Wichita Force


Years of Existence: 2015-
Venue: Intrust Bank Arena (Wichita, KS)
Accomplishments
2015 - Playoff appearance
2016 - CIFL Champions
2017 -
2018 -
2019 -
2021 -
Lifetime Record: 37-37
Home: 21-16
Away: 16-21
Playoffs: 2-1
Average Attendance: 3,281

The Wichita Force joined the CIF in its first season. The team had no 1,000 yard passers, with several splitting time at quarterback, but a steady stream of close victories got the team to a playoff berth. In a closely contested game at Texas, the Force fell 39-27 after the game was tied at 27 in the fourth. The Force returned for 2016, quarterbacked by Steve Panasuk and David Olson. The two combined to pass for 1,887 yards, 45 touchdowns and 13 picks. Clarence Anderson caught 20 scores, while Brett Soft brought in 14 of his own. The team went 9-1 in games decided by ten points or less, holding opponents to just 30% on third down. The team completed a 10-2 regular season and a first round bye in the playoffs. After a late missed extra point return for two points to take a 52-51 victory over Bloomington, Wichita advanced to the Champions Bowl and hosted Amarillo. Amarillo was penalized over 20 times in the game and this helped Wichita to a 48-45 victory. The Force returned in 2017, quarterbacked by Jake Medlock. He threw for 2,052 yards, 43 touchdowns and just seven picks. Brett Soft caught 17 of those scores. Despite winning six of their final eight games, the team lost a four-way tiebreaker due to weakest strength of schedule. Only one of the seven wins came against a team that made the playoffs. Rocky Hinds led the Force in 2018, throwing for 1,445 yards and 26 touchdowns. Wichita went 4-8 but did make the playoffs and fell to champions Duke City in the first round 50-38. The Force struggled for the next two seasons, going 2-10 in 2019 and 4-6 in 2021, missing the playoffs both seasons.