Iowa Barnstormers Grounded by Pittsburgh Power Barnstormers Defeated in Divisional Matchup
Iowa Barnstormers
Des Moines, IA – The Iowa Barnstormers (6-8) fell 57-27 to the Pittsburgh Power (11-3) on Friday night at the Consol Energy Center in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania.
For the first time in five weeks, the Iowa Barnstormers brought in quarterback Carson Coffman to lead the team in their road matchup against the Pittsburgh Power. An unfortunate start to the night, Coffman was intercepted in the backfield during the Barnstormers first drive. However, the Iowa defense wouldn’t allow for the home team to take the lead too early in the night. After getting the ball back, the Barnstormers were persistent in making their way down the field. On fourth and goal, receiver Darius Reynolds hauled one in on the ground for Iowa’s first score of the night. Pittsburgh showing their potential seized their opportunity to tie up the game before the end of the quarter with a touchdown pass from quarterback Tommy Grady to Rodney Wright. Barnstormers 7, Power 7.
The battle continued well into the second with the Barnstormers striking first. Reynolds grabbed one in the end zone for his second touchdown of the night. Barely sneaking past Iowa defensive back Tramain Thomas, Power receiver managed a one-handed catch for Pittsburgh’s tying score. For the rushing game, full back Derik Steiner took his turn with the ball pulling the Barnstormers back in front. The Power headed into the locker room with a one-point lead after full back Tommy Taggart ran one in on his own. Barnstormers 20, Power 21.
In a sluggish third quarter, both teams had difficulty executing in the red zone. The Power continued their lead with two touchdown scores. Meanwhile, the Barnstormers were only able to grab a single touchdown after a quick pass from Coffman to Reynolds in the end zone. Now trailing by eight, the Barnstormers would need to make up for lost ground in the fourth quarter. Barnstormers 27, Power 35.
The Power started off the final frame with a 31-yard touchdown pass to Wright, deep in the corner of the end zone. Looking to narrow the margin at first and goal, the pass from Coffman was tipped and recovered by Power defensive back Andre Jones. On the ensuing possession, Wright opened up in time for the touchdown pass from Grady. Continuing to dominate the final moments of the game, the Power scored another twelve points due to a safety and a Rodriguez touchdown. Barnstormers 27, Power 57.
