It has been 5 weeks since the Salina Bombers have seen the friendly faces of their fans at the Bicentennial Center. The last home game for the Bombers was on March 7th, a 56-20 victory over the Bloomington Edge.

Since that game, a lot has change for the Bombers. Eric Clayton is the Head Coach, replacing Bob Frey who accepted a college coaching job in Missouri. Dane Simoneau is NOT the starting quarterback. The 2013 CPIFL MVP and Offensive Player of the Year was injured in a March 23rd game versus the Koyotes and remains day-to-day. The Bombers lost a game to a team that wasn’t from Wichita. In their last outing, Salina was defeated by the Dodge City Law, 34-31.

Now the Bombers return home looking for revenge in a quick return game with the Law. With a bye week in between the meetings, Salina looks to get everyone back on the field while having improved quarterback play. In the March 29th meeting in Dodge City, the Bombers were missing at least 6 starters. They also had an active roster that was 2 players short of the 24 man limit, playing without Frank Miles and Adam Davis.

Damien Dunning served as the Bombers signal caller in the loss after spending just a few days with the organization. Dunning completed 18 of 37 passes for 290 yards and 2 interceptions. He had 4 throwing touchdowns as well as a rushing touchdown. With more time under his belt, Dunning remains with the team. Newcomer Chris Rini has been in Bombers camp over the last two weeks. Rini (6’3 185 lbs) is coming off a 2013 season at Lane College (Jackson, TN) where he served as the Dragons quarterback and kicker. In 2013 Rini threw for 2,926 yard and 29 touchdowns with just 8 interceptions. Rini also ran for 519 yards and 8 touchdowns. Rini was named the SAIC Conference Offensive Player of the Year and was a candidate for the 2013 Harlon Hill Award.

Rini is expected to be the starter Saturday night for the Bombers and he could have a new lineman in front of him. Joshua Davis, a 6’2″ 320 lb lineman from Marysville State in North Dakota, has joined the team in efforts to add depth to the offensive line and help out at center.

Back on the roster for Saturday after missing the game in Dodge City will be Taikwon Page, Ira Autrey, Jake Lattimer, Quentin Benning, Adam Davis, Ed Prince and Kyron Hill. The Salina fans will also get their first look at Nate Carter. Carter a defensive lineman/linebacker from UNLV saw his first action with the Bombers in Dodge City, making a welcome impact on defense and special teams.

Dodge City (3-2) will come in as one of the hottest teams in the CPIFL, winners of their last 2 games and currently sitting 1 game out of first place. Linebacker Jercorey Quarterman was named CPIFL Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts versus the Bombers. Quarterman hounded quarterback Damien Dunning all game while he gathered 5 solo tackles, 2 assists and a quarterback sack. Law quarterback Joshua Floyd, Jr. is the reigning CPIFL Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against Bloomington last week. Floyd completed 15 of 23 passes for 188 yards and ran for 65 yards in a 57-47 victory.

The ticket office at the Salina Bicentennial Center will open at Noon and the arena gates will open at 5:30 pm in preparation for a 7:05 pm kick. Fans are encouraged to buy tickets early in the day to avoid long lines at the ticket windows through game time.