Game Preview: Iowa Barnstormers vs. Orlando Predators
May 28, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Iowa Barnstormers News Release
DES MOINES - The Iowa Barnstormers (5-5) will host the Orlando Predators (6-4) this Saturday, May 31, 2014. Kickoff is set for 7:05 p.m. CDT at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, Iowa. The game will be available live on Mediacom Connections Channel 22, WHO 1040 AM, and online via ESPN3 and the WatchESPN application.
Last week the Iowa Barnstormers brought home a road victory from the New Orleans VooDoo, 51-41. The Barnstormers started off slow, scoring only fourteen points in the first half against the VooDoo. Starting off the first for the Barnstormers, quarterback J.J. Raterink connected with wide receiver Darius Reynolds, narrowing Orlando's lead 13-7. The Barnstormers fell even further behind as the VooDoo scored two more in the second and the Barnstormers tallied only one, 27-14. It was in the second half that the Barnstormers started a slow comeback with two consecutive touchdowns for rookie receiver Julian Williams. Keeping momentum, Iowa's offense tallied two rushing touchdowns by fullback Derik Steiner and then topped off the night with a 23-yard field goal completion. Barnstormers 51, VooDoo 41.
The Orlando Predators dropped their previous matchup 62-61 to the Pittsburgh Power in a matchup that came down the game's final seconds. Tied 48-48 in the middle of the fourth, the Predators took advantage with a Tracy Belton interception ran back for an Orlando touchdown. Going back-and-forth in scoreboard tallies, the fate of the game came down to the final minute of play. QB Tommy Grady was able to connect with receiver Hank Edwards for a last-minute touchdown, 61-61. However, a flag for unsportsmanlike conduct due to excessive celebration set kicker Julian Rauch back another ten yards for the extra point attempt. The extra yardage was no match for Rauch as he managed to complete the deep kick through the uprights. Power 62, Predators 61.
The Iowa Barnstormers and the Orlando Predators last met late in the 2013 season when the Predators eliminated the Barnstormers from playoff contention. Unable to overcome several costly turnovers, the Barnstormers lost by a 55-41 margin. The matchup started out slow for the Barnstormers with only two scores in the first half. Orlando rallied for a 21-14 lead, but Iowa came out with high intensity in the third as defensive lineman William Stokes sacked Aaron Garcia on the opening kickoff. Iowa's Matangi Tonga took advantage of the forced fumble, returning the ball for an Iowa touchdown. Unable to top one another, the scoreboard held tied at the completion of the third. Unfortunately, the Barnstormers lone score in the fourth wasn't enough to overcome the determined Predators.
This Saturday, May 31, is Family Night with the Iowa Barnstormers! A Family Night drawstring backpack giveaway, sponsored by PowerAde and Scrap Processors Inc., will be available for all children while supplies last. Bring the whole family for $1 hotdogs through the first quarter and the chance to meet your favorite local mascots. Individual game tickets for this event and any other regular season game may be purchased 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.
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- Celebrate Family Night with the Barnstormers - Iowa Barnstormers
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