Game Preview: Iowa Barnstormers vs. LA KISS
April 16, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Iowa Barnstormers News Release
DES MOINES - The Iowa Barnstormers (2-2) host the LA KISS (2-2) in the first-ever League matchup between the two teams. Saturday's game is part of the Arena Football League's Hall of Fame Weekend. Kickoff is set for 7:05 CDT at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, IA. The game will be available live on CBS Sports Network and WHO 1040 AM.
On Saturday, April 19, 2014 the Iowa Barnstormers and the LA KISS will meet for the first time in League history at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa. Both teams having split records means one will prevail with a winning record upon the completion of Saturday night's game. Although the two teams have never met, the Barnstormers will see a familiar face from the 2013 season, J.J. Raterink.
The Iowa Barnstormers wrapped up Week 5 with a home opener victory against the San Antonio Talons, 63-62. The Barnstormers lead for the entirety of the game with the Talons bringing the scoreboard to a close match in the fourth. With less than a minute left in the game, San Antonio scored on a touchdown pass to WR Jomo Wilson. Down one point, QB Shane Boyd took the lead in a two-point conversion which was shut down by the Barnstormers defense. Leading the Barnstormers in receiving yards for the night, wide receiver Marco Thomas accounted for four touchdowns while Darius Reynolds brought in three of his own. Newcomer FB Derik Steiner made his own impression with two rushing touchdowns. QB Carson Coffman kept the offense in motion with 261 passing yards and seven touchdowns. New to the 2014 season, K Ross Gornall performed at 100%, 9-9 PATs. For the defense, rookie Thomas Tramain led with two interceptions, five solo tackles, and six assists.
The LA KISS come to Iowa off of a 40-30 loss against the Cleveland Gladiators. The first half of the contest between LA and Cleveland was a back and forth battle with Cleveland pulling ahead at the end of the third. At 3:12 the KISS kept their competitor on their toes with a 30-26 lead. Cleveland quickly retaliated with a 35-yard touchdown pass and then another to seal the deal, 40-30 Cleveland. Raterink performed at 56%, accounting for 259 passing yards and four touchdowns.
In order to top the KISS in series matchups, the Iowa Barnstormers will need to keep an eye on a couple of key players and continue to make minor improvements. MLB Beau Bell has been named the AFL's Week 4 Riddell Defensive Player of the Week, moving to the number one position for League sack leaders. On offense, LA's top receiver Donovan Morgan will need to be watched in the backfield with his quick hands in the end zone. The Barnstormers defense will need to put continuous pressure and intensity on QB J.J. Raterink and the rest of the offensive line.
2014 Iowa Barnstormers season tickets remain on sale, while individual game tickets can be purchased for any regular season game at the Wells Fargo Arena Box office or by calling the Barnstormers at 515-633-2255. For all of the latest Barnstormers information log onto www.theiowabarnstormers.com.
Arena Football League Stories from April 16, 2014
- HYDRIVE Arena Football Hall of Fame Weekend Set to Kick off Friday - Iowa Barnstormers
- Sharks Add Receiver Andrae Thurman - Jacksonville Sharks
- Game Preview: Shock Face Unbeaten Gladiators on Saturday - Spokane Shock
- Rattlers Reign Supreme in Latest Coaches' Poll - AFL
- Game Preview: Iowa Barnstormers vs. LA KISS - Iowa Barnstormers
- HYDRIVE Arena Football Hall of Fame Weekend Set to Kick Off Friday - AFL
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.
