IFL Iowa Barnstormers

Barnstormers Fall to Knight Hawks in Season Opener

Published on March 26, 2023 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Iowa Barnstormers News Release


The Iowa Barnstormers (0-1) fell to the Vegas Knight Hawks (1-0) 57-44 in their season opener at The Dollar Loan Center in Henderson, Nevada on Saturday, March 25.

Vegas opened the game with a touchdown pass from quarterback Daquan Neal to wide receiver Quentin Randolph. The PAT was good by Knight Hawks kicker Stevie Artigue. The Barnstormers responded with a touchdown strike from quarterback Darius-James Peterson to wide receiver Laquvionte Gonzalez. A missed PAT left the Barnstormers trailing by one, 7-6. The Knight Hawks extended their lead when Neal foun receiver Caleb Holley in the end zone, 14-6. Barnstormers running back Antonio Wimbush responded, rushing in for a three-yard touchdown. Peterson then scrambled for a successful two-point conversion tying up the game, 14-14.

The second quarter started off with a bang as Wimbush rushed in with another Barnstormers touchdown. A successful PAT from kicker Gabriel Rui put Iowa in the lead, 21-14. Vegas attempted to tie the score with a reception with another Wimbush rushing touchdown. The PAT was good by Gabriel Rui made it 21-14. Vegas answered with a touchdown reception by receiver Davonte Sapp-Lynch, 21-21. The Barnstormers took the lead again as Peterson found Gonzalez for their second connection of the night, 28-21. The Knight Hawks fumbled on the one-yard line after a long drive, but recovered the ball to tie the game up 28-28. The Barnstormers next drive ended with an interception that was caught by Knight Hawks defensive back Michael Witherspoon. Neal found Randolph in the end zone giving Vegas a 25,28 lead going into halftime.

The third quarter got off to a rocky start for the Barnstormers as the Knight Hawks intercepted the ball on the opening drive of the half, giving Vegas a long field to work with. The Knight Hawks energy still showing after a 45-yard touchdown pass to Randolph giving Vegas a 44-28 lead. Piling on, the Knight Hawks were able to extend their lead to 51-28 as Sapp-Lynch rushed for a 28-yard touchdown. The Barnstormers were finally able to answer back as Peterson threw a strike to Gonzalez for their third connection of the night, closing the gap 51-36. Wasting no time, Neal found receiver Frank Brown on the field for another Vegas touchdown, 57-36. Not giving up, Wimbush charged into the end zone for a Barnstormers touchdown and a successful 2-point conversion left Iowa trailing 57-44 at the end of the game.

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The Iowa Barnstormers will remain on the road next week as they travel to take on the Green Bay Blizzard at the Resch Center on Friday, March 31 at 6:05 p.m. CST. Fans will be able to tune in live on the Indoor Football League's Official YouTube channel.

The Iowa Barnstormers home opener will take place on Saturday, April 22 at Wells Fargo Arena. Season Tickets remain on sale for as low as $128 per seat. Call the Barnstormers front office at 515-633-2255 or visit www.theiowabarnstormers.com.

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Indoor Football League Stories from March 26, 2023


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