Iowa Barnstormers End 2014 Season with Loss

Saturday July 26, 2014

 Barnstormers Defeated by SaberCats, 72-43

Des Moines, IA – Hoping to seal the season with a victory, the Iowa Barnstormers (6-12) hosted their final 2014 match-up in front of 8,051 fans of Wells Fargo Arena. Unfortunately, the Barnstormers suffered a 72-43 loss versus the now 13-5 San Jose SaberCats.

Starting out the battle, the Barnstormers took an early lead as receiver Julian Williams caught a 9-yard pass from quarterback Carson Coffman and walked one in for the touchdown. On the other side of the line, the Barnstormers defense started off strong when defensive end Mike Lewis recovered a fumble by the SaberCats. Coffman moved the ball down the field with 16-yard pass to receiver Darius Reynolds. Snagging it in the air, Reynolds set Iowa up for another touchdown. With inches to go, Coffman put up another score for the home team. Iowa Barnstormers 14, San Jose SaberCats 0.

Early in the second quarter, the SaberCats found the end zone for the first time of the night after a short rush by full back Odie Armstrong. In a pile up, the SaberCats found the end zone once more to tie the scoreboard, 14-14. After exchanging possessions with the Barnstormers multiple times, the SaberCats scored their third consecutive touchdown when Armstrong ran in a 4-yard rush. Now with the lead, the SaberCats receiver Reggie Gray grabbed a 32-yard pass in the end zone. However, the Barnstormers fought back with another touchdown score by Reynolds, his second of the night. Soon after, San Jose increased their lead 35-21. With seconds to go in the first half, Iowa kicker Ross Gornalll launched a 43-yard field goal through the uprights. Iowa Barnstormers 24, San Jose SaberCats 35.

Beginning the second half of the game, the SaberCats struck first with a 13-yard pass to Gray, 42-24. The Barnstormers answered back with a quick-fire pass to Reynolds. The SaberCats increased their lead by eighteen when wide receiver Dominique Curry caught a 10-yard pass from Stanley, 49-31. Moments later, the San Jose defense picked-off an Iowa pass to finalize the third quarter score. Iowa Barnstormers 31, San Jose SaberCats 49.

With the help of receiver Jason Willis, San Jose refused to back down. Now trailing by twenty-five points, the Barnstormers attempted to narrow the scoreboard margin with a Marco Thomas touchdown. Three consecutive scores by the visiting team clinched the win, even after another Barnstormer touchdown by DeJay Lester. Wrapping up the season, the Iowa Barnstormers were defeated by the San Jose SaberCats, 72-43.