After cruising through a 2013 season where the Salina Bombers didn’t have to worry much about injury, this season has proved to be a challenge. The revolving door at quarterback may continue this weekend for the Bombers with Chris Rini ruled as day-to-day.

Dane Simoneau started every game for the Bombers last season and was on his way to another MVP season in 2014. However, Simoneau was injured early in the first quarter in Topeka back on March 23rd. Defensive back Isiah Barfield would enter the game and lead the Bombers to victory against the Koyotes.

Former Koyote Damien Dunning would make his way to Salina and start against Dodge City on the road. Despite great numbers, Dunning would have a couple crucial mistakes and the Bombers would lose their first game of the season.

Chris Rini made it to Salina just in time to catch the bus and watch Salina lose in Dodge City. Two weeks later Rini would start versus Dodge City at home. Rini completed 9 of 17 passes for 137 yards and 2 touchdowns. Rini also gathered 17 yards and 2 rushing touchdowns leading the Bombers to a 57-45 redemption victory.

Rini took a solid hit early in the game versus the Law and sustained a shoulder injury that is similar to the injury inflicted on Simoneau. With Rini questionable and Simoneau still not active, the Bombers have turned to what could be their fifth quarterback in six games.

The Bombers have signed quarterback Robbie Nallenweg from Wingate University in Wingate, North Carolina. Nallenweg is a big body quarterback at 6’5″ tall and 230 pounds, capable of standing tall in the pocket. In his first year as the starting quarterback, Robbie Nallenweg took Wingate football and the South Atlantic Conference by storm in 2012. He set school records for passing yards per game (331.3), completions in a game (43), completions in a season (326), attempts in a season (491) and completion percentage for a season (66 percent). His yards in a season (3644) and touchdowns in a season (29) are both second-most in a season at Wingate.

In 2012, Nallenweg racked up 568 yards in a single game. Like Rini, Nallenwegg was a candidate for the 2013 Harlon Hill Trophy that is awarded to the Most Valuable Player in NCAA Division II football.

The Salina Bombers will host the Sioux City Bandits this Saturday at the Bicentennial Center at 7:05 pm. On March 2nd, the Bombers were able to defeat the Bandits 77-70 in overtime on the road in Iowa. Tickets are available now by visiting the Bicentennial Center ticket office or by visiting bicentennialcenter.com