Victory for Barnstormers in 2014 Home Opener

Sunday April 13, 2014

 Iowa Barnstormers Hold On to Defeat San Antonio Talons

Des Moines, IA – The Iowa Barnstormers (2-2) won their home opener 63-62 against the San Antonio Talons (0-5) in front of 8,763 fans at Wells Fargo Arena on Saturday, April 12, 2014.

Excited to finally be on their home turf, the Iowa Barnstormers and FB Derik Steiner gave fans a glimpse of what the night would bring during their first possession of the game. In his first game as a Barnstormers, Steiner was able to sneak into the end zone during the opening drive. Retaliating quickly, QB Shane Boyd made a quick connection with WR D.J. Stephens. The Talons lone score in the first quarter wasn’t enough after WR Darius Reynolds’ touchdown completion and an interception by DB T. Tomas, Barnstormers lead 14-7.

San Antonio was only able to get into the end zone once in the second quarter, allowing for Iowa to pull even further ahead. Moving the ball around, Coffman connected with WR Marco Thomas and again with Reynolds. Continuing his momentum, Steiner brought in another six points for the team. The Barnstormers highest scoring quarter of the game brought a total of 21 points to the scoreboard.

The opening of Quarter 3 brought a second-half comeback attempt for the San Antonio Talons, with Boyd as their leader. For the night, Boyd completed 29-of-41 attempts for a total of 387 yards. Keeping steady, the Talons scored 14 more for their effort, one for FB Mykel Benson and another for Stephens. Not allowing the opponent to take the lead, Coffman found key receivers Reynolds and M. Thomas. Splitting the quarter in scoreboard tallies, Barnstormers lead, 49-28.

Collecting a total of 287 yards and seven touchdowns for the night, Coffman completed 19-of-37 passes. Coffman started off the fourth quarter for the Barnstormers with a 38-yard touchdown pass to M. Thomas, getting the fans ready for a close finish. The Talons snuck back into the game with a 34 point quarter, nearly sneaking off with a victory. Barnstormers win their 2014 home opener, 63-62.

The Iowa Barnstormers return home next weekend for Hall of Fame Weekend in a matchup versus the Los Angeles KISS (2-1).

Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the Game: #7 Darius Reynolds

Riddell Defensive Player of the Game: #4 Tramain Thomas

J. Lewis Small Playmaker of the Game: #3 Marco Thomas

Cutter’s Catch of the Game: #3 Marco Thomas 38-yard touchdown completion (4th quarter)

AFL Highlight of the Game: #4 Tramain Thomas 42-yard interception (3rd quarter)