Barnstormers Snake Bitten in Arizona

Sunday May 26, 2013

 Iowa Drops 70-26 Decision to AFL’s Best Team

Phoenix, AZ – The Iowa Barnstormers entered Saturday night’s game against the Arizona Rattlers short 4 starters due to a rash of injuries. The team was forced to make numerous roster changes over the past week and the lack of team cohesiveness showed as they fell to the AFL’s best team by a score of 70-26. The win was Arizona’s sixth straight as they improve to 9-1 on the season, while Iowa falls to 4-6.

Arizona jumped out to a quick 21-6 first quarter lead as QB Nick Davila threw 3 touchdown passes, 2 of them to WR Kerry Reed. Things went from bad to worse on the injury front for Iowa as QB J.J. Raterink left the game with a foot injury on the last play of the first quarter. Rookie QB Brian Reader played the final 3 quarters for Iowa, finishing 14 of 29 for 168 yards and 3 touchdowns.

The Barnstormers effort was admirable, but the loss of Raterink was too much to overcome. By the end of the first half, Arizona had increased their lead to 42-13. Davila’s play continued to be flawless as he finished the night 19 of 23 for 241 yards and 8 touchdowns. WR Jared Perry led the way for the Rattlers with four receiving touchdowns and DL Marcus Pittman was a force on defense recording 2 sacks.

The Barnstormers return home to Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines next Saturday, June 1 when the Tampa Bay Storm comes to town. Kickoff is set for 7:05pm. The first 1,000 fans age 18 and over will receive a coupon for a Free Large 3-topping pizza courtesy of Papa John’s Pizza. In addition, the first 2,500 fans will receive a free pack of NFL trading cards, courtesy of Ryan’s Cardz in Urbandale. Great seats are still available for as low as $12.00 per seat. To order your tickets, head to the arena box office, call the Barnstormers at (515) 633-2255, or you log onto www.theiowabarnstormers.com.