The Iowa Barnstormers return to Wells Fargo Arena for the first time this season on Friday when they will take on the Green Bay Blizzard in the season’s home opener.
Iowa opened the season last Saturday on the road in Colorado, beating the Crush 56-50 thanks a revamped defensive effort.
Iowa Barnstormers ready for Home Opener vs. Green Bay
Revamped? Yes, revamped, even in the first game of the season. The Barnstormers hired new defensive coordinator, Jason Simpson, over the offseason and on Saturday it proved to pay off.
Simpson’s defense forced three turnovers-on-downs against Colorado in key situations to perserve the opening game W. This includes a 13-tackle game from linebacker Javicz Jones.
Iowa not only had the defense, but put up plenty of points on the offensive end.
New Quarterback, Donovan Porterie, threw 15-26 for 191 yards three touchdowns, and zero interceptions. Not to mention, 115 of those yards and two of the touchdowns went to Lemans Casimier, who looked to be Porterie’s favorite target.
As Iowa started off the season 1-0, their rivals in Green Bay were downed by Cedar Rapids 39-15 during week one. That makes a win seem very reasonable in this game, as the Barnstormers out-did Cedar Rapids in their exhibition game two weeks ago.
Last season Head Coach Joe Brannen used a variety of trick plays to get past the Blizzard during last season’s home opener. Brannen *earned* his riverboat gambler nickname during that one.
The team also pulled out a halfback pass from Robbie Rouse last week that did not result in a touchdown, but a sizeable first down for Iowa.
This week, look for Lemans Casimier to be found with a reception or two in the endzone. Casimier had touchdowns in both the exhibition and first game of the year, and it looks like he will be Porterie’s favorite target.
As far as players we might see step up a bit this week, former all-american wide reciever Brady Roland had just 17 yards against Colorado. Roland is a talented receiver and should not have any trouble surpassing that mark this week.
Iowa vs. Green Bay will kick off at 7:00pm CT on Friday Night at Wells Fargo Arena in Des Moines, IA. The game can be streamed live for just $10 on IFLLive.tv
