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Defense improves, Barnstormers fall short against Nebraska

The Iowa Barnstormers looked to be the second team to challenge Nebraska (5-1) this season when the Danger came into Des Moines for a rematch against Iowa (2-3.)

Defense improves, Barnstormers fall short against Nebraska

The team started off slow, trying to surprise the Danger with a rush heavy first quarter. This is in result to QB Robbie Nallenweg throwing for 326 yards against Nebraska in their first meeting.

Later in the quarter, Iowa started going back to the pass heavy team that fans were used to seeing, however could not capitalize and would not score in the first quarter. Nebraska lead 19-0 after 15 minutes,

In the second, Iowa struck first with a field goal, but later gave up a fourth touchdown to the Danger, trailing 26-3. Neither team would score again in the half, however the leading WR for the Barnstormers, Brady Roland came up with an arm injury and would not return; he is scheduled to have an MRI at some point this week.

Nebraska sacked Barnstormers QB Robbie Nallenweg twice in each half, including a few more hurries.

“We knew they had a great D-Line coming into the game, we played them two weeks ago, and now same case, so I just got to do a better job of getting the ball out of my hand a lot quicker,” QB Robbie Nallenweg said.

Iowa came out rolling in the second half, holding Nebraska to a three and out, then utilizing short passes to drive down the field for their first touchdown of the night.

The next drive, the Barnstormers looked poised for another defensive stop, but their momentum was slowed when Kirkland Davidson made a big hit on the Danger QB. Normally that would result in extra momentum, but Nebraska’s quarterback payed injured on the field for a number of minutes.

“The arena was so quiet you could hear a pin drop,” voice of the Iowa Barnstormers Joe Stasi said.

Nebraska went with a wildcat offense on the first play from the 25 yard line, and Waymon James found his way into the end zone to extend the lead to 33-10 in favor of the Danger.

Overcoming the adversity, Iowa kept rolling and using their short yard game for a touchdown. The two point conversion, however, failed and Iowa trailed 33-16 with 2:52 remaining in the 3rd quarter. Neither team was able to score again during the game.

“[Tonight] felt good. Just runnin’ around, doing what they taught me and going to the ball,” Week 7 IFL player of the week, Javicz Jones said. “I played in this league last year so Sioux Falls is a really good team, and you got to make sure you come with your A-game because they don’t make mistakes. They capitalize on yours.”

Jones lead the team with six tackles, including 1.5 for a loss.

The Barnstormers fall to 2-4 on the season with the loss, but remain in third place in the United Conference and just 2.5 games behind rival Cedar Rapids; the team that stands between Iowa and a playoff spot.

“We didn’t play Sioux Falls while I was in Green Bay last season, but I just know from hearing around the league they are a great, well coached team. They have had a lot of success and history with that program and we got to make sure we come ready to play,” Nallenweg said.

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