense, quarterback Joe Kassanavoid led the Force with three touchdowns, one through the air to wide receiver Brett Soft and two on the ground.
Returning from the intermission, the Force struggled to connect on the offensive end only scoring two touchdowns and a field goal in the second half coming from Soft, Clarence Anderson and Lacayo. Although some bright spots on defense, the normally stingy Force gave up 38 points to bring the Beef within three with just 1:30 left in the game. A Force sack combined by defensive linemen Latavious Davis and Matt Moss sacked Wright on the Beef's final play to hold on for the win. That sack marked Moss's 50th career sack for Wichita's 45-42 win.
In Amarillo's win over Dodge City, the Venom took control of the game early with a commanding 28-7 lead with 7:29 to play in the second quarter, led by two touchdown passes by quarterback Nate Davis. The Law responded with two touchdowns, a 23 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Joshua Floyd to running back KingJack Washington and a two yard touchdown run by running back Dominique Carson with 15 seconds left in the first half. Seven seconds later, the Venom got back on the board with a 25 yard touchdown pass from Davis to wide receiver Percy Turner, establishing a 35-21 halftime lead. The Law began their comeback effort in the third quarter, outscoring the Venom by a touchdown to make the score 42-35. Amarillo, however, was able to outpace a tough Dodge City in the final quarter to earn a 68-63 victory over the Law.
The most notable change for the Force over their bye week is the addition of defensive back, Elbert Mack. A Wichita native and graduate of Wichita North High School, Mack joins the Force after spending six years in the NFL with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the New Orleans Saints, and the Houston Texans. With six career interceptions and two touchdowns, Mack is sure to add to an already stacked Force defense.
"I just want to win a championship and bring one home for the city of Wichita. It's refreshing to be able to play in front of friends and family and this will be my first time playing at home since high school," said Mack. "My goal is to lead the league in interceptions and bring leadership to the team. Once I get my feet wet, the sky is the limit."
Mack began his career at Butler Community College, playing two seasons before transferring to Troy. In his senior season at Troy, Mack earned first-team All-Sun Belt honors while leading the NCAA with eight interceptions. In 2008, Mack signed with the Buccaneers as an undrafted free agent. After four seasons in Tampa Bay, Mack moved on to play a season each with the Saints and Texans.
Player to Watch: WR Clarence Anderson
Anderson, the Week Two Special Teams Player of the Week currently ranks fifth overall in the CIF with 108.5 all-purpose yards per game. In Wichita's victory over Omaha, Anderson had 162 all-purpose yards and one touchdown catch. Anderson's ability to gain extra yards for the Force will be key to a victory on Saturday.
The Force will return home to INTRUST Bank Arena on Saturday, March 28 to face off against the Sioux City Bandits in honor of active and veterans of the military and first responders for America's Heroes Night presented by Kansas National Guard. A special buy one, get one free ticket special applies to all sideline and end zone seating for military and first responders and can be purchased by calling the Force office or visiting the INTRUST Bank Arena box office. Starting at $10 in the Fan Zone section, single game tickets can be purchased at the INTRUST Bank Arena box office, over the phone by calling (855) 755-SEAT, at participating Dillons locations, or online at www.selectaseat.com. Party seating, including group tickets and suites, can be purchased by calling the Force office at 316-425-3009.
Champions Indoor Football Stories from March 20, 2015
- Force Prepares for Amarillo, Adds Elbert Mack - Wichita Force
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