However, the Aviators rebounded to win five consecutive games, and eventually qualified for the 2005 APFL playoffs after defeating the Missouri Minutemen 49-14 in Sedalia, MO on June 25.
Earl Henry and Carl Richardson made an impact on special teams, as both players returned missed field goals for scores.
[4] Former Wyoming University running back Idris Elias carried the ball 22 times for 75 yards and 5 touchdowns in a very physical game against the Koyotes.
On special teams, a safety was scored when defensive lineman Ricky Gottschalk blocked a field goal out of the end zone.
Phillip Baron's 2-yard touchdown run as time expired in the fourth quarter silenced the crowd and gave the Aviators an emphatic victory in what proved to be a very exciting game.
Donald Payne hauled in Wise's lone touchdown pass of 43 yards when he made a leaping catch in the end zone over two Blackhawks defenders.
The Aviators continued their winning ways after the victory in Iowa, and were undefeated with a first place record of 7-0 before meeting the Kansas Koyotes for a second time in the 2006 season.
On June 10, 2006, the Koyotes handed Wichita their first loss of the season, beating the Aviators 37-34 at Landon Arena in Topeka, Kansas.
[8] Earl Henry made a diving interception and returned the ball 49 yards for what appeared to be a game-winning touchdown in the final seconds of the fourth quarter.
After the close loss at home to Iowa, the Aviators dropped to second place in the standings with only a few weeks remaining in the regular season.
An on-field melee ensued upon completion of the game when Kansas Koyotes head coach Jim Green was punched after grabbing and pushing Wichita Aviators wide receiver Donald Payne.
Ultimately, this victory secured a first-place finish in the final APFL regular season standings for the Aviators, while the Koyotes dropped to second place.
As a result of the first-place finish, the Aviators earned the right to host the APFL championship game in Wichita, KS on July 29, 2006.