Barnstormers Weather the Storm
March 29, 2022 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Iowa Barnstormers News Release
DES MOINES - The Barnstormers (1-1) picked up their first win of the season against the Sioux Falls Storm (2-1) on Monday night, 45-31.
The Barnstormers put on an offensive showcase on the road, scoring 38 points in the first half alone. The Barnstormers received the ball to start the game. After a Darius-James Peterson sack, Gabriel Rui was forced to attempt the field goal on 4th and 11. Rui saved the possession with a 47-yard make, helping the Barnstormers go ahead 3-0. The lead didn't last long, though. On the next possession Storm quarterback, Tasleem Wilson, rushed in for the touchdown, putting his team up 7-3.
A Barnstormers false start resulted in a missed field goal by Rui. It was returned by Sioux Falls RB Nate Chavious to the 11-yard line. After an illegal blitz on the next play, Storm coach Kurtiss Riggs threw the challenge flag and succeeded. When all was going wrong for the Barnstormers, though, DB Justic'e King came up with the interception and touchdown, putting them up 10-7 at the end of the first quarter.
The second quarter began with a rushing touchdown from Storm RB Bryson Denley. The Barnstormer's offense didn't let this lead stay, though. Taking less than a minute off the clock, Peterson launched a 25-yard touchdown pass to WR Kentrez Bell, giving them a 17-14 lead. The Barnstormers continued their second-quarter success with an interception in the endzone from DB JR Stevens. This led to Bell finding the endzone for his second receiving touchdown of the night. The Barnstormers extended their lead, 24-14.
Riggs threw out his second challenge flag of the night when Iowa Stevens recovered a fumble in the endzone and ran it back for a Barnstormers touchdown. After an official review, the call stood as a touchdown, and Sioux Falls was charged with a timeout. The Storm scored a touchdown on their next possession, but the Barnstormers quickly answered back as Peterson threw Bell his third receiving touchdown of the first half. Storm kicker Sawyer Petre made a field goal as time ran out, leaving the score at 38-24 at the end of the first half.
Sioux Falls received the ball at the start of the second half. They capitalized with a quick 14-yard rushing touchdown from Chavious. Barnstormers attempted to answer back, but Rui missed the long field goal and the score remained 38-31 at the end of the third quarter. A ball was caught on top of the padded wall by Thomas, which helped set up his rushing touchdown and put the Barnstormers up 45-31.
Looking to bring his team within one score, Wilson threw an interception with 3 minutes remaining. The Storm's second-half comeback fell short and the Barnstormers prevailed, 45-31.
The Barnstormers will host their home opener next Saturday, April 2nd at Wells Fargo Arena against the Green Bay Blizzard (0-2). Kickoff is set for 7:05 p.m. CST. Tickets are available now for as low as $14. Call the Barnstormers front office at 515-633-2255 to lock in your seats.
Indoor Football League Stories from March 29, 2022
- Week Three Coaches Poll Announced - IFL
- Storm Fall to Barnstormers - Sioux Falls Storm
- Rattlers Prevail over Strike Force - San Diego Strike Force
- Barnstormers Weather the Storm - Iowa Barnstormers
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