GAME PREVIEW: Iowa Barnstormers vs. Arizona Rattlers
DES MOINES - After a tough loss on the road last week, the Iowa Barnstormers will finally get a travel breather and focus on getting their first win of the season at home this weekend.
The Barnstormers (0-3) will get their first opportunity to play in front of the home crowd this season when they take on the Arizona Rattlers (1-3) at Wells Fargo Arena Saturday, April 20Â at 7:05 pm.
The Pirates displayed their talent on both sides of the ball cementing themselves as one of the best teams in the IFL, defeating the Barnstormers 54-29 on Friday. Quarterback Alejandro Bennifield had a near perfect day throwing the ball going six for eight for 72 yards and a touchdown, but it was rookie running back Tavion Thomas' three touchdown performance that put Massachusetts over the edge.Â
Iowa struggled in the first half of its last game against the Massachusetts Pirates scoring only seven points with three turnovers. In the second half, head coach Dave Mogensen opted for backup rookie quarterback Kyle King's services and in his first ever Indoor Football League game appearance, King gave the offense a much needed spark with two touchdowns.Â
Wide receiver Quian Williams continues to emerge as Iowa's go-to target, leading the receiving corps in yards and touchdowns in two games this season. Rookie running back Robert Washington also added 13 yards and found his way to the end zone for his second straight game with a rushing score.
The Rattlers also fell to an undefeated team in the San Diego Strike Force in their last game 55-45, extending their three-game losing streak. Down by eight points late in the fourth quarter, quarterback Lorenzo Brown Jr. threw to wide receiver Garrett Kettle to make it a two-point contest. However, the Arizona defense gave up a quick touchdown and on the ensuing drive, Brown threw a back-breaking pick-six that effectively ended the team's chance for a comeback.
In the loss, Brown finished with 198 yards through the air, four touchdowns and two interceptions. Third-year wide receiver Glen Gibbons Jr. had 94 yards and also caught three of his league-leading 10 touchdowns.
The Barnstormers haven't played the Rattlers since 2018, just one year after Arizona joined the IFL. The two teams met three times that season, Iowa going 1-2. Since then, the Rattlers appeared in the 2021 United Bowl Championship and have not had less than 11 wins in a season.Â
Fans can tune into the game live on the Indoor Football League's official YouTube channel. Live updates will also be posted on the Iowa Barnstormers Twitter account.
This Game Preview is presented by Sun Prairie & Vista Court Apartments. Sun Prairie & Vista Court Apartments include free heat, water, sewer, trash, Dish 120 satellite TV and Wi-Fi! Go to sunprairie.com or call 515-226-0000 for more details.
Tickets for Barnstormer home games are available for as low as $18. Call the Iowa Barnstormers front office at 515-633-2255 or visit www.theiowabarnstormers.com.
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