Wild Aim to Bounce Back against Koyotes
Published on May 15, 2014 under Champions Professional Indoor Football League (CPIFL)
Wichita Wild News Release
WICHITA, Kan. - The Wichita Wild (6-2) are set to return home this Saturday at 7:05 p.m. to take on the Kansas Koyotes (0-8) after completing their final bye week of the season. The Koyotes come in to Hartman Arena winless on the season and average a league low 27 points per game. Wichita currently stands as the only undefeated team in the league when playing at home this season, and look to continue that stretch which would be 16-0 (since 2012) with a win over Kansas.
In week 10, the Wild traveled to take on the Salina Bombers for the first time since the CPIFL championship. Wichita's offense struggled without starting QB Rocky Hinds who attended a CFL mini-camp, but the defense was spectacular as usual. The Wild defense allowed just 13 points from the Bombers, all coming in the first half. Wichita allowed just one touchdown in the game, coming on a 43-yard bomb from Salina QB Robbie Nallenweg to WR Ricky Roberts.
Despite a slow offensive game from the Wild, they still put themselves in position to take away the game from the Bombers when K Ernesto Lacayo connected on an 11-yard field goal attempt. Wild defensive all-star Matt Moss, then blocked a field goal resulting in a safety and the Wild offense finally found a groove when back-up QB, Joe Kassanavoid muscled his way into the end-zone on a short run. The Wild's two-point attempt failed, but they did manage to recover the ensuing onside kick. After an offside penalty on the kick, the Bombers were able to run the clock out and escape the furious Wild rally with a slim 13-11 win.
The story for the Koyotes has been much of the same this season, struggling to capture their first win. Last week, the Koyotes played the Lincoln Haymakers (4-5), who were knotted at seven apiece after one quarter. The Haymakers found their rhythm in the second quarter and from that point on, outscored Kansas 47-10 holding the Koyotes offense to under 100 total offensive yards on 42 plays for a measly 2.4 yards per play.
Kansas now faces the toughest defense in the league heading in to Wichita. The Wild have given up a league low 224 points all season, 97 fewer points than the next closest team and have forced 12 interceptions returning a fourth of them for defensive touchdowns. The Wild defense is led by LB Jason Catchings who recorded four tackles for a loss in Salina earlier this month and leads the team with 49 total tackles. On the offensive side of the ball, Hinds rejoins the Wild lineup and will right the ship after the Wild's offensive struggle in Salina. Hinds return is certainly welcomed, as he still ranks third in the CPIFL for total offense, total offensive touchdowns, and second in pass efficiency even with his absence in week 10.
Player to Watch: Wild Offensive Line Made up of Calvin Collazo, Brett Cavanah, Wes Yarbough, Michael Wormley, and Darren Marquez the Wild offensive line has given Hinds time in the pocket as the Wild lead the CPIFL in interceptions allowed with just four interceptions thrown all season. The men in the trenches have also given up a league low 9 sacks so far this season and have managed to do so without drawing many penalties. Look for the Wild offensive unit to move the ball well against the Koyotes behind this powerful offensive line.
The Wild kick-off their game against the Koyotes on Saturday, May 17th at 7:05 p.m. in Hartman Arena. This week, kids 12 and under receive free admission with purchase of an adult ticket in the green level end zone seating and can be purchased by calling 316.440.5044 or visiting the Hartman Arena Box Office. Player trading card sets will also be given away to the first 1,000 fans through the door and an autograph session will also take place immediately following the conclusion of the game. The game can be heard on 1410 AM KGSO or kgso.com, or streamed live on americone.com for a small fee. For the latest news 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 15, 2014
- Wild Aim to Bounce Back against Koyotes - Wichita Wild
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