Force defensive backs produce big plays

Playing defense in indoor football is often about humility. The nature of the game demands acceptance that holding opponents to few points is rarely an attainable goal.

The best defenses, then, are usually the ones with the most big-play potential. The Force seem to have that covered with a sack-heavy defensive line and a backfield with a nose for interceptions.

Wichita picked off four passes in a season-opening win at Salina last weekend and plays its home opener Saturday against Duke City (Albuquerque) on Saturday at Intrust Bank Arena.

“Playing on the secondary, you’ve got to have a short-term memory,” Force defensive back Kendrick Harper said. “You might get beat for a touchdown on one play, and the next play you might get an interception. It kind of goes both ways, but you’ve got to have a short-term memory in the back of your head.”

Harper has mastered those necessities as the backbone of the Force’s secondary for several years. He has 27 interceptions since 2013, and his teammates have begun producing similar results.

Elbert Mack, a former North, Butler and NFL player now on the Force’s injured reserve, returned one of his two interceptions last week for a touchdown. Lineman Chaquil Reed also had a return score against Salina, and linebacker Jason Catchings notched an interception.

Every member of the Force’s defense returned from last year, and the depth in the backfield includes former Heights and Kansas State cornerback Dorrian Roberts, along with Evan Ray, Kiaree Daniels and Chris Hemphill.

“Playing with those guys, they’ve got a lot of knowledge to the game,” Harper said. “They’re very hungry just like I am. They’re always willing to listen, and I’m always willing to listen to them, too. Just having those guys as part of the backfield, it’s a great aspect to the team.”

This story was originally published March 11, 2016 at 3:10 PM with the headline "Force defensive backs produce big plays."