The Iowa Barnstormers got their 2018 home slate started the right way Saturday as they knocked off the defending United Bowl Champion Arizona Rattlers 38-28.
Arizona started the game off with a touchdown on the first drive, but it wasn’t able to make it back to the end zone for the rest of the first half.
As for Iowa, they had Drew Powell and Sheldon Augustine to thank for their offensive push.
Iowa Barnstormers upset defending champs
For the entirety of the first half, Iowa didn’t have a designed running back and both Brady Roland and Ryan Balentine were shut out in receptions. This resulted in statistically every yard going to Powell and Augustine.
At the half, Iowa lead 14-6.
Iowa started the second half strong as well. Rocky Hayes earned an interception on the first play of scrimmage from the half, giving Iowa the ball at their own five.
Roland would make sure he wasn’t shut out for the entire game, though. During Iowa’s first drive of the half, the Carlisle native earned three receptions including a touchdown to give the Barnstormers a 21-6 lead.
Iowa got the ball back following another empty drive from Arizona, and had the chance to go up by three possessions, but couldn’t do it.
In turn, Arizona took over and found their way to the end zone, closing the Iowa lead to 21-13.
The Barnstormers kept their foot on the gas. Brady Roland caught his second touchdown of the night on a second effort dive to give Iowa a 28-13 lead.
Shortly after, the Rattlers drove down the field to earn a touchdown, but faked the PAT. However, Arizona challenged the way a defensive lineman was lined up, drawing an illegal defense penalty. They got to re-try the two-point conversion, and they converted the second time around.
With 8:49 to play, Iowa held a 28-21 lead.
Powell would lead another drive to the end zone and Bryce Enyard would earn his third pick of the season, but it still wouldn’t seal an Iowa victory.
Powell saw a snap go over his head and he couldn’t coral the ball and the Rattlers recovered. They would go on to score the next play.
On the kickoff, Sawyer Petre would try an onside kick. The ball went right through the hands of an Iowa Barnstormer and Arizona had a chance to tie the game.
Although the Iowa defense came up big and stopped the Rattlers on four downs, sealing the win.
