Barnstormers Fall in Final Moments of Division Matchup

Sunday April 27, 2014

Iowa Unable to Secure First-Ever Victory Against Philadelphia

Philadelphia, PA – The Iowa Barnstormers (3-3) fall in the final seconds of their matchup against East Division rivals, the Philadelphia Soul (3-3) at the Wells Fargo Center on Sunday, April 27, 2014.

On the road for the first time in two weeks, the Iowa Barnstormers remain defeated in all-time matchups against Division rivals, the Philadelphia Soul. The back-and-forth contest between Iowa and Philadelphia started with Ter’Ran Benton interception, followed by a rushing touchdown by FB Derik Steiner. Not allowing the Barnstormers to pull too far ahead, QB Dan Raudabaugh connected with key receiver Anthony “Tiger” Jones. Unable to tie the game, Philadelphia’s extra point attempt was blocked by the Barnstormers. WR Marco Thomas brought in twelve points in the first quarter. Unfortunately, each of M. Thomas’ touchdown receptions were responded to by the Soul offense. With Philadelphia trailing by one point, the Barnstormers lead 21-20.

The battle continued into the second quarter, starting with a one-handed touchdown reception by rookie WR DeJay Lester. Philadelphia’s quick-strike offense didn’t delay as WR V’Keon Lacey scores his second touchdown of the game. An Iowa fumble recovered by Philly, resulted in back-to-back touchdowns for the Soul. In the very last moments of the first half, Barnstormers K Ross Gornall completed a 25-yard field goal attempt, narrowing the gap to 31-34 Philadelphia.

The Iowa Barnstormers strong defense held the Soul to only one touchdown in the third, while scoring two of their own. Going in to the fourth the Barnstormers took the lead 45-41. Another Jones touchdown put the Soul back on top, but not to go without retaliation. Reynolds scored his touchdown of the game and finished the contest with 158 total receiving yards. After Philadelphia’s successful response, Coffman took the ball down the field unable to make any successful connections. Down by two, Gornall completed an 11-yard field goal, advancing Iowa to the lead. Unfortunately for the Barnstormers, there was too much time left for the determined Soul offense. Philadelphia took the victory with a 6-yard touchdown pass to Jones in the final three seconds of the game. Final score, 55-60 Philadelphia.

Leading the Barnstormers solid offense, Coffman completed the game with 306 total passing yards, one rushing touchdown, and five more in the air. M. Thomas and Reynolds both tallied two touchdowns for the Iowa offense, while Steiner and Lester accounted for one each. Leading the Barnstormers defense was defensive back Jason Simpson with eight total tackles. For the Soul, Raudabaugh finished the game with nine touchdowns and 286 yards. Jones dominated in the end zone for the Soul with five touchdown receptions.

The Iowa Barnstormers continue the road game in Week 8 against the San Antonio Talons.