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Talons vs. Barnstormers - Game Preview

June 26, 2013 - Arena Football League (AFL)
San Antonio Talons News Release


The San Antonio Talons (7-6) will look to continue their winning ways on the road against the Iowa Barnstormers (6-8), Saturday, June 29th @ 7:05 pm CST at Wells Fargo Arena. The Talons are coming off of their second consecutive victory after defeating a pesky New Orleans VooDoo squad 56-53 in Week 14. The Barnstormers will look to get back on track after suffering a 54-30 loss to the East Division leading Philadelphia Soul.

The two teams last faced each other at the Alamodome in San Antonio, in week 7 of the AFL season. Barnstormers quarterback J.J. Raterink was a terror for the Talons defense in that game. The former University of Wyoming quarterback threw for 222 yards and 7 touchdowns on the night, and helped lead Iowa to a 48-36 victory on the road.

Rohan Davey has been a "sparkplug" for the Talons offense late this season. In his last two games since returning from injury, Davey has thrown for a combined 598 yards and 10 touchdowns. He has also made the Talons very respectable on offense, leading the team to 50-plus points in their last two games. The Talons will need Davey to continue his aggressive play this week, as they take on a very stingy Iowa defense.

Barnstormers defensive end Mike Lewis, who is 1st in the AFL in sacks with 11.5, will look to continue his impressive season on defense against the newly improved Talons offense. Talons defensive end Joe Sykes, who is 2nd in the AFL in sacks with 10, will have the tough task of trying to slow down Raterink. Raterink is currently 5th in the AFL for passing, throwing for 3,289 yards and 66 touchdowns on the season.

San Antonio, could definitely use another boost on special teams from wide receiver Brett Holmes. The former New Orleans VooDoo player scored his first special teams touchdown of the season in the 4th quarter, helping the Talons rally and eventually emerge victorious. With D.J. Stephens still sidelined due to injury, San Antonio will rely heavily on Holmes to carry the load on both special teams and offense in his absence.

Saturday's matchup is a must win for both teams as they hope to clinch a spot in the postseason. San Antonio must cut down on penalties, and the Barnstormers need to take better care of the football. Whichever team can address these areas the best, will have the upper hand in determining the outcome of the game.

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