Sports stats



IFL Iowa Barnstormers

Barnstormers Blasted by Blizzard

March 23, 2024 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Iowa Barnstormers News Release


DES MOINES - Leading by three points in the third quarter, two untimely turnovers cost the Iowa Barnstormers (0-1) their season-opening win as they fell 35-24 to the Green Bay Blizzard (1-1).

In his first ever Indoor Football League (IFL) game, defensive lineman Kaleb Brewer's two early tackles helped the Barnstormers defense make an early statement, forcing a turnover on downs on the Blizzard's opening possession.

Iowa's defensive momentum gave the offense an immediate spark. Quarterback Darius-James Peterson, returning back to where he suffered a season-ending injury last season, went two for three with a rushing score to put the Barnstormers on top 7-0 in the first quarter.

However, just 37 seconds later, quarterback Max Meylor found wide receiver Lowell Patron wide open in the end zone to give Green Bay the game-tying score. Both teams had offensive drives stall until the Iowa defense forced another turnover on a blocked field goal with nine minutes left in the half.

Just when Iowa looked to be stalled in a third and long situation, running back Robert Washington, who already had 27 rushing yards, added to his total, turning a simple dump off play into 11 yards leaving a fourth and short.

Head Coach Dave Mogensen took a timeout, but ultimately made the gutsy decision to leave the offense on the field and it paid off. Peterson was able to scramble his way 19 yards into the end zone for his second rushing touchdown of the game to give the Barnstormers the 14-7 lead.

On the ensuing drive, Meylor created some magic of his own to answer right back with an 18-yard rushing score that faked the entire Iowa defense. This was already his fourth touchdown on the ground this season in just two games.

Tied 14-14 with time winding down under ten seconds, the Barnstormers were able to sustain a three minute drive, but could only muster a field goal to retake the lead. The Blizzard attempted the long field goal to end the half, but kicker Mason Laramie missed his second kick of the game to leave Iowa with the 17-14 halftime lead.

Despite a delay of game penalty to start the second half, Peterson found wide receiver Quian Williams over the middle for a 23-yard play to get the offense humming. He then took the ball into the end zone for his third touchdown of the game giving Iowa a 10-point lead and silencing the Resch Center crowd.

Running back Jalyn Cagle, putting the Blizzard on his back, returned the ensuing kickoff 42 yards into the end zone to make it a one possession game again. The Barnstormers were unable to convert off of an interception from defensive back Tyrell Pearson and it cost them.

In a big spot in the game to start the fourth quarter, Meylor threw a high pass caught in the end zone by wide receiver Harry Ballard that gave Green Bay a 28-24 lead with under 13 minutes to go.

Iowa turned the ball over for the first time in the game at a crucial moment after an attempted handoff to Washington was lost and defensive lineman Rafiq Abdul-Wahid recovered.

While the Blizzard missed a field goal that would have put them up a touchdown, their defense forced a second turnover in as many drives. Coach Mogensen tried to challenge the spot ruling, but it was confirmed and cost the Barnstormers their final timeout.

Green Bay proceeded to go right down the field on a nearly six minute, nine-play drive ending in a touchdown by Cagle that essentially iced the game, leading 35-24 with less than a minute left in the game.

Peterson went 10-23 throwing for 86 yards while also leading the team in rushing with 73 yards and three touchdowns. Williams led the receiving corps with 31 yards.

The Barnstormers will have a bye week before they continue their road trip and head to Tulsa to take on the Oilers (0-1) Saturday April 6 at 7:05 pm.

Season Tickets for the Iowa Barnstormers 2024 season remain on sale. Packages start as low as $128. Call the Barnstormers front office at 515-633-2255 to lock in your seats.



Indoor Football League Stories from March 23, 2024


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

Other Recent Iowa Barnstormers Stories



Sports Statistics from the Stats Crew
OurSports Central