Wichita Prepares to Open 2016 Season at Salina
March 4, 2016 - Champions Indoor Football (CIF)
Wichita Force News Release
WICHITA, Kan. - The Wichita Force (0-0) will be heading to Salina, Kan. this Saturday to play against the Salina Liberty (0-0) at the Bicentennial Center to kick off the 2016 season.
In the Force's inaugural season, the team finished the regular season 8-4 earning and bid into the post-season playoffs. The team was met with the Texas Revolution where the Force were overcome by the Revolution defense and lost 27-39.
"Last year was the first time in three years that we ended a season with a loss," Force head coach Paco Martinez said. "Our players took it really hard and worked hard in the offseason to make sure we don't feel that again. We have a chip back on our shoulder and a renewed focus going into this season. This league is filled with talented teams and each week is going to be a challenge. I expect to get Salina's best shot, so we will give ours as well."
The Force signed the core of the team's defense from 2015 including DB Kiaree Daniels, DB Kendrick Harper, and DL Matt Moss.
On the offensive side of the ball, fans will notice many new faces with few returning faces. QB Emmanuel Taylor along with WR Clarence Anderson and WR Brett Soft will be the core returners for the Force's offense. Taylor joined the team last season after losing five quarterbacks due to injury and roster changes. In the final two weeks of the 2015 season, Taylor was named CIF Offensive Player of the Week for his performance in the pocket.
Force Player to Watch: WR Clarence Anderson
In his rookie professional season, Anderson made a statement as a wide receiver and kick return specialist for the Force. In 12 games, Anderson quickly became a fan favorite for his suburb performance on offense and special teams. Recording 43 catches for 466 yards and six receiving touchdowns, Anderson averaged 38.8 receiving yards per game.
Anderson was named Special Teams Player of the Week three times in 2015. On 39 kick returns, Anderson averaged 19.1 yards per return for a total of 743 yards and four touchdowns. He finished eighth in the league for kick return average.
Liberty Player to Watch: QB Joe Kassanavoid
Former Force WR and backup QB Kassanavoid joined the Salina Liberty for the 2016 season. IN 2015 with the Force, Kassanavoid played in six games where he recorded 103 net rushing yards with four rushing touchdowns and 398 passing yards for seven passing touchdowns. In 13 receptions for 87 yards, Kassanavoid had one receiving touchdown.
The Force will return to INTRUST Bank Arena on Saturday, March 12 to take on the Duke City Gladiators.
Champions Indoor Football Stories from March 4, 2016
- Wichita Prepares to Open 2016 Season at Salina - Wichita Force
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