Spokane, WA. – The Iowa Barnstormers of the Arena Football League got off to a great start on Monday night with an impressive 69-63 overtime win against the Spokane Shock. The win marked the first time the Barnstormers have beaten the Shock in Spokane along with the first win for the franchise under the helm of Head Coach Mike Hohensee. 

 

Iowa jumped out to a quick 7-0 lead on the game’s first play from scrimmage as QB J.J. Raterink connected with WR Jesse Schmidt for a 30 yard score. The dynamic duo would hook up for 3 additional scoring plays on the night. However the Shock were just as sharp, matching the Barnstormers score for score throughout the first half. The Barnstormers Jason Simpson put Iowa up 35-28 with a 58 kickoff return for a touchdown. However Spokane countered with a 5 yard scoring run by QB Erik Meyer to tie the game at 35-35 as the teams headed to the locker room.

 

Iowa’s quick strike offense continued into the second half as Raterink connected twice with rookie WR Chris Matthews for scores. LB John Mohring returned a failed onside kick 6 yards for a touchdown, putting the Barnstormers up by 14 late in the game. However, Spokane quickly narrowed the lead to 7 before tying the game in the final minute when they returned a Craig Camay 48 yard field goal attempt the length of the field for a score. 

 

Entering overtime Iowa’s hopes looked grim, especially after Spokane won the coin toss. However the Barnstormers defense forced QB Adam Froman to make an errand throw that was intercepted by Iowa’s Jason Simpson. Two plays later Raterink found newcomer Marco Thomas for a 30 yard TD that sealed the 69-63 victory for the Barnstormers. Other bright spots for the Iowa were DB Cameron McGlenn (9 tackles, 2 INT, 1FR), DL Alfred Peterson (2 sacks) and Camay (9-9 on PAT’s).

 

The home portion of the Barnstormers schedule begins this Saturday, March 17 when the Utah Blaze come to town. The game is sponsored by Prairie Meadows and the first 5,000 fans through the gates will receive a free magnet schedule courtesy of Maier Tree Care. Season tickets remain on sale for as low as $117 per seat, while individual game tickets can be purchased for any regular season game at the Wells Fargo Arena Box office or by calling the Barnstormers at 515-633-2255.   For all of the latest Barnstormers information log onto www.theiowabarnstormers.com.