Each team has been defeated just once in the last two months. The Bombers lost at home on a last second touchdown by Sioux City. The Wild lost on the road to Kansas City, 36-40. While the Wild are a perfect 4-0 at home, the Bombers are the only team in the CPIFL that has been perfect on the road, 3-0. Wichita leads the league in the standings with an 8-1 record, Salina is tied for third with a 5-2 record.
The contest tonight could boil down to the Bomber passing attack versus the Wild defense. Salina has the top two receivers in the league with Ricky Roberts and Pelton Smalls. The Salina offense led by quarterback Dane Simoneau has become a unit that knocks off yardage in huge chunks and leads the league in passing. The Wichita defense is a selfish unit. In nine games, the Wild have grabbed 19 interceptions, returning 3 of them for touchdowns. The Wild have also forced and recovered 13 fumbles, 2 of them for scores. So far this season Wichita has boasted a turnover margin of +24.
What most people may forget about the first game, could be the biggest factor tonight…special teams. Wichita made a habit of starting out on the Salina side of mid-field in the first meeting and played all night with a short field. Since that game, the Wild have continued to lead the league in kick return average at almost 25 yards per return.
If Salina wants to have a chance to win at the end, they must take care of the ball and keep the Wild return game in check.
Salina Bomber Pregame starts at 6:30 pm tonight from Hartman Arena in Park City. Kick-off is scheduled for 7:05 pm on 99KG and Salina Post.