Wild Aim for Sweep against Defenders
Published on May 2, 2013 under Champions Professional Indoor Football League (CPIFL)
Wichita Wild News Release
WICHITA, Kan. - The Wichita Wild (7-1) will host the Oklahoma Defenders (2-5) on May 4th at Hartman Arena; kick-off scheduled for 7:05 p.m. The Defenders travel to Wichita for the second meeting between the two teams after their first encounter on March 9th that saw the Wild dominate the Defenders 70-26 in Tulsa. Wichita comes into Saturday's game fresh off an incredible 82-9 road victory over the Mid-Missouri Outlaws while the Defenders are looking to rebound after a 46-40 loss to the Lincoln Haymakers.
The last time the Wild and the Defenders met, Wichita played a near flawless game. The Wild only committed one penalty, intercepted one pass and recovered three fumbles. Rocky Hinds passed for six touchdowns, Tywon Hubbard scored three rushing touchdowns and Joe Kassanavoid added four catches for 124 yards and three touchdowns to lead an unstoppable Wild offense. Wichita took an early 13-0 lead and held the Defenders scoreless for most of the first quarter, until Oklahoma scored just before time expired in the first period for a Wild 13-7 advantage. From then on, the Wild controlled the game, scoring four touchdowns to Oklahoma's one in the second quarter, allowing a 40-13 lead into halftime. The third and fourth quarters were much the same as Wichita walked away with an easy 70-26 victory over the Defenders.
The Wild are returning home from a strong performance against their first encounter with the Mid-Missouri Outlaws. Wide receiver Joe Kassanavoid began the game with back to back touchdowns giving Wichita a 14-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. Wichita was able to keep their scoring momentum through the second quarter with running back Tywon Hubbard opening the quarter with two rushing touchdowns which was complimented by another touchdown and a field goal courtesy of Tim Simmons and Alex Fambrough, respectively to extend their advantage 38-0 over the Outlaws. With one second remaining in the half Mid-Missouri kicker Derek Doerfler connected on a 34 yard attempt to prevent an Outlaws shut out in the first half. Wichita continued to dominate in the second half, adding three defensive scores as a result of three consecutive interceptions and consequently setting a new CPIFL record for points in a game with 82, breaking their own record of 70 in the season opener. The Outlaws would convert on one touchdown midway through the fourth quarter for a final score of 82-9.
In Lincoln last Friday night, Oklahoma began with a slow start and fell behind early 14-0. Following the Haymakers second touchdown, Defender's wide receiver Jason Stephenson ignited Oklahoma with a 55 yard kickoff return for a touchdown. The team would tie it up on a 19 yard pass from David Bowie to Patrick Jones. The Haymakers added another touchdown with just 32 seconds left in the first half to give Lincoln a 21-14 halftime lead. The two teams traded blows in the second half to keep the game close, but Lincoln would pull away from the Defenders on an 18 yard touchdown from running back David Ferris with six minutes remaining in the game. Oklahoma running back KingJack Washington had a great game with three touchdowns, but it was not enough to overcome the Haymakers as the Defenders fell 46-40 in the final.
If Oklahoma is able to move the ball against a stingy Wild defense, Saturday's matchup could be a high scoring game. The Defenders narrowly lead the CPIFL in yards per game over the Wild at 228.9 yards per game and top the league in total offense per game. Both teams are capable of putting a high number of points on the board, with Wichita averaging 52 points per game and Defenders 40. The Wild will have a clear advantage over the Defenders if their explosive defense can continue to force turnovers parlay them into points.
Player to Watch: Wide Receiver Joe Kassanavoid
Joe Kassanavoi d had a strong game against the Mid-Missouri Outlaws last week in Sedalia. Kassanavoid started the game with back to back touchdowns giving the Wild a 14-0 lead at the end of the first quarter. He currently leads the Wild and the CPIFL with 14 receiving touchdowns on the season, just one more touchdown than teammate Tywon Hubbard. In their last meeting with the Defenders, Kassanavoid had four catches for 124 yards and three touchdowns. Look for the Wild to continue their high powered offense against the Defenders who rank second to last in scoring defense, allowing 48 points per game.
The Wild remain at Hartman Arena the following week, May 11th, to take on the Salina Bombers; kickoff scheduled for 7:05 p.m. (CST). In honor of KEYN Family night, the Wild is offering a Family Pack ticket special for $36 and includes 4 reserved level tickets, 4 hot dogs, and 4 drinks. The game can be heard on 1410 AM KGSO in the Wichita area or streamed live on kgso.com. For more news and information on the Wild visit www.wichitawildfootball.com and follow the team on Facebook and Twitter (@wichita_wild).
Champions Professional Indoor Football League Stories from May 2, 2013
- Wild Aim for Sweep against Defenders - Wichita Wild
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