Barnstormers improve to 2-0 with win over VooDoo
Christina Rivers
Tuesday April 2, 2013
In the span of two weeks of back-to-back away games, the Iowa Barnstormers took the New Orleans VooDoo to task, winning by a score of 48-34. In their first-ever meeting, the Barnstormers made big plays on offense and overcame a few miscues on defense to put New Orleans on their heels in the final minutes of the game.
The statistics of both teams were fairly even and kept the game close. While the Barnstormers managed to control the score, never falling behind the VooDoo in the game, New Orleans had more rushing yards, passing yards and held the ball for nearly fifteen more minutes. The Barnstormers took advantage of quick offense and a higher conversion rating on third downs.
It didn't take long for Iowa to score. In their opening play of the game, quarterback J.J. Raterink was able to matchup with receiver Collin Taylor for a 44-yard play. It set up a one-yard touchdown run by Marco Thomas to draw first blood. Thomas led the Iowa receivers with nine receptions for 86 yards and scored another touchdown through the air. Raterink earned Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game honors.
New addition, defensive back Erick McIntosh, was able to give the Barnstormers extra help by recovering a Kurt Rocco fumble and led the Iowa defense with ten tackles and an interception. McIntosh earned the honors of being named Riddell Defensive Player of the Game.
Similar to the actions they took against the Chicago Rush, the two former Iowa State University teammates, Darius Reynolds and Ter'Ran Benton had a great night against the VooDoo. Reynolds caught a 39-yard pass from Raterink that earned him the honor of being awarded the Cutters Catch of the Game and the AFL Highlight of the Game. Reynolds finished the game with three receptions for 80 yards and two touchdowns and added two rushes for 11 yards. Benton was responsible for intercepting Rocco to finalize the win for the Barnstormers as New Orleans gave one last attempt to get into the end zone.
After the game, Barnstormers Head Coach Mike Hohensee admitted that despite the win, there is “always[a] need to polish” the skills of the team. The Barnstormers will open their home season on Friday, April 5, against the Spokane Shock. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:05 p.m. Central.
Christina Rivers has been an active journalist for several years. She covers American football in both the NFL and AFL. Christina is a native-Iowan with a love of Pittsburgh sports. Christina is also a photographer. Her experience includes time with CBS Sports Local - Pittsburgh (KDKA), Examiner.com, and The Beam in Pittsburgh.
