Barnstormers Falls To Chicago in OT Shootout

Saturday April 27, 2013

 Iowa Comes up 1 point short 64-63

Des Moines, Iowa – The Iowa Barnstormers gave everything they had on Friday night, but in the end the effort was one point short of being good enough, as they fell in overtime 64-63 to the Chicago Rush. Iowa’s fourth straight loss leaves the Barnstormers 2-4 on the season, while Chicago improves to 4-2 with their fourth straight win.

Iowa jumped out to a quick 13-0 lead as QB J.J. Raterink connected with WR Marcus Harris for a 26 yard touchdown and then scored on a one yard run by himself on the next drive. Chicago responded with the first of WR Reggie Gray’s 6 touchdown receptions on the night to cut the lead to 13-7. Chicago outscored the Barnstormers 21-13 in the game’s second frame, giving the Rush a narrow 28-26 halftime lead.

The back and forth battle continued into the second half as the Rush extended their lead to 42-26 after scoring two quick touchdowns. The Barnstormers then rallied to erase the 16 point deficit as they responded with two touchdowns and two 2 point conversions of their own to tie the game at 42-42. However the Rush jumped back out to a 56-42 lead following two more TD passes from QB Carson Coffman to Gray. After Iowa cut the lead to 56-49, the Barnstormers defense made their biggest stand of the season, forcing a missed field goal by the Rush. Raterink connected with WR Marco Thomas with 13 seconds remaining in regulation to send the game to overtime tied 56-56.

In overtime, the Barnstormers got the ball first and wasted no time scoring as Raterink hooked up with Harris to put Iowa up 63-56. Chicago then marched the length of the field and pulled within one point after FB Kelvin Morris scored from 2 yards out. Faced with a huge decision, Rush Head Coach Bob McMillan decided to go for two and the gamble paid off as Coffman connected with WR Jared Jenkins to seal the 64-63 victory for Chicago.

The Barnstormers now hit the road again next Friday night when they battle the San Antonio Talons. Iowa returns home on Saturday, May 11 when the New Orleans VooDoo come to town. Kickoff is set for 7:05pm. Tickets are available for purchase at the Wells Fargo Arena box office, by calling the Barnstormers at 515.633.2255 online at www.theiowabarnstormers.com.