The Iowa Barnstormers will try to get out of a slump on Saturday, when the Spokane Empire visit Wells Fargo Arena. Iowa is 1-3 in their last four games, after starting the season out 2-0. Two of their losses coming by just three points each.
Two weeks ago, the Barnstormers traveled to Spokane, where Donovan Porterie dove into the end zone for the game winning touchdown, but was ultimately ruled down short of the goal line, resulting in a 54-51 loss.
“There’s always a lot of reasons on how you lose a game by three points,” Barnstormers Head Coach, Joe Brannen said following the game.
Now, Iowa is back for a revenge game against the Empire, but it won’t come without bumps in the road.
Kick Returners, Shuffled, Casimier Looks to Lead
The team will have to get things figured out at the kick returner position. They used four different players to field kickoffs on Saturday.
“[We] rotated some different guys, didn’t really get what what we wanted from Johnny [Thomas],” Brannen said. “We tried LeMans back there, and obviously saw what happened.”
Casimier ran one back to the end zone.
Robbie Rouse Moves to Short Term IR
Iowa will also be looking for a new running back this week, as Robbie Rouse has been slated to the short-term IR. It has still not yet been announced who will replace the stout running back, but we do know that it will be tough to do.
Austin Benson Returns to the Barnstormers
Barnstormer fans should remember Benson as the player that went over the boards to make a game-winning interception during last year’s season finale against Green Bay.
Upon Benson being introduced to the newest Barnstormer quarterback, Donovan Porterie (Fromer Green Bay starter), LeMans Casimier told Porterie, “He got you a few times last year, you should know him well.”
As Benson’s opposite sided cornerback, Matt Goldsmith left the Barnstormers for the CFL, he prepares to work with Ter’Ran Benton.
“I’m extremely happy for Teo ( that’s what I call matt), he had a great year here last year as a rookie, he’s a great athlete, and it is very well deserving,” Benson said. I believe it’s only beginning for him.”
“Ter’ran is a ball player, he has experience, knows the game really well. I have never played with him but I’m looking forward to it,” Benson added. “I’m ready to get to work.”
Benson will take the field for the first time this season on Saturday at 7:00pm, with the game being televised on Mediacom Connections Channel 22, and IFLLive.tv.
“I’m excited to get out there and get to work and contribute to the team in anyway I can and just help turn this thing around and get back to winning games,” Benson said.
