Iowa Barnstormers at Spokane Empire Game Preview
March 30, 2016 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Iowa Barnstormers News Release
DES MOINES - The Iowa Barnstormers (3-1) are on the road once again as they take on the Spokane Empire (2-1) at 9:00 p.m. CDT on April 1 at the Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena in Spokane, Washington. This is the Barnstormers final game in a 5 week, 3 game stretch away from home. Fans will be able to tune in to the game by watching live on IFLLive.tv or listening on WHO Radio.
The Barnstormers head into Spokane after winning a shootout last week against the Billings Wolves. Against Billings, the Barnstormers found themselves down early in the first quarter, but quickly recovered. After going scoreless in the first the Barnstormer offense found the end zone three times in the second quarter taking a 20-13 lead into halftime. The second half was more of the same for Iowa scoring 18 more points and walking away with a 38-27 victory. Barnstormers' Donovan Porterie showed once again why he is a top IFL quarterback completing 15 of 24 attempts for 163 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. The former Iowa Hawkeye, defensive lineman Lebron Daniel led the charge for the Barnstormers' defense recording three tackles for loss, including two sacks, he ended the night with five total tackles.
The Empire are coming off of two straight bye weeks, putting their last game on March 12. In their last contest the Empire fell to the Billings Wolves 30-22. The Empire put the first points on the board with a Trevor Kennedy two yard run, but a stagnant second and third quarter put the Empire in a hole. Entering the fourth quarter the Empire were down 30-7, but their offense found its groove and put up 15 points as they attempted to claw back into the game. Leading the comeback on offense was quarterback Charles Dowdell as he connected with two different receivers for touchdowns in the final quarter. While defensive back Demetruce McNeal was a force on defense. McNeal snagged two interceptions and was second on the team in tackles with six.
The IFL matchup between Iowa and Spokane once again is highlighted by stellar Quarterback play. Iowa's Porterie remains one of the top quarterbacks in the IFL ranking in the top five in six different passing categories including: fourth in passing yards (671), third in passing yards per game (167.8), and third in passing touchdowns (17). Porterie also has the fewest interceptions thrown among starting quarterbacks (1). Spokane's Dowdell ranks fourth in passing yards per game (167.3), and fifth in passing touchdowns (13). Dowdell is also 13th in rushing yards (97), and 10th in rushing yards per game (32.3)
This is the first matchup between the Barnstormers and the Empire in IFL play.
Next week, the Barnstormers return home for the first time since February 26. The game against the Nebraska Danger (3-2) kicks off Saturday, April 9 at 7:05 p.m. There is still time to order single game or partial season tickets. Fans can order tickets by calling the Barnstormers at 515-633-2255 or by stopping by the Wells Fargo Arena Box Office. Tickets are also available online at www.theiowabarnstormers.com.
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Indoor Football League Stories from March 30, 2016
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- Danger Look to Rebound against Wolves - Nebraska Danger
- Iowa Barnstormers at Spokane Empire Game Preview - Iowa Barnstormers
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