Wild Prepared to Take on Bombers
March 13, 2013 - Champions Professional Indoor Football League (CPIFL)
Wichita Wild News Release
WICHITA, Kan.- The Wichita Wild (1-0) will travel to Salina on Saturday, March 16 to take on the newly formed Salina Bombers (0-0). Kickoff is scheduled 7:05 p.m. at the Bicentennial Center. This will be the Bombers first ever game for the franchise and their opening game in the Champions Professional Indoor Football League (CPIFL).
The Wild won their inaugural game in the CPIFL last Saturday on the road in Tulsa by defeating the Oklahoma Defenders 70-26. Wide Receiver Joe Kassanavoid and Running Back Tywon Hubbard proved to be true offensive weapons for the Wild, leading the team with a combined 6 touchdowns. Kassanavoid became QB Rocky Hinds' deep threat as he sped past the Defenders backfield leading the wide receiving core with 124 yards. Hubbard averaged 6.1 yards a carry with his longest drive being a 26 yard touchdown mowing down defenders left and right. The Defenders struggled all night to get back in the game but after the Wild took the lead in the first quarter with a 5 yard carry from Hubbard, they did not look back. Wichita kept a steady scoring rhythm throughout the game, with their biggest offensive production coming in the second and third quarters which saw the Wild put up 37 points and 20 points respectively. The Wild's stride would only be broken a few times by the Defenders who had scores by Juan Redmon, Patrick Jones, KingJack Washington and kicker Billy Perry, averaging a touchdown per quarter. The Defenders would try to comeback but to no avail as they would only produce one touchdown in the final quarter, allowing the Wild to leave with the win in the first game of the season.
Former Wild player and University of Kansas running back Jake Sharp has also played a large role in the Salina Bomber's newly formed franchise in the CPIFL, as part owner of the team along with Chris Vercher and Jake Leighty. Bob Frey, former Kansas Wesleyan defensive coordinator, has been named head coach of the team and intends to use his defensive skills to stop teams in the league from producing in a game that has been designed for offense. Salina has signed talent from several regional schools such as Dane Simoneau, a four year starter from Washburn University who will serve as the teams quarterback and team leader. With his achievements in surpassing the 4,000 yard passing mark in a single season and honors including runner-up in Harlon Hill Trophy voting for Division II Player of the Year Award, 2011 MIAA Offensive Player of the Year and record holder of 35 Washburn career, single season and single game records, Simoneau will play a pivotal role in the Bombers' offense.
Player to Watch: Wide Receiver Joseph Kassanavoid
If the Wild's game against the Defenders proved anything, it would be that Kassanavoid will become one of Rocky Hinds favorite targets on the field. Kassanavoid is off to a great start with 124 yards and three touchdowns. With his 6'6 frame and experience under a renowned organization at Kansas State, Kassanavoid has the ability and the speed to stretch the field and out-work defenders to produce points. Watch for Kassanavoid to provide a huge struggle for the Bombers defense and become an imperative piece of the Wild's offense.
Wichita is set to play in Salina this Saturday in the Bicentennial Center. Those who wish to purchase tickets to this game can do so by visiting www.bicentennialcenter.com. The game can be listened to on 1410 AM KGSO or www.kgso.com. The Wild will host their first home game of the season on March 23rd against the Kansas Koyotes at 7:05 p.m. in Hartman Arena. Both season tickets and single game tickets are on sale, starting at $24 and $5 respectively and can be purchased by calling (316) 927-3999. For more Wild news and information visit www.wichitawildfootball.com and follow the team on Facebook and Twitter (@wichita_wild).
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