AFL Iowa Barnstormers

Game Preview: Iowa Barnstormers vs. San Jose SaberCats

Published on July 23, 2014 under Arena Football League (AFL)
Iowa Barnstormers News Release


DES MOINES - The Iowa Barnstormers (6-11) host the San Jose SaberCats (12-5) this Saturday, July 26, 2014 for Fan Appreciation Night. Doors will open at 6:00 p.m. with kickoff set for 7:00 p.m. at Wells Fargo Arena. The game will be available live on Mediacom Connections Channel 22, WHO 1040 AM, and online via ESPN3 and the WatchESPN application.

In the previous week, the Iowa Barnstormers fell for the second time this season to the Pittsburgh Power. In a matchup that came down to the final .2 seconds, the Pittsburgh Power pulled ahead 59-56 after the completion of a 22-yard field goal. Meanwhile, the San Jose SaberCats were topped 40-20 by the Philadelphia Soul. While the Iowa Barnstormers have been eliminated from playoff contention, win or lose the San Jose SaberCats have secured their place in the 2014 AFL playoffs.

The Iowa Barnstormers and the San Jose SaberCats have a long history of grueling matchups. Their most recent meeting occurred in the 2013 season when the Barnstormers slid past the SaberCats with a 73-68 victory. In all-time regular season series matchups, the SaberCats are leading the Barnstormers 5-4. Iowa and San Jose have also met during post-season when the Barnstormers defeated the SaberCats 68-59 in the 1997 quarterfinal playoff game.

Leading offensively for the Iowa Barnstormers will be the Week 19 Russell Athletics Offensive Player of the Game, wide receiver Darius Reynolds. Although his fellow teammate, Marco Thomas holds the League's #1 position in receiving, Reynolds comes in to Saturday's game after an outstanding performance against the Pittsburgh Power. Last week, he caught 11 balls for 180 yards while tying the Barnstormers franchise single-game record of seven touchdown receptions.

Defensively for the Iowa Barnstormers, defensive end Mike Lewis is half of a sack short of achieving four consecutive seasons of double-digit sacks and three away from matching his current franchise record of 12.5 season sacks. Leading in tackles is Barnstormers defensive back De'Mon Glanton with 86.0 total sacks, 75 solo and 22 assists.

Starting offensively for the San Jose SaberCats will likely be leader Nathan Stanley who is performing at 58.4% accuracy after throwing a total of 2,122 passing yards for 44 touchdowns. Last week against the Soul, Stanley struggled to find his groove completing only 17-of-40 passes while giving up three balls.

Defensively for the San Jose SaberCats, the Barnstormers will want to watch for defensive back Ken Fontenette who is the team's defensive leader with a total of 100.0 tackles, 85 solo and 31 assists. Other threats on the defensive side of the ball include nose guard Jason Stewart who has tallied 12.5 sacks for 71 yards.

Don't miss out on the Iowa Barnstormers final game of the 2014 season. Saturday, July 26, 2014 the Barnstormers will host "Fan Appreciation Night" at Wells Fargo Arena. Tickets are still available for this event by calling the Barnstormers at 515-633-2255. For more information log on to www.theiowabarnstormers.com.

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