Barnstormers Denied Victory By Orlando

Saturday July 13, 2013

 Iowa Loses 55-41, Officially Eliminated From Playoff Contention

ORLANDO, FL – The Iowa Barnstormers played another hard fought game on Saturday night at the Amway Center in Orlando, Florida. However four untimely turnovers were too much for Iowa to overcome as they dropped a 55-41 decision to the Predators. With the loss, the Barnstormers drop to 6-10 on the season and are officially eliminated from playoff contention. Meanwhile Orlando improves to an identical 6-10 record and remains in solid contention for the American Conference’s final playoff spot.

Iowa Quarterback J.J. Raterink faced heavy pressure for most of the game, which resulted in him completing just 25 of 45 passes and throwing 3 costly interceptions. Two of the interceptions were by former Iowa DB Tanner Varner who was making his debut with the Predators. That being said, the Barnstormers were able to remain in the game for the entire contest.

The Barnstormers jumped out to a quick 14-7 lead as Raterink connected with WR’s Darius Reynolds and Marco Thomas for touchdowns. However these two scores turned out to be the only two Iowa would have in the first half. Orlando rallied behind QB Aaron Garcia to take a 21-14 lead into the locker room at halftime.

The Predators received the opening kickoff and were driving when Iowa DL William Stokes sacked Garcia , forcing a fumble that was returned by Iowa’s Matangi Tonga for a TD, evening the score at 21-21. Once again though, Orlando would respond with two more Garcia TD passes to open up a 34-21 lead. However, the Barnstormers returned the favor again as Raterink connected with WR Jesse Schmidt on consecutive drives to tie the game again at 34-34 just seconds into the final quarter.

The fourth quarter continued to be much of the same as Garcia hooked up with WR Jason Geathers to regain the lead for the Predators. On the ensuing kickoff Orlando forced a fumble by Iowa DB Jason Simpson and recovered the ball at the Barnstormers 3 yard line. On the next play, the Predators extended their lead to 48-34 on a 3 yard TD run by Mykel Benson. The team’s then exchanged touchdowns one final time, however the 14 point difference was too much for the Barnstormers to overcome. Garcia finished the contest connecting on 18 of 25 passes for 253 yards and 7 touchdowns.

The Barnstormers now return home for their final 2 games of the 2013 season. One week from tonight they take on the Utah Blaze on Saturday July 20th in the first annual Iowa Bacon Bowl! Ticket packages that include the game and pre-game bacon bowl tailgate party are on sale now for just $25.00. Then one week later, Iowa closes the season when the Arizona Rattlers come to town on July 27th. Fans can order tickets for both games at the Wells Fargo Arena box office, by calling the Barnstormers at 515.633.2255 or online at www.theiowabarnstormers.com.