Green Bay Continues Win Streak, Defeats Iowa 40-33
Published on April 27, 2024 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Iowa Barnstormers News Release
DES MOINES, IA - Despite a strong second-half effort that brought the game back to one possession in the fourth quarter, the Iowa Barnstormers could not capitalize on some of their crucial drives late as they fell to the Green Bay Blizzard.
The Barnstormers (0-5) traveled to the Resch Center in Ashwaubenon, WI, to take on the Blizzard (4-1) for the second time this season.
Rookie runningback Jalyn Cagle put Green Bay in Iowa territory at the 20-yard line. The Blizzard, trying to attack the ground early on two consecutive plays, weren't able to get much going forcing a third-and-long situation. However, quarterback Max Meylor found wide receiver Harry Ballard to keep the chains moving and then ran into the end zone on the next play to put Green Bay on the board first.
On the other side, rookie quarterback Kyle King completed a pass up the middle to running back Robert Washington to start Iowa's first drive. Wide receiver Quian Williams then made a tough catch in traffic on a fourth down play, ultimately scoring for Iowa.
Tied 7-7, the Blizzard took an immediate deep shot down the field, but a pass interference no-call sent the crowd into a loud, booing frenzy. However, Ballard 'Mossed' veteran cornerback Tyrell Pearson for a 37-yard touchdown, taking the lead, once again.
The Barnstormers had a field goal attempt blocked on their next drive and the Blizzard were gifted great field position inside the Iowa five-yard line. They capitalized on two plays with wide receiver Demetrius Moore finding the end zone for his third touchdown of the year.
Down two scores, King threw what appeared to be his first interception of the year to defensive back Ravarius Rivers until a holding call on defense negated the pick-six by Green Bay.
With seven minutes left in the second quarter, the Iowa defense stepped up. Meylor couldn't corral the snap on a second-down play, derailing the drive.
The Green Bay defense followed Iowa's footsteps in making a stand, as defensive back Cyntell Williams intercepted a high pass intended for Washington. With excellent field position, Meylor found the end zone to put the Blizzard up two scores in the waning seconds of the first half.
Penalties then began to stack up against the Barnstormers. Offensive lineman Joe Bastante was the guilty party on a holding call that erased what would have been a touchdown. Then, a holding call against newly signed wide receiver CJ Tate eliminated a Washington score.
Unable to score, Iowa left Green Bay with under 30 seconds left in the half. The defense was able to hold them out of the end zone, but the Blizzard scored a field goal to extend the lead 30-14 at halftime.
The Barnstormers came out in the second half looking for a long strike, but after multiple throws to the end zone fell incomplete, kicker Gabriel Rui split the uprights to put much-needed points on the board.
Defensive back Jefferson Fritz, the IFL's leading tackler, made a big play on the ensuing drive's third-down play, forcing the Blizzard into a long field goal opportunity. Kicker Andrew Mevis missed the 58-yard field goal attempt, giving the Barnstormers a chance to close the scoring gap.
With momentum on their side, Iowa was able to find their way down the field into the red zone, but they were held to a crucial fourth-down stop at the 14-yard line. As he has done all season long, Quian Williams came up big, winning a true one-on-one battle with defensive back Kevin Ransom to keep the drive going. Washington then spun his way into the end zone two plays later to make it 30-23 in the late stages of the third quarter.
The Barnstormers held the Blizzard to a field goal on the next drive and when they got the ball back, they got up and ran. While a holding penalty called against Green Bay allowed Iowa to inch closer to the goal line, linebacker Marquis Hendrix got a sack on King, forcing a field goal attempt. Rui made the short kick, making it a one-possession game with eight minutes left in the fourth quarter.
Cagle gave the Blizzard good field position on the ensuing kickoff return and an unsportsmanlike penalty called against the Barnstormers made their position even better. Having not scored since the first half, Meylor got the upper hand and found Moore for his second touchdown of the game.
With the game on the line, a pass interference call against Ravarius Rivers led to the ball moving back to the two-yard line. Defensive lineman Scean Mustin sacked King, but an illegal defense call favored the Barnstormers.
Quian Williams came up clutch with a huge grab in the corner of the end zone on fourth down, silencing the Resch Center crowd. However, an unsuccessful onside kick attempt effectively ended the game for Iowa.
King ended the game throwing for 131 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. Williams once again led the receiving corps with 74 yards and two touchdowns.
The Barnstormers will return home to Wells Fargo Arena this Saturday, May 4, to face the Quad City Steamwheelers (2-2) at 7:05 p.m. CT. To get tickets for this upcoming game, visit www.theiowabarnstormers.com.
Indoor Football League Stories from April 27, 2024
- Panthers Sign Veteran Kicker Scott Enos - Bay Area Panthers
- Arizona Rattlers Gear up to Face Jacksonville Sharks - Arizona Rattlers
- Green Bay Continues Win Streak, Defeats Iowa 40-33 - Iowa Barnstormers
- Green Bay Blizzard Receiver Makes ESPN Sportscenter Top 10 - Green Bay Blizzard
- Panthers V. Strike Force II - Bay Area Panthers
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