Wichita Improves to 2-0 with Victory in Tulsa
Published on March 16, 2014 under Champions Professional Indoor Football League (CPIFL)
Wichita Wild News Release
WICHITA, Kan. - The Wichita Wild continued play Sunday afternoon in Tulsa with a win over the Oklahoma Defenders to improve to 2-0 on the season. Wide receiver Jarrel Kelley had a big game for the Wild with three touchdowns on the afternoon.
The Wild offense picked up quick, with two rushes and a reception from Rocky Hinds to Jarrel Kelley for a 7-0 lead over the Defenders. With a penalty of the kick off, the Defenders started their drive mid-field, but would turn the ball over on downs back to the Wild. Kelley would catch his second ball of the afternoon for the second touchdown of the game to put the Wild up by two touchdowns. An interception by Kendrick Harper shut down the Oklahoma offense and gave the ball back to the Wild at the 15 yard line, which resulted in Chris Hemphill's first ever offensive touchdown in his Wild career to end the quarter with the Wild leading 21-0.
The Defenders opened up the second quarter with back to back touchdowns from Jeff Hughley and a reception by Hubert Anyiam from Oklahoma quarterback Brady May to bring the Defenders to 21-14. A huge pass from Hinds to new RB Junior Allen for a 33 yard catch would put the Wild in scoring position that would end in a field goal by Ernesto Lacayo to extend the Wild lead 24-14 with six minutes left in the half. The Defenders were able to match the Wild field goal with one of their own after defensive lineman Brandon Jenkins stuffed May to force fourth down. Allen came up with his second big run of the night for the Wild which ended in a touchdown to extend the Wild lead 31-17 over the Defenders. Isiah Anderson would catch a pass in the end zone to bring the Defenders within a touchdown of the Wild lead 31-24 at halftime.
Little action would come in the third quarter of play aside from a touchdown for the Wild and Defenders each. A big run by Hubbard and reception from Joe Kassanavoid for a touchdown would extend the Wild lead, but would be answered by a long pass from May to Hughley to make the score 38-31. The Defenders would strike again at the beginning of the fourth quarter to tie up the game at 38 apiece. The Wild hit back with a quick drive resulting in a Lacayo field goal to put them back in the lead 41-38. A great defensive stand by Wichita would give their offense another chance late in the quarter which resulted in a touchdown from Hinds to Kelley for his third of the afternoon to put the Wild ahead 47-38 with just two minutes left in the game. On Oklahoma's next possession, a long throw from May to Jones in the end zone and a missed extra point would bring the Defenders within three. An onside kick attempt for the Defenders was recovered by Brian Murph to set the Wild up at the Defender 10 yard line and end in a field goal to extend the lead to a touchdown with 21 seconds to go. Hemphill came up big for the Wild defense with an interception to end the game with a 50-44 Wild victory.
Wichita will return home next Saturday, March 22nd to host their home opener against the newest CPIFL franchise, the (1-1) Dodge City Law at 7:05 p.m. for Wild Championship Celebration Night. Both season tickets and single game tickets are now on sale, starting at $50 and $8 respectively and can be purchased by visiting ticketmaster.com or calling 1.800.745.3000. For the latest news on the Wild, visit www.wichitawildfootball.com or follow the team on Facebook and Twitter (@wichita_wild).
Champions Professional Indoor Football League Stories from March 16, 2014
- Wichita Improves to 2-0 with Victory in Tulsa - Wichita Wild
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