Pittsburgh Power vs. Iowa Barnstormers Game Preview
June 18, 2014 - Arena Football League (AFL)
Pittsburgh Power News Release
The Pittsburgh Power (10-3) will look to clinch their first ever playoff berth on Friday, June 20 when they welcome the Iowa Barnstormers (6-7) to CONSOL Energy Center for an East Division clash. Kickoff for Friday night's game is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. ET. The game can be viewed on ThisTV Pittsburgh and ESPN3 and will be broadcasted on TribLIVE Radio with Ike Taylor, Ken Laird, and John Harris calling the action.
THE GAME:
Pittsburgh Power (10-3) vs. Iowa Barnstormers (6-7)
Friday, June 20 - 7:00 p.m. ET
CONSOL Energy Center - Pittsburgh, PA
TV: ThisTV Pittsburgh, ESPN3
Radio: TribLIVE Radio
All-Time Series: Pittsburgh leads 2-1
LAST WEEK:
The Power travelled across the Keystone State to take down their instate rivals, the Philadelphia Soul, in thrilling fashion. As time expired, Power kicker Julian Rauch knocked through a 23-yard field goal to give the Power their seventh-straight victory. Power wide receiver Prechae Rodriguez hauled in 13 passes for 144 yards and 5 five touchdowns which earned him the Arena Football League's Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Week.
The Barnstormers dropped their second-straight contest when they fell to the visiting Tampa Bay Storm in overtime, 62-56. Barnstormers quarterback J.J. Raterink had his best game since being acquired from Los Angeles throwing for 398 yards and six touchdowns.
POWER OFFENSE TO WATCH:
Power wide receiver Prechae Rodriguez has seen limited time in 2014 because of a lingering ankle injury, but when he has played, his impact has been greatly felt. In all but one of his five starts, Rodriguez has had multiple touchdowns. He has 50 receptions and 565 yards so far this season and has averaged 3.2 receiving touchdowns per game. Rodriguez needs one receiving touchdown to move into a tie for fifth all-time in Power history and two touchdown grabs will put him in a tie for fourth.
BARNSTORMERS OFFENSE TO WATCH:
The Barnstormers have two of the league's best wide receivers at their disposal. Marco Thomas leads the Arena Football League with 112 receptions, 1,472 receiving yards and 33 receiving touchdowns. Darius Reynolds isn't far behind him and is ranked in the Top 10 in receptions, receiving yards and yards per catch.
POWER DEFENSE TO WATCH:
Power defensive back Brandon Freeman has had an interception in each of the last two games. Freeman leads the Power in 2014 with 50.5 tackles and is second on the team with seven interceptions. Freeman needs two interceptions to tie the record for most career picks in Power franchise history.
BARNSTORMERS DEFENSE TO WATCH:
In two career games against the Pittsburgh Power, Iowa defensive back Jason Simpson has shined. In the first of two meetings with the Power in 2012, Simpson helped the Barnstormers get the win on the road with two interceptions. In 2014, Simpson has 63.5 tackles and three interceptions.
Arena Football League Stories from June 18, 2014
- Sharks Add Rookie Receiver Maurice Dupree - Jacksonville Sharks
- Game Preview: Meyer Returns as Shock Host Talons - Spokane Shock
- Pittsburgh Power vs. Iowa Barnstormers Game Preview - Pittsburgh Power
- Sharks, the Blood Alliance Team up for June 26 Blood Drive - Jacksonville Sharks
- No Change in Top 10 of Latest AFL Coaches' Poll - AFL
- Westbrook and Feeley to Join NFL Alumni in Wonded Warrior Game - Philadelphia Soul
- Soul to Host COPD Night June 21 - Philadelphia Soul
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