Force Return to INTRUST to Face Duke City Gladiators
March 10, 2016 - Champions Indoor Football (CIF)
Wichita Force News Release
WICHITA, Kan. - The Wichita Force (1-0) will host the Duke City Gladiators (0-0) at INTRUST Bank Arena on Saturday, March 12 with a set kick-off at 7:05 p.m. This will be the first time that the two franchises have met since their debut in 2015.
Coming off a 66-44 win over the Salina Liberty last week, the Force look to continue its momentum into the team's first home game of the 2016 season.
QB Emmanuel Taylor finished last week's game with three rushing and one passing touchdown in the contest while newcomer QB Stephen Panasuk finished six of six for pass attempts resulting in two passing touchdowns to WR Ronald Davis for the pair's debut with the Force.
Although the team struggled defensively coming into the contest against Salina, the Force managed to pick up the pace in the second quarter following the team's first pick-six of the season by DB Chris Hemphill. Midway through the third quarter, DB Elbert Mack joined the pick-six party with a score of his own. The Force finished the contest with four interceptions total over Salina including two from Mack and one from Hemphill and LB Jason Catchings, respectively.
"We had a great team win but I know we can improve in a lot of areas," DB Kendrick Harper said. "Duke City has a great team with a lot of weapons on both sides of the ball. It will be a challenge for us to step up and set the tone this game. As long as we do our 1/8 and play as a team, anything is possible."
Force Player to Watch: DB Chris Hemphill
In the Force's 2016 season opener, Hemphill scored his first pick-six of his career with the team. He managed to record six solo tackles, one tackle for loss, and one pass break up against the Salina Liberty. Dropping over 40 pounds in the off season has allowed Hemphill to move quicker on his feet and giving him more hip flexibility. With quicker movement and his tackling power, his gameplay will be vital to bring Wichita the second win.
Gladiators Player to Watch: QB Taylor Genuser
Playing in nine games last season for the Gladiators, Manley recorded 44 receptions for 594 yards and 12 touchdowns. He averaged 71 yards per game over the course of the season and will serve sat the Gladiators' starting QB against the Force.
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- Force Return to INTRUST to Face Duke City Gladiators - Wichita Force
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