The Iowa Barnstormers rallied from 15 points down to force a 41-41 tie midway through the first quarter, but it wasn’t enough as Iowa ultimately fell 62-48 to the Kansas City Command on Saturday night. The contest was the first ever between two teams that are both divisional and geographical rivals. Iowa falls to 2-2 on the season while Kansas City improved to 1-3. 

 

Kansas City jumped out to an early 13-0 lead after the first quarter. However, Iowa struck back on the first play of the second quarter as QB Brad Banks found WR Todd Blythe from 7 yards out to cut the lead to 13-7. Much of the remainder of the quarter was a defensive battle as the teams headed to the locker room with the Command leading by a 20-12 score.

 

Iowa cut the lead to 20-18 with another Blythe touchdown early in the third but Kansas City regained control and led 41-26 with 10 minutes remaining in the game. Iowa came to life over the next three minutes as Banks first connected with WR Jesse Schmidt for a touchdown and then successfully converted a two-point try to narrow the lead to 41-34. On the next drive for Kansas City, Command QB J.J. Raterink fumbled in the end zone and the Barnstormers Charles Johnson scooped up the ball for a score. 

 

Kansas City regained the lead 48-41 on their next possession, and then took the lead for good as Barnstormers WR Larry Beavers fumbled the ensuing kickoff and the Command recovered the loose ball for another Kansas City Touchdown. The teams traded scores one more time, but the clock ran out on the Barnstormers, putting an end to their two game winning streak.

 

Next up for Iowa is another divisional battle as the Chicago Rush come to town next Saturday, April 16 to meet the Barnstormers at Wellmark Field in Des Moines. The teams split last season’s series, with each team winning on the other’s home field. Kick off is set for 7:05pm and great seats are still available at the Wells Fargo Arena Box office, by calling 515.633.2255 or by ordering online at www.theiowabarnstormers.com