Renegades Roll Over Defenders

The Oklahoma Defenders were looking to make it two wins in a row on Saturday night as they hosted the Kansas City Renegades at the Tulsa Convention Center. This was also a revenge game as the Defenders lost to the Renegades 54-47 in Kansas City back on March 30. Instead Oklahoma ran into a buzzsaw that night and lost to the Renegades 65-28.

Throughout the game, the Kansas City defense plagued the Defenders’ offense.  The defense forced five turnovers (including two that resulted in immediate scores by Renegades LB Rashad Washington) and caused the Oklahoma offense to commit several mistakes that lead to the victory.

The Renegades offense was led by Chris Coffin, who went 15-23 for 184 yards and seven touchdowns (to six different receivers) on the night.

Return man O.J. Simpson continued to make an argument for Special Teams Player of the Year as he returned a second quarter kickoff 50 yards for a touchdown.

The loss drops the Defenders to 3-7 on the season and the Renegades improve to 6-4.

Kansas City host their last home game of the season this Saturday as they take on the Kansas Koyotes at Kemper Arena. The Renegades have teamed up with the Salvation Army on a food drive. If you bring a canned good to the box office you will receive $1 off every ticket purchased.

There will also be a pregame concert by local band Run With It in the parking lot.

May 4 Weekend Preview

While the weather outside may not seem like it, the Summer movie season kicks off this weekend. There are two crime dramas and major franchise being released this Friday. First up is Iceman. Inspired by actual events, "The Iceman" follows notorious contract killer Richard Kuklinski (Academy Award® nominee Michael Shannon) from his early days in the mob until his arrest for the murder of more than 100 men. Appearing to be living the American dream as a devoted husband and father; in reality Kuklinski was a ruthless killer-for-hire. When finally arrested in 1986, neither his wife nor daughters have any clue about his real profession.

The other crime drama is Once Upon a Time in Brooklyn. Bobby Baldano, (William DeMeo), is the black sheep of his family. When he gets out of prison after serving a five year sentence, his Father, (Armand Assante), has high hopes of a fresh start for him and coming to work at Joseph Baldano & Sons Contracting, the legitimate and thriving multi-generational family business Bobby's grandfather built up from nothing. But Bobby's a mob connected street thug who gets caught back up in a life of inescapable crime. He has two families – one supportive and loving, the other dangerous and deadly. He must decide between the two families and once he does truths are revealed that Bobby always knew but was too blind to see and too afraid to face.

Finally there is the first tentpole picture of the Summer, Iron Man 3. Being released in 2D, 3D and IMAX, this edition of the franchise pits brash-but-brilliant industrialist Tony Stark/Iron Man against an enemy whose reach knows no bounds. When Stark finds his personal world destroyed at his enemy's hands, he embarks on a harrowing quest to find those responsible. This journey, at every turn, will test his mettle. With his back against the wall, Stark is left to survive by his own devices, relying on his ingenuity and instincts to protect those closest to him. As he fights his way back, Stark discovers the answer to the question that has secretly haunted him: does the man make the suit or does the suit make the man?

In conjunction with the release the Alamo Drafthouse will be screening an Iron Man Marathon. They will be showing Iron Man, Iron Man 2, Avengers and then Iron Man 3. For more details checkout their site for more details.

With Iron Man 3 being released don't forget that this Saturday, May 4, is Free Comic Book Day. Local comic shops will be giving away free selected comics while supplies last. The store that does it best is Elite Comics. They will have a ton of guest artists & writers plus special appearances by superheroes. The owner has rented out extra space just to hold all the statues, graphic novels, toys & comics that will also be on sale at great prices. The store always gets great reviews and was voted one of the 25 reasons to love Kansas City a few years ago. Check them out. You won't be sorry. Click here for a list of the free books that will be offered.

There will also be tons of Cinco De Mayo celebrations around town this weekend. The biggest will be at the P&L District. Kansas City Live! presents the Cinco De Drinko Festival at the KC Live! Block on Saturday, May 4th! This event is free to attend but you can UPGRADE to the Free-4-All All-Inclusive Package to receive NO COVER all night and drink like the Head Honcho from 8-11PM at 14 bars including: Tengo Sed Cantina, FUEGO, McFadden's Sports Saloon, The Dubliner, Pizza Bar, Johnny's Tavern, Z-Strike, PBR Big Sky, Shark Bar, Angels Rock Bar, Mosaic Lounge, Hotel Nightclub, Howl at the Moon and KC Live! Living Room.

TODAY ONLY – BUY TICKETS FOR 2 FOR $30!

Click here to get your tickets for 2 for $30!

Otherwise, tickets are $25 on Friday, May 3rd

or $30 on Saturday, May 4th!

For more info on the weekend’s festivities click here

The Renegades are in action at Kemper again this week. They will be hosting the Sioux City Bandits this Saturday. This is a revenge game as Sioux City beat Kansas City earlier this year, 38-26.

Local alt-rock group Uncountable Kings will rock the Kemper parking lot with their blend of original material and covers from the likes of Weezer, The Beatles, and everything in between. Now let’s just hope for good weather!

Uncountable Kings start at 4:30, kickoff is at 7:05. See you in the West Bottoms.

KC Renegades Make Official Offer to Tim Tebow's Agent

The Kansas City Renegades have offered former NFL star quarterback Tim Tebow a contract to play in the top football town in America.

The details of the contract and discussions are not made public, however, Owner Jeremy Ploeger issued a formal contract last night after announcing his intentions on yesterday's CPIFL Executive Committee conference call.

"Kansas City is the top football town in America. Here in the heartland, we love Tim Tebow. We have heard from several of our fans and we have officially started that conversation by making an offer. Kansas City would love to see him play at Kemper Arena," said Ploeger.

Should Tim Tebow choose to join the Renegades, he would play in the largest arena in the CPIFL, which has quickly become the top professional indoor football league in the country. Kemper Arena seats almost 20,000 fans. He would also play on a team with several former NFL players.

The Kansas City Renegades are 4-3 and have entered their inaugural season with a bang, including their upset victory over top ranked Wichita Wild.

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

KC Renegades Team With The Salvation Army For Tailgater Of The Week And Food Drive

On May 25th The Kansas City Renegades and The Salvation Army will host a Food Drive. The Renegades are encouraging the people of Kansas City to come out and support The Salvation Army in their efforts to assist the community. We ask that you bring non-perishable food items as a donation to the Salvation Army. Your contribution will assist them with their community outreach program. The Salvation Army has come on board for the 2013 season not only to encourage the Renegades but also the fans. Every week the Salvation Army selects one tailgater at Kemper arena to be the "Tailgater of the week. This tailgater has the opportunity to then compete for the Ultimate tailgater award on the final home game of the season against the Kansas Koyotes May 25th Kickoff is at 7:05 p.m.

Nearly 30 million Americans receive assistance from The Salvation Army each year through the broadest array of social services that range from providing food for the hungry, relief for disaster victims, assistance for the disabled, outreach to the elderly and ill, clothing and shelter to the homeless and opportunities for underprivileged children. 82 cents of every dollar spent is used to support those services in 5,000 communities nationwide.

Kansas City Renegades Midseason Review

First this is not a midseason review where I give each position a grade of A, B, C and so forth. This is more of an overview of the organization as a whole. Where I try to point out what is being done right and what could be improved.

First up is the on the field product. The Renegades stand 4-2 at the midway point. Given that the team started 0-2 and seemed to be allergic to holding on to the ball this is as good as you could hope. Kansas City has used six different quarterbacks during the first six games of the season. The team started out with Dennis Gile for the first two games of the season. While Gile has experience in the indoor game the offense did not seem to be very consistent with him under center. Next came former FSU Seminole and KC Command player Xavier Lee. The Renegades righted the ship with Lee and got their first two victories of the season. Then came Carlos Cavanaugh who has filled in for Lee while he was away dealing with a family matter. Now that Lee is back and Cavanaugh has game time experience with this team I think Kansas City is dealing from a position of strength.

While the running game has been good enough I would like to see more out of this position. Keithen Valentine and O.J. Simpson are nice local talents but I get concerned about Simpson getting spread too thin rotating between rb, wr and returner.

The defense has been fairly decent all season but has really come on in the last three weeks. This is backed up by the fact that Teon Wilson and Donta Moore are the last two Defensive Player Of The Week award winners.

The special teams can be summed up in one name, OJ Simpson. He is arguably the best return man in the league. This is evidenced by the fact that the Outlaws last week refused to kick to him. Kicker Thomas Frevert seems to be serviceable and steady. I see no problem with him so far.

So far this team has more wins at the halfway point than the Brigade/Command had in three of the five seasons.

The front office has been outstanding. This ranges from making sure that players are making plenty of appearances around the city to making appearances on local radio to get the word out about the team and league to owner Jeremy Ploeger tailgating with The Posse. They have also made sure that I am kept up to date on all team activities and functions. This organization learned from the mistakes of the Brigade/Command and have both listened to and embraced the fans instead of keeping them at an arm’s length.

The places where I see an opportunity for improvement is to hire an intern to do post game press releases. It is very difficult to do a postgame write up when you do not have game stats or a scoring summary. This is a common practice among all minor league teams. The other opportunity I see is getting a dedicated page on the website for both game and season stats (both team and individual). I know some of this is covered under the Game Center tab on the site but a dedicated page would be more efficient.

The social media aspect has been maintained very well. The team has done an adequate job on facebook but I feel they have excelled when it comes to Youtube and Twitter. The front office has been very quick to get player and coach interviews up on their Youtube channel  (usually within 24 hours) and are really on top of Twitter. Retweeting both player and fan tweets almost immediately. I have tweeted something about the team as late as 1am CDT and had it retweeted by the team within five minutes. This is the way to endear yourself to and generate loyalty from your fan base.

While the season got off to a rocky start, the course was corrected, and things look pretty good after six games. Now if things keep improving over the next six we could be looking at the inaugural CPIFL Champions. It has been a long time since any football team in Kansas City (indoor or outdoor) has been able to say that. Now if the crowds will continue to grow we could be looking at indoor football in town for a long time.

April 26 Weekend Preview

Well, this week is pretty light on the movie front but, next week starts the summer movie season with the release of Iron Man 3. This week you will have to settle for Pain & Gain. Based on a true story, "Pain & Gain" follows a group of bodybuilders who engaged in a campaign of kidnapping, extortion and murder in Florida. First told in an article from the "Miami New Times," "Pain and Gain" is directed by Michael Bay and stars Mark Wahlberg and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson.

For other great ideas for this weekend visit Explore Kansas City for their Top 5 List

of Things To Do in Kansas City April 26 – 28.

The Mavericks’ season ended this past week but you have one last chance to spend some time with the team. The team is hosting a Season Celebration Party this Thursday, April 25 from 5-8 p.m. at Independence Events Center. Mavericks’ players and coaches will be on hand starting at 6 p.m. to sign autographs and say goodbye to the fans before the team separates for the off-season.  Fans can enter through the main (east) entrance of the building starting at 5 p.m.

The Mavericks will have a silent auction with jerseys and other memorabilia as well as a sale at the Top Shelf Team Store.

Also on Thursday the NFL will be hosting its annual draft so head to your favorite watering hole and see who the Chiefs take with the first overall pick.

Even though the Comets’ and Mavericks’ seasons are over there is only one arena team in action for a while. That team is the Kansas City Renegades and they are in action this weekend at Kemper Arena. The good guys take on the Salina Bombers at 7:05 pm. It is also the first ever Kemper Kids Day. One child’s admission is FREE for each paying adult! So in a family of four, both kids get in absolutely free.

Tickets will be available at the box office on game day or on our tickets page. Just request the number of adult tickets you need to buy and then they’ll add that number of kids tickets at the will call window on game day.

Also, Local rock cover band Public Safety Issue will play a tailgate concert.

The band starts at 4:30 in the Kemper parking lot. BYO-beer, grill, and food, and enjoy as Public Safety Issue rocks the, er, parking lot! Forecast: 68 degrees!

Check out Public Safety Issue’s website, publicsafetyissue.com.

If you like curling and would like to try your hand at it then you are in luck this Saturday. The Kansas City Curling Club is hosting an informal curling session at Line Creek Community Center at 4:15pm.

Cost is $20. Discounted to $10 if you pay or have paid for the June Summer League.

Click here for more info.

The presale for the annual Preseason NBA game at the Sprint Center will be from Friday April 26 10 AM -  Sunday April 28 10 PM. This year’s game will be between the Charlotte Bobcats and the Miami Heat (with former Jayhawk Mario Chalmers). Click here to purchase tickets. Use Code: SUPERSTARS

Have a great weekend

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.

April 19 Weekend Preview

This weekend we have two movies being released. One is a major release and one getting a limited release. The major release is Oblivion. Tom Cruise stars in this original and groundbreaking film from the director of "TRON: Legacy" and the producer of "Rise of the Planet of the Apes." On a spectacular future Earth that has evolved beyond recognition, one man's confrontation with the past will lead him on a journey of redemption and discovery as he battles to save mankind.

The limited release film is Rob Zombie’s The Lords of Salem. From the singular mind of the horror maestro comes a chilling plunge into a nightmare world where evil runs in the blood. "The Lords of Salem" tells the tale of Heidi (Sheri Moon Zombie), a radio station DJ living in Salem, Massachusetts, who receives a strange wooden box containing a record, a "gift from the Lords." Heidi listens, and the bizarre sounds within the grooves immediately trigger flashbacks of the town's violent past. Is Heidi going mad, or are the "Lords of Salem" returning for revenge on modern-day Salem?

Even though Earth Day is Monday, there will be several events Saturday held across the metro that are worth noting. City Market will be the site of the Get Your Green On activities offering people the chance to recycle electronics. City Market will also be bringing several earth-friendly businesses to the Market Square. Bridging the Gap will be hosting their annual "Earth Walk" in City Market Park at 9 a.m. The StoneLion Puppet Theatre will be presenting their "Puppets for the Planet" throughout the morning in City Market. In Overland Park, Earth Day Community Recycle Day & 5k walk and Fun Run will be held at the 68 Inside Sports Field House from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Powell Garden's Earth Day celebration begins at 9 a.m. and lessons will be given on green gardening, bee keeping, and other green seminars. The Deanna Rose Children's Farmstead is celebrating Earth Day from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. and is focusing on sustainability education.

For more ideas to try this weekend checkout Explore Kansas City.

As far as sports go this weekend you have a few options. The Mavericks host games four and five of the Central Hockey League Semifinals on Friday and Saturday. The Mavs look to even up the series on Friday night and take a lead with a win on Saturday. The team encourages all fans to wear orange for all playoff games.

If you want to make the hour and a half drive east to Sedalia you can catch the Renegades in CPIFL action. Kansas City battles the Mid-Missouri Outlaws at the Mathewson Exhibition Center.

Kansas Speedway will be rumbling this weekend as both the NASCAR Camping World Truck and Sprint Cup Series come to town. On Saturday the tough trucks of the NASCAR Camping World Truck Series battle it out on the newly reconfigured surface at Kansas Speedway for the first time on April 20. Will defending Champion and race winner James Buescher find his way back to Victory Lane or will one of the new up and coming drivers carve their name into history and earn their first win in Kansas? Be there to see it LIVE with tickets starting at $25 for adults and $15 for kids. Parking is always FREE and coolers are welcome at Kansas Speedway.

On Sunday the stars of the NASCAR Sprint Cup Series return to Kansas for round two on the new surface at Kansas Speedway. While Matt Kenseth became the first winner on the newly reconfigured oval last fall, many drivers will be back for redemption as the unforgiving asphalt got the best of them.

Have A Great Weekend

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' Teon Wilson Named CPIFL Defensive Player of the Week

Teon 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.

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.

April 12 Weekend Preview

Well, this weekend you have two movies being released that are at the opposite ends of the spectrum. First you have the sophomoric humor of Scary Movie 5. The latest installment of the "Scary Movie" franchise includes send ups of "Paranormal Activity," "Mama," "Sinister," "The Evil Dead," "Inception," "Black Swan" and pop culture featuring Ashley Tisdale, Charlie Sheen, Lindsay Lohan, Snoop Dogg, Katt Williams, Molly Shannon, Terry Crews, Simon Rex, Jerry O'Connell, Sarah Hyland, Katrina Bowden, Tyler Posey, Shad Moss aka Bow Wow, Kate Walsh, Heather Locklear, Mac Miller and Mike Tyson.

Then there is the historical drama 42. Hero is a word we hear often in sports, but heroism is not always about achievements on the field of play. "42" tells the story of two men—the great Jackie Robinson and legendary Brooklyn Dodgers GM Branch Rickey—whose brave stand against prejudice forever changed the world by changing the game of baseball. In 1946, Branch Rickey (Harrison Ford) put himself at the forefront of history when he signed Jackie Robinson (Chadwick Boseman) to the team, breaking Major League Baseball's infamous color line. But the deal also put both Robinson and Rickey in the firing line of the public, the press and even other players. Facing unabashed racism from every side, Robinson was forced to demonstrate tremendous courage and restraint by not reacting in kind, knowing that any incident could destroy his and Rickey's hopes. Instead, Number 42 let his talent on the field do the talking—ultimately winning over fans and his teammates, silencing his critics, and paving the way for others to follow.

Even if you are not a baseball fan or even a sports fan you should see this movie. Jackie Robinson spearheaded the Civil Rights movement as far as I am concerned (Martin Luther King Jr. was only a sophomore at Morehouse College when Robinson broke the color barrier).

Speaking of movies! Do not forget the Kansas City FilmFest. Kansas City's biggest film event returns in 2013 when the Filmmakers Jubilee presents the Kansas City FilmFest for its 17th year! This year's line-up of 110 feature-length and short films will also include guest appearances, Q&As, and after parties at The Chesterfield bar located inside the theatre! Visit Event Website

Worlds of Fun kicks off its 41st season with Opening Day Saturday. This year, the park will offer more value by combining both Worlds of Fun and Oceans of Fun into a one-ticket admission. Each guest will have access to 235-acres of rides, shows, and attractions, complete with a massive water park expansion. The Dinosaurs Alive! exhibit, featuring 35 life-sized moving animatronics dinosaurs, is new this year. The park is open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. For more information, visit their website.

There is also the 2013 WyCo Ethnic Festival. Magicians, dancers, and musicians will highlight this community-wide event Saturday in Kansas City, Kan. Children and family activities will take place in the children's tent. Local magician Gene Hernandez will perform at 4 p.m. on the Main Stage. And of course, there will be plenty of ethnic food available. The free event will take place at the Kansas City Kansas Community College Field House, 7250 State Ave. from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Parking is free. For more information visit their website.

For more great ideas head to Explore Kansas City, They always have a weekend top 5 list.

All the KC arena teams that are active right now are out of town this weekend. The Mavericks are in Allen, Texas to face the Americans in the opening of the Central Hockey League Semifinals. The Mavs will be back at the IEC next Wednesday.

The Renegades are also out of town but you are in luck because they are playing only sixty miles away in Topeka. They are taking on the Kansas Koyotes in CPIFL action at the Kansas Expocentre at 7 p.m. I suggest you head out a little early and have dinner before the game at Blind Tiger Brewery. The have great food and even better brews.

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.”

Jared Carter, Local Radio Producer, Is The On-Field MC For Renegades Home Games

KC radio producer Jared Carter is the Renegades’ on-field emcee for the 2013 season. Carter’s full-time job is as a producer on the morning show for KCMO radio.

Before working at KCMO, Carter was known for his role on the popular sports talk show, What’s Wright with Nick Wright on 610 Sports Radio. Carter was an on-air contributor and sound byte dropper on Wright’s entertaining afternoon show that ended in 2012 when Wright moved to Houston radio.

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/