Barnstormers begin 2013 AFL Season with win over Rush

Christina Rivers
Sunday March 24, 2013

In a dominating fashion, the Iowa Barnstormers traveled to Chicago on Saturday in a battle of new jerseys and past rivalry. It was Iowa's first win in five meetings with the Rush. Staying ahead of the Rush the entire game, the Barnstormers defeated Chicago, 63-41, in their first 2013 AFL Season game.

Quarterback J.J. Raterink was on fire, leading the Barnstormers to a definitive victory. Early in the game, Raterink found receivers Marco Thomas and Darius Reynolds to give the Barnstormers a 12-point lead. Overall, Raterink was able to complete 22-of-30 passes for 25 yards and seven touchdowns. His eighth score was a scramble into the end zone under his own power.

A lot of credit goes to the Iowa offensive line for keeping the Chicago defense from pressuring Raterink, as the Rush managed just one sack and one defensive stop; Iowa missed a field goal attempt late in the final quarter. Chicago was unable to force any turnovers, helping the Barnstormers to maintain composure on the field and fuel their momentum.

The Barnstormers saw great production and nearly identical stats out of their receivers. Receiver Collin Taylor scored in the opening seconds of the second quarter on a toss from Raterink.

Former Iowa State Cyclones teammates and AFL rookies, Reynolds and defensive back Ter'Ran Benton put on a highlight reel performance. Benton was able to scoop up a loose ball in the second quarter and score. Benton led the Barnstormers defense with five tackles and an interception. Reynolds led the offense with four touchdown receptions.

When asked about his first game and the first win with the Iowa Barnstormers, fullback Kai Brown said, "It felt good. Glad to get my feet wet in the arena game. Looking forward to the next one."

Iowa added kicker Phil Marfuggi to their roster earlier this week. Marfuggi's 25 yard field goal helped seal the win for the Barnstormers as did a De'Mon Glanton interception with time ticking down in regulation.

Chicago gave up three turnovers and couldn't keep up with the passing attack of Iowa. In a game where defense is key, the Rush were out-manned. Their offense struggled as well, as rookie quarterback, Carson Coffman had difficulty targeting his receivers, especially on deep routes. Rush receiver Rodney Wright had 12 receptions for 121 yards and two touchdowns, then added 13 rushing yards to lead Chicago's offense. Wide receiver Reggie Gray had four touchdowns, scoring his 100th touchdown catch. Gray's achievement was the only fireworks for a very flat Chicago team.

The Barnstormers will travel to the New Orleans Voodoo Saturday, March 30. Game time is scheduled for 6:00 p.m.