The Iowa Barnstormers beat Sioux Falls on Saturday evening and might have looked as sharp as they have all season while doing it.
Thanks to big nights from Ryan Balentine and Daquan Neal, the Barnstormers offense thrived against the Storm and helped the Barnstormers to a big 55-43 win at Wells Fargo Arena.
Barnstomers beat Sioux Falls, clinch No. 2 seed
The victory means a couple of things for Iowa.
The Barnstormers now cannot finish worse than second place in the league, even if they lose to Nebraska next Saturday in the regular season finale.
Though, Iowa could still capture first place if Arizona (13-0) loses to San Diego (1-12) next week and they take down Nebraska – even if it’s unlikely.
The Rattlers escaped Tucson on Saturday with an overtime win – showing that anything can happen.
Iowa’s victory also gives the team some reassurance on some extra rest coming up for them.
A top-two seed means a first-round bye for the Barnstormers that will give the players an extra week of rest and potentially help in the aid of defensive back Jourdan Wickliffe, who has been off the field with an injury.
Though if the offense plays like it did Saturday, Iowa may not need a defense.
Neal was money throughout the night, completing 17 of his 23 passes good for six touchdowns on the night.
Jazeric Peterson, Connor Hollenbeck, and Balentine each scored two a piece while Balentine led the way with 123 yards through receptions.
It helped the Barnstormers win their 14th straight game at home, and they don’t have to wait long to try for 15.
The team will return to the field for their regular season finale on Saturday June 15 to take on the Nebraska Danger once again at Wells Fargo Arena. The game is scheduled to kick off at 7:00 p.m. and can be seen live on YouTube, Mediacom, and also heard on live radio 1040AM WHO.
| IFL Standings | |||
| Position | Team | Record | Games behind |
| 1 | Arizona | 13-0 | |
| 2 | Iowa | 12-1 | 1 |
| 3 | Sioux Falls | 10-3 | 3 |
| 4 | Green Bay | 8-5 | 5 |
| 5 | Tucson | 6-7 | 7 |
| 6 | Quad City | 6-7 | 7 |
| Playoff Cutoff | |||
| 7 | Nebraska | 6-7 | 7 |
| 8 | Bismarck | 2-11 | 11 |
| 9 | San Diego | 1-12 | 12 |
| 10 | Cedar Rapids | 1-12 | 12 |
