Wichita Set for Home Opener against Dodge City
Published on March 20, 2014 under Champions Professional Indoor Football League (CPIFL)
Wichita Wild News Release
WICHITA, Kan. - The Wichita Wild are excited to return home from two hard fought wins on the road to host their home opener against the Dodge City Law Saturday, March 22nd in Hartman Arena. The first ever meeting between the two teams is set to kick-off at 7:05 p.m.
The Wild's most recent victory came last week when they were able to hold off the Oklahoma Defenders 50-44 to improve their 2014 record to 2-0 on the season led by QB Rocky Hinds and WR Jarrel Kelly. Hinds went 13-27 throwing for five touchdowns and no turnovers, with two of his touchdowns caught by Kelly who had four receptions on the day for 59 yards to lead all receivers.
Although the Wild scored the first three touchdowns of the game for a forceful 21-0 lead in the first quarter, a much improved Defender team would come roaring back to score two touchdowns unanswered by halftime. With Wichita steadily in the lead, both teams ended up scoring field goals and touchdowns back and forth until the Wild found themselves tied with the Defenders at 38 apiece off a touchdown pass from Defender quarterback Brady May to returning Defender Kingjack Washington in the fourth quarter. From then on, the Wild were able to regain the lead, and even with a Defender touchdown with just 1:25 left in regulation to bring the game within a touchdown, Chris Hemphill was able to dash any hopes of an Oklahoma comeback with his first interception on the year to ensure the Wild's second win of the season.
The match-up against Dodge City will be one to watch as they stand in fifth place at 1-1 coming off their bye week. The Law's first loss came at their home opener against the Defenders, whom the Wild just defeated. In that game, Dodge City hung 49 points against the Defenders where the Wild put up 50 for the victory. Most notably, the difference in the outcome of both games depended on the defense with the Law giving up 56 compared to the 44 the Wild allowed. Although they dropped the game against Oklahoma, the Law will be a challenge for the Wild especially offensively as they rank second in the league in total offense, have already recorded 15 touchdowns on the season and average 284 total yards per game.
On the defensive side of the ball, Dodge City also ranks second in total defense giving up an average of 218 yards a game, just behind the first ranked Wild defense. The Wild defense could be the difference maker in the approaching matchup because over two games, they have held their opponents to an astounding 35 total rushing yards which is first in the league in contrast to the Law, who in second place have allowed 154 total rushing yards. The dominating Wild defense has given up just seven touchdowns on the season and allow an average of 131 yards per contest. Only Saturday will tell whether the Wild defense will be able to shut down a hot Law offense in this first ever matchup.
Player to Watch: WR Jarrel Kelly
Although the game will be a clash of top defenses, the Wild will have to outpace the offense of the Dodge City Law in order to come out with a win. A wide receiver for Hinds to throw to will play a huge part in the ability of the Wild offense to build momentum, and after Jarrel Kelley's two-touchdown game in Tulsa, he may be the answer. A native of Rockledge, IL, the 6'0, 180 pound receiver has shown signs of maturity in his second season with the Wild after finishing 2013 third on the team in receiving yards, TDs, and kick return yards. Kelley's performance in Saturday's game could be just what the Wild offense needs to add to its bag of tricks to beat Dodge City.
This Saturday will be the Wild's Championship Celebration Night which includes a pregame tailgate from 4:00 p.m. to 6:00 p.m. with hot dogs and beer for sale outside the arena along with a halftime presentation unveiling the championship banners. 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 those not in attendance, the game can be heard live on 1410 AM KGSO or kgso.com or streamed live at americaonesports.com. Fans can also keep up with the game on CPIFL.org under the "ËCPIFL GAMEDAY' tab. 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 20, 2014
- Wichita Set for Home Opener against Dodge City - Wichita Wild
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