Barnstormers Lose Tough Battle with Saber Cats
Published on July 15, 2012 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Iowa Barnstormers News Release
San Jose, CA - The Iowa Barnstormers headed to California this weekend with the attitude that they had nothing to lose. For nearly three quarters the strategy worked perfect. Iowa led 35-20 in the third quarter and was playing some of their best football of the season. However San Jose turned up the heat with 4 second half sacks, including a safety and also had a net recovery on special teams which ultimately led to a 58-47 victory over the Barnstormers.
After a slow start San Jose QB Mark Grieb responded, throwing for 7 touchdowns. Iowa held San Jose WR James Roe to just 3 catches, however all three were good for scores. WR Huey Whittaker chipped in with 3 touchdowns of his own for the Saber Cats.
The Barnstormers built a 28-20 halftime lead on the shoulders of QB J.J. Raterink. Raterink led the balanced Iowa attack, throwing finding WR Jesse Schmidt for two touchdowns. Schmidt now has 54 TD receptions on the season, just one off his franchise record of 55 set last season.
Raterink finished with just 3 touchdown passes on the night, but the Barnstormers had rushing touchdowns from FB Rodney Filer and WR's Darius Reynolds and Marco Thomas to make up the difference. Thomas, had Arena Football's version of a "hat trick" as he had a touchdown receiving, rushing and passing all during the same game. With the loss, Iowa falls to 6-11 on the season, while playoff-bound San Jose finishes the year at 12-6.
The Barnstormers return home for the final game of the season next Saturday July 21 when Aaron Garcia and the San Antonio Talons come to town on National Guard Night. Great seats are still available for this game. The first 1,000 kids will receive a FREE replica Rodney Filer Youth Jersey, courtesy of Scrap Processors, Inc. To order your tickets now, head to the Arena box office, online at www.theiowabarnstormers.com or call 515.633.2255.
Arena Football League Stories from July 15, 2012
- Barnstormers Lose Tough Battle with Saber Cats - Iowa Barnstormers
- SaberCats Survive Iowa, 57-48 and Enter Playoffs on Three Game Winning Streak - San Jose SaberCats
- Chicago Claims Tenth Victory - Chicago Rush
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