Barnstormers Lose Heartbreaker to Steamwheelers

DES MOINES, IA - In a shootout game that came down the wire, the Iowa Barnstormers lost a 57-55 heartbreaker after a walk-off field goal.

The Barnstormers (2-6) traveled just 11 minutes across state lines to battle the Quad City Steamwheelers (4-4) for the second time this season.

It only took one play for Quad City running back Edward Vander to find the end zone for a 24-yard score. However, defensive back Jefferson Fritz had an immediate answer for Iowa, returning the ensuing kickoff 48-yards to tie the game.

The Steamwheelers were able to march down the field in the waning seconds of the first quarter, but defensive back Simeon Gatling deflected a third down pass to force Quad City into only getting a field goal.

The Barnstormers wasted no time getting their first lead of the game as wide receiver Darren Wilson broke free over the middle for a 36-yard score. Quarterback Mike Irwin took advantage of a penalty that gave Quad City great field position, diving through the defensive line to capture the lead right back at 17-14.

The back and forth contest continued. Wide receiver Keshaun Taylor capitalized on a broken coverage and found his way open for his first catch and touchdown of the game. However once again, Quad City answered, this time with wide receiver Ka'Ron Ashley reeling in his second score of the season.

Irwin broke the end zone plane to give the Steamwheelers the lead with only eight seconds left in the half, but just like in their last contest, less than ten seconds was more than enough time for the Barnstormers. Quarterback Kyle King found Wilson for a 22-yard touchdown to make the score 31-30 at the half.

Both teams traded field goals to open the second half. Backed up in its own territory, Taylor got behind the defense for a 42-yard touchdown, his second of the game. Iowa's lead only lasted 34 seconds though as wide receiver Jarrod Harrington returned the subsequent kickoff 50 yards for his first touch and score of the game.

In a huge turn of events, defensive lineman Jaylin Swan got to King on a third down play and not only punched the ball out but also took the loose ball in for a score to give the Steamwheelers a 48-40 lead.

Running back Robert Washington, who had briefly left the game after suffering an injury in the first quarter, ran into the end zone for his first score of the night.

Quad City mustered two field goals and then two consecutive turnovers shifting the momentum. King threw an interception to defensive back Malik Duncan, but was practically awarded a mulligan when Irwin lost the football which was scooped up by defensive lineman Tyler Tate.

19 seconds left at the six yard line, Iowa needed a touchdown. King delivered finding wide receiver C.J. Tate for a potentially game-tying score. The Barnstormers then went for a two-point conversion to which Wilson threaded the defensive needle for the one-point lead 55-54.

With less than 10 seconds left in the game, kicker Kyle Kaplan delivered a miracle for the Steamwheelers, drilling a 49-yard field goal to win the game 57-55 with no time left.

King ended the game with season highs in both passing yards with 260 and passing touchdowns with five. Taylor led all receivers with 106 yards and two scores.

The Barnstormers will return home for their next game on Friday May 24 when they take on the Green Bay Blizzard (5-2) at 7:05 pm at Wells Fargo Arena. 

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