A Salina YMCA youth basketball team knew they had a scrimmage scheduled for Wednesday evening. But little did they know the team they were scrimmaging would be the Salina Bombers.

Coach Bob Frey brought a group of players to the YMCA to play in a scrimmage game with the 4th and 5th grade Ichabods. Ichabod coach Darren Pittenger approached the Bombers with the idea. After they agreed, he kept it secret from his team. When the team arrived, the boys were shocked to discover they were scrimmaging players from the Bombers.

The teams played a regulation YMCA game, complete with officials, a clock, and scoreboard. In the end, the Ichabods came out on top 31 – 30.

Afterwards the Bombers interacted with the kids, posing for photos and signing autographs.

The Bombers, Salina’s first indoor professional football team, are preparing for their second season in the Champions Professional Indoor Football League. The team exceeded most expectations last year, making it to the league championship game, but falling just short to the Wichita Wild 47 – 34.

Along with their success on the field, the team is just as successful off the field. Players are active in Salina and the surrounding communities, making numerous appearances at schools and events for local agencies.

The new season begins this weekend. A preseason game is scheduled for Sunday, and the season opener is next Saturday, February 22nd at the Salina Bicentennial Center. Season, and single game tickets are on sale now.