Barnstormers Roll Through River Kings
Iowa Barnstormers
DES MOINES – In the third and final game of the season series between in-state rivals, the Iowa Barnstormers (8-1) defeated the Cedar Rapids River Kings (1-9) 41-18 on Saturday, May 4 at Wells Fargo Arena.
Iowa received the opening kickoff but turned the ball over on the return. The Barnstormers defense forced a stop on the River Kings’ first possession. Barnstormers quarterback Daquan Neal bounced off a tackler en route to a 20 yard touchdown run. The PAT was missed, 6-0. Defensive back Jeremy Gloston jumped a route and intercepted River Kings quarterback Ben Wilkerson. The turnover led to another Barnstormers touchdown. This time Neal found receiver Jazeric Peterson in the end zone for a 15 yard touchdown, 13-0. Cedar Rapids finally got on the board when kicker Phillip Nwosu nailed a 36 yard field goal, 13-3.
The Barnstormers offense opened up the second quarter with a touchdown. Neal found running back Jamal Tyler on a screen pass that went the distance to extend Iowa’s lead, 20-3. Nwosu delivered again for the River Kings offense, this time on a 31 yard field goal, 20-6. The Barnstormers were stopped on offense on their next possession, but defensive back Tyrell Pearson was able to get the ball back for his squad. He grabbed his league-leading sixth interception. Neal was able to find receiver Connor Hollenbeck in the end zone before the half came to a close. Barnstormers led 27-6 at the break.
Iowa’s defense picked up where they left off, stopping the River Kings on the first possession of the third quarter. Neal went for the long ball to receiver Ryan Balentine and converted, scoring a 29 yard touchdown to put Iowa ahead, 34-6. The River Kings scored their first touchdown of the night when Wilkerson threw a touchdown pass to receiver Jordan Smith. The PAT was missed and the lead was cut to 34-12.
In the fourth quarter, Wilkerson used his legs to score the River Kings’ second touchdown of the night. That cut the score to 34-18. The Barnstormers would answer back though, scoring when running back Malik Brown ran it in from five yards out, 41-18. Iowa defensive back Tevin Madison picked off Wilkerson and, later, Iowa’s defense would force a safety to finish the game, 43-18.
Iowa defeated Cedar Rapids in all three contests this season and will return home on May 11 to take on the Quad City Steamwheelers. Kickoff is set for 7:05 CST at Wells Fargo Arena.
