Wichita Hosts Salina in Effort to Secure Playoff Spot

May 9, 2013 - Champions Professional Indoor Football League (CPIFL)
Wichita Wild News Release


WICHITA, Kan. - The Wichita Wild (8-1) are prepared to host the Salina Bombers (5-2) on May 11th in Hartman Arena; kick-off scheduled for 7:05 p.m. This game will be the second leg of a home and home series in the I-135 rivalry between the two teams. Wichita and Salina's first ever matchup saw the Wild take a huge 63-34 win over the Bombers in front of a crowd of over 5,000 fans. The Wild enters this week's game seemingly prepared after a crushing 155-16 combined scoring advantage over their last two opponents in weeks 8 and 9. Since their season opening loss to the Wild, the Bombers have won five of their last six games with their only defeat coming from the third placed Sioux City Bandits who converted on a one yard touchdown pass to steal a 46-43 victory.

The last time Wichita and Salina battled was the Bombers inaugural debut in the CPIFL on March 16th in the Bicentennial Center. The Wild's opening drive stalled on the five yard line, giving Salina quarterback Dane Simoneau the opportunity to connect on a 45 yard touchdown pass to Ricky Roberts on the Bombers first play from scrimmage. Wild running back Tywon Hubbard rushed for two touchdowns in the opening quarter but Salina still led 14-13 heading into the second quarter. Wichita turned up the heat in the second quarter, outscoring the Bombers 30-6 to give the Wild a commanding 43-20 halftime lead. The Wild continued their momentum, opening the second half with a 21 yard touchdown pass from Rocky Hinds to wide out Joe Kassanavoid and from there Wichita would cruise to a 60-34 win.

The Wild are primed to play at home again this week after a commanding 73-7 victory last weekend over the Oklahoma Defenders in Hartman Arena. Wichita's offense proved flawless against the Defenders, scoring a touchdown on every possession of the game including three touchdowns in every quarter except the third which saw the Wild defense return an interception for a touchdown. In that play, defensive back Kendrick Harper showed off his smooth return skills as he intercepted a Defender pass and coasted 45 yards to the end zone for a Wild score. The Wild's game against the Defenders was the second in a row that they were able to score a touchdown on every possession. Salina's scoring defense currently ranks third in the league, allowing 34.1 points per game, whereas the Wild's current scoring average is 54.4 points a game. The Bombers defense will need to be firing on all cylinders to ensure any chance of slowing down a Wild attack that has blown their opponents away early in the last two games.

Players to Watch: Wild Secondary

Salina presently leads the CPIFL in passing yards per game with a solid 163.4. On the other hand, Wichita tops the CPIFL in passing defense only allowing 92.8 yards per game. If history of the season so far and even the previous matchup between these two teams is any indication, the Bombers may struggle against a tough Wild defense. Kendrick Harper and Chris Hemphill lead a Wild secondary that has picked off 19 passes in 9 games and averages over 17 yards per return. These types of plays will kill an opposing team's momentum and set the Wild offense up with good field position. Look for the Wild secondary to ground the Bombers passing attack on Saturday.

The Wild will have their first bye week following Saturday's game against Salina, but will return to action May 25th in Sioux City against the Bandits; kickoff scheduled for 7:05 p.m. (CST). The game can be heard on 1410 AM KGSO in the Wichita area or streamed live on kgso.com. Wichita will then return home June 8th to host the Mid-Missouri Outlaws at 7:05 p.m. for their final regular season home game. Single game tickets start at just $5 for general admission in the Sport Clips GA zone and can be purchased by calling (316) 927-3999 or visiting www.stage1tickets.com. For more news and information visit www.wichitawildfootball.com and follow the team on Facebook and Twitter (@wichita_wild).



Champions Professional Indoor Football League Stories from May 9, 2013


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