Week 7 Preview: Barnstormers at Talons
May 2, 2013 - Arena Football League (AFL)
San Antonio Talons News Release
The San Antonio Talons (2-3) are looking to get their first home win of the season as they take on their Central Division rival, Iowa Barnstormers (2-4), Friday night at the Alamodome. Kickoff is at 7:30 PM CST and the Talons hope to use momentum from their 42-37 victory in Pittsburgh to beat Iowa, who is currently on a four game losing streak. This win would allow San Antonio to reach .500 for the first time this season.
In their last matchup with the Iowa Barnstormers, the Talons lost 66-63 in Iowa. The loss was caused by an 18-yard Iowa field goal in the final seconds of the game. The last-minute loss ended the Talons 11-game win streak to finish the 2012regular season.
Special teams will be a key in this division rivalry, which usually leads to close games. The Talons led by Stefan Demos are 90% on extra points this season. The Barnstormers are hoping Fabrizio Scaccia, who has played one game with the team and went 5-7 on PATs last week, can help their kicking woes. Iowa currently ranks last in the league in extra point percentage hitting only 65%.
San Antonio's dominant defense will look to Tim McGill and Joe Sykes to maintain their intensity to stop Iowa's aggressive offense. The defense will be vital in pushing Iowa's losing streak to 5 games. The Talons have been carried by their defensive line which is ranked 2nd in the AFL in total defense and 2nd in total sacks (16).
The Talons defensive duo Tim McGill and Joe Sykes are ruling the defensive line and are currently tied for third in the AFL with 4.5 total tackles for loss. McGill posted 2 sacks for a loss of 12 yards in last week's victory in Pittsburgh. McGill ranks fourth in the AFL with 4 sacks for a loss of 21. Sykes leads the AFL with 5.5 sacks on the season and is tied for first in the League with 2 forced fumbles. Sykes finished last week's game with 1 sack for a 3-yard loss.
They are looking to show their dominance against Iowa's offensive line which has already allowed 14 sacks on their quarterback this season. Iowa's J.J. Raterink is the 5th ranked quarterback in the AFL for total offense averaging 284.7 yards per game. The Barnstormers' offense has completed 62.5% of their passes and score 86% of the time they enter the red zone. The Iowa offense is led by wide receivers Marco Thomas (422 yards) and Marcus Harris (585 yards) who boast 9 touchdowns a piece
San Antonio will have to come together offensively to compete against Iowa. The Talons red zone offense is currently ranked last in the AFL, while the total offense is ranked 13th.
Nick Hill is hoping for his 3rd victory as the Talons quarterback. Hill is playing in his first game in front of a home crowd at the Alamodome. He has completed 60 of 104 pass attempts leading to 13 touchdowns and 5 interceptions. Hill went 17-29 with 180 yards and 5 touchdowns last week in a victory over the Power.
The game kicks off at the Alamodome on Friday, May 3rd at 7:30 p.m. for Los Talons Night. Los Talons Night will recognize San Antonio's diverse culture, strong Hispanic heritage and kick-off Cinco de Mayo. Tejano music award winner, Stefani Montiel, will perform at the Coors Light Lounge immediately following the game.
The San Antonio Talons are in their second season in the Arena Football League (AFL). The team was moved to San Antonio from Tulsa, Okla. in 2012 and won the AFL's Central Division title, as well as hosted their first AFL playoff game in the 2012 season. For more information or to ask about season tickets please call 210.227.TEAM.
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