Salina Liberty to play against non-league opponent in place of now defunct Desert Hawks

SALINA, Kan — The Salina Liberty were scheduled a non-league replacement opponent ahead of week nine in the Arena Football League.

The Liberty announced late Wednesday it will be playing against the Cedar Rapids River Kings of the American Indoor Football this Saturday. The team was originally scheduled to host the West Texas Desert Hawks, who ceased operations for unknown reasons.

The Liberty were awarded a 2-0 forfeit win to move to 6-2 on the season and have clinched a playoff berth.

During an interview on the “Coach O’ Show,” General Manager Sam Sellers said they explored the idea of hosting the Nashville Kats instead, but the team is on its second consecutive bye-week.

“You got [Kats players] all over the country so trying to get them back together and to Salina, logistically its a tall order especially in three days,” Sellers said.

The Arena Football League and the West Texas Desert Hawks have yet to publicly address the situation.

The game is scheduled to begin at 6:30 p.m. CDT.

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Anthony Carter

Anthony Carter is the founder and publisher of X1 Media and Arena Insider. Carter grew up in Philadelphia, PA and graduated from Elizabethtown College. He’s a former news anchor, reporter and producer. Carter is also a proud member of the National Association of Black Journalists (NABJ). Want to connect with Anthony? Send him an email: acarter@thexonemedia.com

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