Wild Aim to Retain First Place in Missouri
April 25, 2013 - Champions Professional Indoor Football League (CPIFL)
Wichita Wild News Release
WICHITA, Kan. - The Wichita Wild (6-1) will travel to Sedalia, Missouri on April 27th to take on the Mid-Missouri Outlaws (0-6) in the Mathewson Exhibition Center; kick-off scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Wichita comes into the game fresh off a 29-17 win over the previously undefeated Omaha Beef on Saturday night in Hartman Arena, which moved them into first place of the CPIFL standings. In Sedalia, Mid-Missouri dropped their sixth straight game of the season on Saturday to Kansas City in a final of 38-24. Saturday's meeting between Wichita and Mid-Missouri will be the first ever competition between the two teams.
Wichita's game against Omaha began with the Wild offense parlaying defensive back Dan Kontz's interception into points as quarterback Rocky Hinds found wide receiver Tim Simmons for a two yard touchdown pass to lead 7-0. Omaha immediately tied the game at seven apiece with a 14 yard touchdown pass from quarterback Chuck Wright to wide receiver Jusmon Rivers, but Wichita went back in front with Hinds completing a four yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Joe Kassanavoid. After a missed extra point by Wild kicker Alex Fambrough, the Wild led 13-7 as the first quarter came to a conclusion. Early in the second quarter, both squads traded field goals, leaving the score at 16-10 in favor of Wichita, but a quick drive by Omaha capped off by a two yard touchdown run by RJ Rollins helped the Beef momentarily steal the lead from the Wild, 17-16. Omaha had one last chance to extend their lead before halftime, but Wild defensive back Chris Hemphill halted their progress with Wichita's second interception on the night to leave the Beef with a one point lead, 17-16 at the half. With points coming at a premium in the second half, the Wild pulled ahead by earning two more field goals by Fambrough reclaiming the lead, 22-17. The Beef's best attempt at reaching the endzone occurred toward the end of the third quarter, but Wild defensive back Kendrick Harper intercepted the pass crushing any chance of a score. Midway through the final quarter, a one yard touchdown run by Hinds furthered Wichita's lead to 29-17. The solid defending by the Wild continued, as the defense completed a second half shut out, clinching a 29-17 Wichita victory over Omaha.
Mid-Missouri fell behind early against Kansas City, finding themselves down 10-0 midway through the first quarter by way of a three yard touchdown pass from Renegades quarterback Carlos Cavanaugh to wide receiver Clinton Solomon and a 19 yard field goal by kicker Thomas Frevert. The Outlaws' defense attempted to build momentum, recording a safety late in the first quarter and holding the Renegades scoreless until the 2:25 mark in the second quarter when Renegades running back Keithen Valentine converted a one yard touchdown run. The two clubs traded touchdowns as the quarter drew to a close, securing a 24-8 halftime lead for Kansas City. Five minutes into the third quarter, Mid-Missouri quarterback Kyle Christian tossed a nine yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Josh Reid, pulling the Outlaws closer but two minutes later Cavanaugh found Solomon again to continue Kansas City's distance from Mid-Missouri, 31-14. As the game transitioned into the final quarter, the Outlaws made one last push to get back in the game, as Christian threw his third touchdown of the night followed by Mid-Missouri's defense claiming their second safety of the night to bring the Outlaws within a touchdown of the Renegades, 31-24. Kansas City defensive back Donte Moore ended Mid-Missouri's hopes of a comeback with a 41 yard interception return for a touchdown, finalizing a 38-24 Renegades win over the Outlaws.
Player to Watch: Defensive Back Kendrick Harper
Kendrick Harper registered his fifth interception on Saturday, picking off Omaha quarterback Chuck Wright's long pass attempt to prevent a Beef touchdown and consequently making him the CPIFL leader in interceptions. Harper has been a shutdown corner for the Wild all season, leading the CPIFL in total passes defended with 12 by recording seven pass break ups in addition to his five interceptions. While excelling in his coverage duties, Harper also showcased his physicality on Saturday by tying for a game high five tackles. A veteran leader in the defensive backfield, look for the former University of Kansas defensive back to continue to lock down his side of the field and create turnovers as the Wild attempt to clinch a spot in the CPIFL playoffs.
The Wild hit the road for Sedalia, Missouri to take on the last placed Mid-Missouri Outlaws; kickoff scheduled for 7:05 p.m. (CST). The game can be heard on 1410 AM KGSO in the Wichita area or streamed live on kgso.com. Wichita will return home May 4th to host the Oklahoma Defenders at 7:05 p.m. In addition to the regular $5 tickets offered in the Sport Clips GA Zone, the Wild is offering a buy one $9 ticket, get one free. Tickets can be purchased by calling (316) 927-3999 or visiting www.stage1tickets.com. For more news and information visit www.wichitawildfootball.com and follow the team on Facebook and Twitter (@wichita_wild).
Champions Professional Indoor Football League Stories from April 25, 2013
- Wild Aim to Retain First Place in Missouri - Wichita Wild
- Renegades Offer Free Kids Admission Saturday - Kansas City Renegades
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