Barnstormers Hold off Nighthawks for Home Victory

DES MOINES, IA - The Iowa Barnstormers (4-7) defeated the Wichita Falls Nighthawks (4-7) 29-25 in front of 6,925 fans at Wells Fargo Arena.

The Iowa Barnstormers started off the night with the ball and made their way down the field in three quick plays. Finding WR Brady Roland in the end zone, QB Taylor Genuser threw a quick 5-yard pass for the first six points of the evening. On the ensuing drive, QB Marcus Jackson and WR Jerome McGee Jr. retaliated with a score for the Nighthawks. Missed field goal opportunities for both teams kept the score tied. Iowa Barnstormers 7, Wichita Falls Nighthawks 7.

In the second quarter, the Barnstormers continued the momentum with an early interception by DB Alex Sewall. Taking advantage of the opportunity, WR Lemans Casimier grabbed the ball for a 14-yard touchdown. The Nighthawks would dominate the remainder of the half with a touchdown score by receiver Jimmy Pipkin and 51-yard field goal by K Ali Mourtada. Iowa Barnstormers 14, Wichita Falls Nighthawks 17.

The beginning of the third quarter started out promising for the Barnstormers as defensive back Matt Goldsmith intercepted the Nighthawk's play. However, Wichita Falls would recover with a Terrance Lloyd Safety for an easy two points followed by yet another long Mourtada field goal. The Barnstormers held on with credit to a rushing touchdown by running back Robbie Rouse. Iowa Barnstormers 20, Wichita Falls Nighthawks 22.

After several unsuccessful attempts, Genuser would find Roland in the end zone for his second touchdown reception of the evening. Now down by four points, the Nighthawks would have to keep up the pace to continue as a contender. His third field goal attempt of the day, Mourtada booted the ball through the uprights to narrow the scoreboard margin to only one point. Holding on to the lead, Iowa K Gable scored three for the home squad. With the Nighthawks in possession of the ball, they would need only one touchdown to sweep the game. The Barnstormers defense held strong and kept the Nighthawks from stealing the victory. Iowa Barnstormers 29, Wichita Falls Nighthawks 25.