Renegades Comeback Falls Short, Lose to Salina 47-31

The crowd at Kemper Arena and a second half comeback attempt couldn’t help KC avoid losing their first game in a month, as the Renegades (now 4-3) lost 47-31 to the Salina Bombers (now 4-2).

KC narrowed an 11-point halftime deficit to 3 points early in the fourth quarter thanks to a Kansas City fumble recovery and Keithen Valentine score. But Salina kept the lead out of reach when they scored on a 4th and goal from the goalline on their following drive. Kansas City appeared to have intercepted the ball earlier in the drive, but it was wiped away by an offside penalty.

Following Salina’s clutch score, Kansas City had their chance to answer and narrow it back to a 3-point game. But a Carlos Cavanaugh pass got deflected into the air and found a Bomber. The turnover (KC was -1 in turnovers on the game) led directly to another Salina score, putting the game away at 47-31.

The two offenses had different M.O.’s. The Bombers dazzled their traveling fans with multiple deep touchdown completions and very few goalline scores. Meanwhile, Kansas City consistently marched methodically down to the goalline, but had some issues once they got there.

Running back Keithen Valentine scored two rushing touchdowns, but Kansas City was denied on two other drives at the goalline. Valentine also had a reception touchdown. WR Anthony Parks had a receiving touchdown to round out KC’s four touchdown scores.

Special teams threat OJ Simpson was neutralized for the second week in a row because the Bombers refused to kick him the ball. Instead they squibbed it. In the second quarter, a surprise onside kick caught KC off guard. The recovery and quick touchdown score extended Salina’s lead to 28-10 in the 2nd quarter, a score that Kansas City had to slowly work their way back from.

Kansas City seemed to capture the momentum early in the 4th quarter when Keithen Valentine caught a Cavanaugh pass following a Kansas City fumble recovery. That brought the score to 34-31 Salina, but was as close as KC got.

Following Valentine’s score, the Renegades were unsuccessful on an onside kick attempt, giving the ball to Salina inside the 10. The defense put up a stand, but on fourth down Salina scored on a pitch to the left.

When it came time for Kansas City to bring it back to a 3-point game with around 3 minutes to play, Cavanaugh’s pass was deflected and intercepted. The turnover and resulting Salina touchdown sealed the game.

Kansas City, 4-3, plays host to Sioux City next Saturday at 7:05. Sioux City beat KC earlier this year, 38-26.

Final

Salina Bombers            7 21 3 16 – 47

Kansas City Renegade 3 14 7   7 – 31

Game Stats

Player Of The Week Honors Continue To Pile Up For Renegades

As the Kansas City Renegades' winning streak has reached four so have the CPIFL Player Of The Week honors. This week the standout Renegade is defensive back Donta Moore. Moore is this week’s Defensive Player of the Week.

Moore and the Renegades defense continued their impressive play. The Renegades have won four consecutive games after starting the year 0-2. In Week 7 vs. Mid.-Missouri, Moore recorded three interceptions and three tackles in the 38-24 victory. Moore's final interception came when KC was clinging to a seven point lead. Moore returned the interception 41-yards for the touchdown sealing the victory. Kansas City goes for five wins in a row as they welcome Salina to Kemper Arena on Saturday.

Renegade Wins League Honors for 3rd Straight Week

Linebacker Teon Wilson Named CPIFL Defensive Player of the Week:

Another Renegade win, another player recognized by the CPIFL. Linebacker Teon Wilson was named CPIFL Defensive Player of the Week Tuesday for his standout performance in KC's 56-28 win over the Kansas Koyotes.

From the CPIFL:

"Wilson and the Renegades defense held Kansas to only 28 points in the Renegades third consecutive victory. Wilson recorded five tackles with three sacks in the win. One of the sacks recorded a safety for Kansas City. Wilson also forced and recovered a fumble. Kansas City will look for their fourth victory in a row as they travel to Sedalia, Mo to take on Mid-Missouri."

Teon's award marks the third straight game a Renegade has won league honors as player of the week. Previously, Clinton Solomon won Offensive Player of the Week for his four touchdown game against the Oklahoma Defenders, and OJ Simpson won Special Teams Player of the Week last week for his two kick return TD's.

KC (3-2) looks to remain hot this Saturday against the Mid-Missouri Outlaws (0-5).

Renegades Climbing The Standings

With Friday's win over the Kansas Koyotes in Topeka, the Renegades, 3-2 and winners of 3 straight, have ascended into the top half of the CPIFL standings. At fourth place, they would make the playoffs if they started today.

CPIFL Standings

1. Omaha Beef: 4-0

2. Wichita Wild: 5-1

3. Sioux City Bandits: 4-1

4. KC RENEGADES: 3-2

5. Salina Bombers: 2-2

6. Bloomington Edge: 2-3

7. Oklahoma Defenders: 2-3

8. Lincoln Haymakers: 1-3

9. Kansas Koyotes: 1-4

10: Mid-Missouri Outlaws: 0-5

The season is less than halfway over, but KC's early season struggles (0-2) appear further and further in the rear view, especially considering:

- KC's two losses came against good teams (Omaha and Sioux City).

- KC has since switched quarterbacks, from Dennis Gile to former Florida State signal caller Xavier Lee. Lee provides versatility at the position as a pass and run threat. Unfortunately, Lee had to miss last Friday's game due to a family health issue. This Saturday's game against the 0-5 Outlaws will be a good opportunity for Lee, who has played in just one game so far, to get more acquainted with the offense and his receivers.

- Two of KC's three wins have come against quality teams, including the undefeated (at the time) Wichita Wild, and the Oklahoma Defenders.

NEXT GAME: @ Mid-Missouri Outlaws, Saturday @ 7:05

NEXT HOME GAME: 4/27 vs Salina Bombers @ 7:05, Kemper Arena

- A full recap of last Friday's win over Kansas is at http://kcrenegades.com/?p1501.

- All their games are free to re-watch at the 810 WHB TV game archive. A link is on their website.

Renegades' OJ Simpson Named CPIFL Special Teams Player Of The Week

KC kick returner OJ Simpson has been named CPIFL Special Teams Player of the Week! Simpson’s two touchdown returns Saturday were crucial to KC’s 40-36 upset over the Wichita Wild, now 4-1.

From the CPIFL:

“Simpson returned four kicks for 152 yards and two touchdowns in the Renegades 40-36 victory over the Wichita Wild.  In the third quarter, Wichita scored to make the score 26-23 in favor of Kansas City.  With the momentum clearly on the Wild’s side, Simpson returned the ensuing kickoff 56 yards for the touchdown.  The play was key to the Renegades victory.  Kansas City travels to Topeka, Kan. to take on the Kansas Koyotes on Friday night.”

Renegades Hand Wichita It's First Defeat, 40-36

The Renegades were victorious Saturday night as they defeated the Wichita Wild 40-36. Kansas City evened their record to 2-2 as they inflicted the Wild’s first loss of the season.

Kansas City began the game with running back O.J. Simpson returning the opening kickoff to midfield followed two plays later with the Renegades throwing for a touchdown to give them a 7-0 lead. The Wild's ensuing drive ended with quarterback Rocky Hinds being intercepted by Rashad Washington, but the Renegades were unable to capitalize on the turnover, missing their field goal attempt wide right.

The Renegades defense continued to stymie the Wild as Wichita drove to midfield but were unable to convert on fourth down and inches. Kansas City sniffed out the quarterback sneak and stopped Hinds.

The next offensive possession for Wichita ended with a three and out deep in Wild territory leading to a Renegades kick return touchdown by Simpson. Kansas City tried to convert a two-point conversion, but Wichita defensive back Kiaree Daniels intercepted the pass and returned it to the opposite endzone providing the Wild with two points to trail the Renegades 13-2 as the first quarter came to a close.

When Wichita got the ball back their offense still could not do any damage against the stiff Kansas City defense. After a Renegades sack the Wild attempted a fake field goal but Kansas City stopped it short of the first down marker.

On the very next play Wild defensive back Chris Hemphill intercepted a Xavier Lee pass. Hinds capitalized on the miscue by eluding a stiff Renegades pass rush to find wide receiver Joe Kassanavoid open in the back left corner of the endzone for a touchdown, slicing Kansas City's lead to 13-9.

The Renegades struck back quickly, however, running in a touchdown from four yards out, extending their lead to 19-9.

On Wichita’s next drive Hinds once again found Kassanavoid. This time for a 10 yard touchdown, cutting the Kansas City lead to 19-16.

On the Renegades next drive Wild defensive back Kendrick Harper intercepted Lee. Wichita drove down to the Kansas City three yard line, but time expired before Hinds was able to stop the clock, leaving the halftime score 19-16 in favor of the Renegades.

The Wild opened the second half by driving to the Renegades five yard line, but were unable to convert on a field goal. Kansas City followed it up a few plays later with a five yard touchdown run to push their lead to 26-16 over Wichita. The Wild offense responded quickly with Hinds connecting with wide receiver Rashad Daniels for a 23 yard touchdown pass, but the Renegades hit back immediately with a kickoff return touchdown, making the score 33-23. As the third quarter drew to an end, Hinds found running back Travis Ribbing open on a swing pass for a 12 yard touchdown pass, cutting the lead to 33-30.

The back and forth scoring continued in the fourth quarter, as Kansas City extended their lead to 40-30 with a 10 yard touchdown pass. With about six minutes left in the game, Hinds ran the ball in from five yards out, but kicker Alex Fambrough missed the extra point, leaving the score at 40-36 in favor of the Renegades. Kansas City proceeded to drive down the field on their next possession, but was hampered by a five yard offensive encroachment penalty, stalling the drive and forcing them to kick the ball back to Wichita. The Renegades defense rose to the occasion as Alphonso Hodge intercepted Hinds in the endzone preserving the 40-36 victory.

Kansas City will be on the road next Friday, April 12th, in Topeka as they take on the Kansas Koyotes at the Kansas Expocentre.

The Renegades' Clinton Solomon Wins CPIFL Offensive Player of the Week

Clinton Solomon had a breakout game against the Defenders, and he has been recognized for it: the CPIFL has named him Offensive Player of The Week for his monster game, which included 9 catches for 110 yards and FOUR touchdowns!

From the CPIFL:

“Solomon helped Kansas City to their first win of the year by catching nine passes for 110 yards.  Solomon scored four touchdowns in the 54-47 win over the Oklahoma Defenders.  Solomon is fourth in the league in touchdowns with five.  The Renegades will look for a winning streak as the Wichita Wild visit Kemper Arena on Saturday.”

The Renegades Pick Up First Win Of The Season, Downing Oklahoma 54-47

The Renegades got off the schneid in a big way Saturday, with a 54-47 win over the Oklahoma Defenders at Kemper Arena. After turnovers had marred them in their first two games (both losses), KC played a clean game Saturday, with just one turnover compared to three for the Defenders.

Protecting the ball was key. The KC offense had moved the ball in their previous games, but couldn’t recover from giveaways.

Last night that wasn’t an issue. Quarterback Dennis Gile threw 7 touchdown passes on his way to a 19-27 day. He had to operate behind a makeshift offensive line.

“[Gile] played outstanding, the offensive line has to get a little better but they hung in there,” coach Ken Matous said. “What’s amazing is that we had a center who isn’t a center play most of the game [nose tackle Brandon Ford], and he played against an All-AFL tenured vet Aaron McConnell. He did a great job and helped us win this football game.”

The score was 40-37 in the middle of a wild fourth quarter. The Defenders were answering every Renegade touchdown with a score of their own. But with two minutes to play, KC scored to go up 47-39. On the Defenders’ next drive, Oklahoma got inside the 20, but QB Rico Watkins’ pass fell into the hands of Renegade Donte Moore.

Gile led KC down the field for another score, putting the Renegades out of Oklahoma’s reach. Oklahoma added one more score, but KC recovered the kickoff, and Gile kneeled the clock dead.

The Renegades, 1-2, face the undefeated Wichita Wild next Saturday at Kemper Arena. Gile says getting the first win helps the team’s confidence going into a tough matchup next week.

“Getting the win lets guys come together instead of pointing fingers. Especially on a team with this much talent, when you lose you point fingers because you don’t understand why you’re losing,” Gile said. “But this win shows that when we come together and play as a team, we can win every game.”

Full Stats: http://www.cpifl.org/stats/KansasCity/

Turnovers Again Plague Renegades In 38-26 Loss In Sioux City

The Renegades game on Friday against Sioux City looked similar to their home opener last Sunday, even down to the score. Kansas City continued to shoot itself in the foot as the team committed four turnovers.

The difference this week was that the offense couldn’t score in the first half and couldn’t hold on to the ball. Early in the second quarter, and trailing 14-7, Kansas City QB Dennis Gile was pressured by Sioux City’s Fred Mitchell. The ball popped loose in the end zone and was recovered by Darius Davis for a 21-7 lead.

The Bandits’ Sean Kelly recovered a fumble on Kansas City’s ensuing possession that Sioux City was unable to convert. Later in the half Sioux City cornerback Rahn Franklin cut in front of wide receiver Carlos Cavanaugh in the end zone to pick off Gile, but his offensive teammates were unable to capitalize on that takeaway as well. The Renegades went into the break trailing 24-10.

Early in the third quarter Kansas City’s Demetrious Walker recorded a safety to cut the deficit to 24-12. Unfortunately the Bandits Drew Prohaska scored on a 1 run and then Jon Smith collected the second Sioux City interception of the game. Damon Mothershead’s 28-yard catch at Kansas City’s 9-yard line was followed by Frederick Bruno’s second touchdown of the game that combined with Max Martin’s kick, increased the advantage to 38-12.

The one bright spot was that the Renegades outscored the Bandits 14-0 in the final quarter. The offense continued to be funneled through Gile. He was 21 of 39 with one touchdown and two interceptions and had 2 carries for 6 yards and two touchdowns.

Kansas City will be home next Saturday as they host the Oklahoma Defenders at Kemper Arena.

Sioux City 38, Kansas City 26

Kansas City 7 3 2 14 -- 26

Sioux City 14 10 14 0 -- 38

First Quarter

SCB: Frederick Bruno 24 pass from Scott Jensen (Max Martin kick) 12:48

KC: Clinton Solomon 12 pass from Dennis Gile (Thomas Frevert kick) 4:52

SCB: Eddie Pertilla 3 pass from Jensen (Martin kick) :05

Second Quarter

SCB: Darius Davis fumble recovery in end zone (Martin kick) 13:30

SCB: FG Martin 27 :35

KC: FG Frevert :00

Third Quarter

KC: Demetrious Walker safety 11:29

SCB: Drew Prohaska 1 run (Martin kick) 7:38

SCB: Bruno 9 run (Martin kick) 3:24

Fourth Quarter

KC: Gile 5 run (Frevert kick) 13:46

KC: Gile 1 run (Frevert kick) 3:02

TEAM STATISTICS

KC SC

First downs 15 12

Rushes-yards 13-31 21-78

Passing yards 168 93

Passes 21-39-2 9-15-1

Total plays-yards 53-199 37-171

Fumbles-lost 2-2 1-1

Penalties-yards 12-80 12-62

Possession time 36:53 23:07

INDIVIDUAL STATISTICS

RUSHING: Kansas City – Keithen Valentine 7-27, Dennis Gile 2-6, Carlos Cavanaugh 1-0, O.J. Simpson 3-(-2). Sioux City – Johnny Bentley 6-46, Frederick Bruno 4-24, Drew Prohaska 5-8, Sean Treasure 3-5, Scott Jensen 3-(-5).

PASSING: Kansas City – Gile 21-39-2, 171. Sioux City – Jensen 9-15-1, 94; TEAM 0-0-0 (-1).

RECEIVING: Kansas City – Simpson 9-65, Anthony Parks 5-44, Clinton Solomon 3-31, Valentine 2-19, Cavanaugh2-12. Sioux City – Damon Mothershead 5-47, Eddie Pertilla 2-13, Bruno 1-24, Treasure 1-10.

TACKLES

(Solo-Assist – Total)

KANSAS CITY: David Garrett 4-4 – 8, Demetrious Walker 3-1 – 4, Rashad Washington 2-2 – 4, Lamont Brown 2-2 – 4, Stewart Frank 3-0 – 3, Willie Horn 1-2 – 3, Donte Moore 2-0 –2, Dorsey Golston III 1-1 – 2.

SIOUX CITY – Marshall Barney 8-3 – 11, Spetlar Tonga 3-3 – 6, Jon Smith 2-4 – 6, Denzel Adams 4-1 – 5, Paul Robinson 3-1 – 4, Thomas Wells 2-1 – 3, Darius Davis 2-1 – 3, Drew Prohaska 1-2 – 3, Anthony Thomas 2-0 – 2, Rahn Franklin 1-1 – 2, Jason Bonwell 1-1 – 2, Marlon Lobben 1-0 – 1, Johnny Bentley 0-1 – 1, Sean Kelly 0-1 – 1.

Renegades to Open Training Camp On Tuesday

The Kansas CityRenegades training camp begins on Tuesday February 26th at 8:00a.m. and 1:00p.m. Practices will be held at the KC sports lodge 19310 E. 50th Terrace, Independence, MO. Additional camp dates are listed below. These dates are open to any member of the media or the general public. They encourage you to come out and see what you have to look forward to this season. The season opener is March 17 at Kemper Arena. Kick off is at 2:05 p.m. with pre-game starting at 1:45p.m.
Training camp dates:
·         Tuesday 2/26/13 practice #1 (8am-11am) practice #2 (1pm-4pm)
·         Wednesday 2/27/13 practice #3 (8am-11am) practice #4 (1pm-4pm)
·         Thursday 2/28/13 practice #5 (8am-11am) practice #6 (1pm-4pm)
·         Friday 3/1/13 practice #7 (8am-11am) practice #8 (1pm-4pm)
·         Monday 3/4/13 practice #9 (8am-11am)
·         Tuesday 3/5/13 practice #10 (8am-11am)
·         Wednesday 3/6/13 practice #11 (8am-11am)
·         Thursday 3/7/13 practice #12 (8am-11am)
·         Friday 3/8/13 practice #13 (8am-11am)

Kansas City Renegades Unveil Uniforms

These photos are courtesy of Scott Soares

Mix 93.3 Personality Steve Serrano Announced As Renegades In-Game DJ

The Renegades announced Steve Serrano from Mix 93.3 and KCWE-TV as the DJ for all six of the KC Renegades games to be played at Kemper Arena. The first game will be March 17th, 2013 at Kemper Arena for a 2:05pm kickoff with pre-game starting at 1:45pm. The Renegades are bringing the DJ back to the End Zone. Steve is a Kansas City native, graduating from Lee’s Summit High and Northwest Missouri State University. Currently, he works for Mix 93.3 as an On-Air Personality, weeknights from 7p.m. to midnight.
In addition, he is KMXV’s Music Director, Assistant Program Director and Internship Coordinator and owns his own DJ/production company. He is also heavily involved with the community. He works with various organizations such as Encourage Hope, American Red Cross and American Heart Association. You can also see him on KCWE-TV. Steve was nominated as one of the top business men under 30 in Kansas City in 2010. In 2011, he was nominated for Kansas City Man of the Year by Connect in KC. Be sure to join us as we welcome Steve to be a part of the Renegades team this season.

Renegades Will Unveil Uniforms For 2013 Season On Thursday

The KC Renegades organization will officially let the public get the first glimpse of the uniforms tomorrow at 2:00p.m. at The Bulldog restaurant and bar. The Bulldog is located at 1715 Main Street, Kansas City, MO. If you can’t make it, the first game will be March 17th, 2013 at Kemper Arena for a 2:05pm kickoff with pre-game starting at 1:45pm.

The Bulldog is located just 2 blocks from the Kauffman Center and has daily food and drink specials as well as live entertainment. Make your way down to this exciting event.

The Kansas City Renegades Texas Hold'em Tournament

Deal 'em! The Renegades are hosting a Texas Hold'em Tournament benefiting the Blue Springs Education Foundation. The event will take place February 23 at the Blue Springs Elks Lodge (100 NE Brizendine Rd, Blue Springs, MO 64014).

$1,000 FIRST PLACE PRIZE plus a guaranteed seat at next year's tournament. Cash prizes through fifth place!

Former Chief and two-time Super Bowl winner Neil Smith is playing along with other local celebrities. Win additional prizes if you knock out Smith or one of the other celebs!

Must be 21 to attend. $50 pre-registration, $60 at the door. Checks payable to BSEF. Email poker4bsef@gmail.com to lock in the pre-registration price (include name in the subject line). Registration and happy hour starts at 6, deal at 7.

See you on the tables!

Kansas City Renegades Holding Dance Team Tryouts This Sunday

The Kansas City Renegades will be holding tryouts for the 2013 Dance Team on Sunday, Jan. 27, at Club 7 Fitness, located at 1241 SW 7 Highway in Blue Springs, MO.

9 a.m.: Registration begins

10:00-11:30am: Candidates learn sideline routines and perform a kick line.  

Noon: Preliminary competition begins. 

3:30pm: final routines being performed in small groups.

5:30pm: The 2013 dance squad will be selected and announced.

The Kansas City Renegades kick off the indoor football season on Sunday, March 17, at 2:05 in Kemper Arena.

Kansas City Renegades Terminate Head Coach, Promote Offensive Coordinator

The Kansas City Renegades of the Champions Professional Indoor Football League (CPIFL) have terminated the contract of their head coach. Richard McKleskey has been replaced by Offensive Coordinator Ken Matous.

“It is always difficult to make these decisions and timing is a challenge. Your head coach has to be a positive influence in the locker room and be committed to the organization. Coach Matous will bring us that leadership and professionalism this team expects and needs to compete for a championship. We were fortunate to have someone already on our staff that could step up without interruption,” said General Manager Reggie Harris.

Matous brings more than 30 years of experience as a head coach, and offensive coach to his latest role with the Renegades. In October 2012, Matous was

named Offensive Coordinator of the Renegades, prior to that he was the head coach of the Wichita Wild. Matous led the Wild to consecutive appearances in

the United Conference title game of the Indoor Football League. In his two seasons at the helm, Matous has a 17-11 regular season record and a 4-2 record

in postseason games with the Wichita IFL team.

Under Matous’ leadership the 2010 campaign was the most successful season in franchise history as the Wild finished at 11-6. The Wild’s playoff run ended

in Sioux Falls with a loss to the Storm in the conference championship. In 2009 the Wild won the IFL’s Central Division and fell to River City one game shy

of the United Bowl Championship Game.

Matous has made numerous stops in his coaching career including Hutchinson (Kan.) Community College (1978), Wichita State (1979-82), East Carolina

(1983-88), University of Cincinnati (1989), Austin Peay (1990), University of Mississippi (1991-93), and Duke (1994-1998).

Matous started his work with the indoor game in 2001 with the Carolina Cobras of the Arena Football League (AFL). In 2002, he went back to the college

ranks when he coached at Western Carolina during the 2002 season. Ken was named head coach of the Tulsa Talons of Arena Football2 in 2004 before

being moving back to the AFL. Matous spent the 2005 season in New Orleans and served as Offensive Coordinator, Special Teams Coordinator, and Director of Player Personnel from 2006-2008 for the Columbus Destroyers of the AFL.

KC Renegades Introduce Eight Players Today

The Renegades introduced eight new players, each of whom has Kansas City connections in their playing careers. These eight will be among the estimated 60 to 70 players who will come to camp to try to make the final 30-man roster.

“We are very excited about the latest additions to our roster,” said Reggie Harris, general manager of the Renegades. Harris said the player signings are the first step in putting a winning team on the football field inside Kemper Arena.

These signees were at Wednesday’s event:

Ronnie Carter - 6'7'' 330lb Offensive Lineman from Kansas City, Kansas. Carter attended high school in Kansas City Kansas at Schlagle High School where he was All State, All Conference, and All American for the football team and also a four year starter on the basketball team. Carter left Schlagle to continue his athletic career at Coffeyville Community College. Carter played one football season at Coffeyville only giving up one sack but then redshirted the next football season to concentrate on basketball which he play two seasons averaging a double double for Coffeyville's basketball program. Carter transferred to the University of Southern Mississippi after spending two years at Coffeyville. Carter played Offensive Line for Southern Mississippi from 2005-2007.

David Garrett - 5'9'' 170lb Defensive Back from Cleveland, Ohio, younger brother of Alphonso Hodge. Garrett attended Fort Scott Community College in 2008 where he earned All Jayhawk Conference Honors. In 2009 Garrett transferred to Kansas State University where he played from 2009-2011 earning All Big 12 Conference Honors during the 2010 and 2011 seasons.

Brandon Henderson - 5'10'' 190lb Defensive Back from Kansas City, Missouri. Henderson attended high school in Kansas City Missouri at former Hickman Mills Senior High where from 2001-2003 he was named to the All State, All Conference, All District, and Metro All American Teams. In 2003 Henderson was rated the #1 Athlete in the state of Missouri. After leaving high school Henderson attended Coffeyville Community College where he earned All Jayhawk Conference Honors as well as being named JUCO All American. In 2005 Henderson transferred to Western Michigan where he was named MAC Newcomer of the Year as well as first team All MAC. Henderson transferred the following season to Northern Iowa 2006-2007 where he earned All Gateway Conference Honors both years. Henderson began his professional career for the Bloomington Extreme of the IFL from 2010-2011 before moving on to play for the San Antonio Talons of the Arena Football League 2012.

Alphonso Hodge - 5'10'' 203lb Defensive Back from Cleveland, Ohio, older brother of David Garrett. Hodge attended Miami University in Ohio from 2000-2004 where he was a four year letterman as well as first team All-MAC his senior year and second team All-MAC his junior season. In the 2005 NFL Draft Hodge was selected by the Kansas Chiefs where he played 2005-2006 before going to play with the New York Jets in 2007. In 2008 Hodge signed with the Cleveland Gladiators of the Arena Football League, and then signed with the Toronto Argonauts of the Canadian Football League where he played from 2009-2010.

Aaron Hodges - 6'0'' 195lb Safety from Lee Summit, Missouri. Hodges attended Lee's Summit High School in Lee Summit Missouri where he was a very talented high school wide receiver. During Hodges prep career he was mentored heavily by former Kansas City Chief Danan Hughes who was also his head coach. Following a great prep career at Lee's Summit High School, Hodges went on to play at Mid America Nazarene University 2005-2009. Hodges, known for his versatile play, was asked to move to defensive back his junior season in order to help beef up the secondary. During the 2008 season Hodges helped Mid America Nazarene University to a Heart of America Athletic Conference Championship. In 2011 Hodges began his professional football career signing with the Florida Tarpons of the UIFL.

Clinton Solomon - 6'4'' 210lb Wide Receiver from Fort Worth, Texas. Solomon attended the University of Iowa from 2002-2005 where he was a three year letterman as well as three year starter earning All Big 10 Conference Honors in two of those seasons and Honorable Mention All American in those seasons as well. Solomon ranks seventh in career receiving yards and fourth in receiving touchdowns in the University of Iowa record books. In 2006 Solomon began his professional football career signing with the St. Louis Rams of the National Football League. In 2007 Solomon signed with the Tennessee Titans before signing with the Chicago Bears later in the year. In 2008 Solomon signed with the Chicago Rush of the Arena Football League. Following the folding of the AFL Solomon signed with the Wichita Wild of the IFL where he played from 2009-2011 earning first team All IFL each season. In 2012 Solomon signed to play with the Sioux Falls Storm of the IFL earning  second team All IFL while leading them to a United Bowl Championship.

Demetrios Walker - 6'2'' 260lb Defensive End from Kansas City, Missouri. Walker attended high school in Kansas City Missouri at former Hickman Mills Senior High. While at Hickman Mills, Walker was named to the All State, All Conference, All District, and All Metro Teams after only playing one season of football. Walker then moved on to play at Fort Scott Community College in 2000 where he played one season earning All Conference and being named a JUCO All American. Following Junior College, Walker transferred to Middle Tennessee State 2001-2003 where he earned second team All Sun Belt Conference his senior season. In 2004 Walker was signed to the Kansas City Chiefs of the National Football League where he played 2004-2005. In spring 2005, Walker played in NFL Europe for Rhein Fire. In 2006 Walker signed with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats of the Canadian Football League where he played from 2006-2007. In 2007 Walker signed to play with the Chicago Rush of the Arena Football League from 2007-2008.

Rashad Washington - 6'3'' 230lb Safety/Linebacker from Wichita, Kansas. Washington attended high school in Wichita Kansas at Wichita Southeast High School. While at Southeast, Washington earned All State, All Big 12 Region, All District, All Conference, and All American Honors, while playing football. Washington was also an outstanding high school basketball prep star being named Kansas Basketball Player of the Year following his senior season. In 1999 Washington signed with Kansas State University to play Running Back where he redshirted. After the 2000 football season Washington joined the Kansas State University Basketball Team, which he only played one season. During the 2001 football season Washington made the switch from running back to safety. Washington was selected second team All Big 12 in 2002 and first team All Big 12 in 2003. In the 2004 NFL Draft Washington was selected by the New York Jets where he spent four seasons from 2004-2007. After playing for the Jets, Washington moved back home to Wichita Kansas to begin running youth empowerment events as well as youth football camps. In 2011 Washington signed to play with the Wichita Wild of the IFL.

“We know Kansas City is a football town, and we want to add an indoor team that fans will want to come out and support,” Harris said. “Our players are part of the Kansas City community, and this will give fans a first glimpse at the caliber of players and the quality of people we are putting on the field.”

The Renegades will open their inaugural season in the Champions Professional Indoor Football League in March. The team plans to release the season schedule next week. Season tickets are on sale now by calling Ticket Master and start as low as $72 for the entire six game home schedule.

KC Renegades Press Conference 12-12-12

This video is courtesy of Scott Soares (aka AFL Slasher)

And The Kansas City Renegades Biggest Rival Will Be ...

About ten days ago I posted a poll asking who you thought would be the Kansas City Renegades biggest rival in the newly formed Champions Professional Indoor Football League and the fans responded.

First off, Bloomington Edge, Oklahoma Defenders and Sioux City Bandits received no love. Apparently you all thought that those cities are too far away to generate any animosity. As far as those teams that did garner votes. They are as follows:

Kansas Koyotes              38%

Lincoln Haymakers          23%

Wichita Wild                   23%

MidMissouri Outlaws      15%

Salina Bombers                 7%

Since Kansas received the biggest share of votes I am guessing that since the cities are so close it will be easy for both fan bases to make the road trip to enemy territory. I was a little surprised that MidMissouri didn’t do better since the team is an innerstate rival could have a govenor’s cup game every season. I thought Wichita placed where I thought they would (2nd place) but Lincoln made a stronger than expected showing. Salina also bagged some votes setting the stage for three different I‐70 Wars (KC & Topeka, KC & Salina & Topeka & Salina).

I think there will be some nice rivalries in this league just because of geographic proximity. Kansas City has natural rivals in MidMissouri, Topeka and to a lesser extent Wichita. I also think that Topeka and Wichita will be a good rivalry (carried over from both the original Indoor Football League and the American Professional Football League).

I thank everyone that participated in the poll and look forward to the start of the season in March.