Des Moines, Iowa – For the second straight week the Iowa Barnstormers came up a touchdown short, this time dropping a 75-67 decision to the Milwaukee Iron on Saturday night. A Wellmark Field crowd of 10,190 saw the Barnstormers drop to 6-9 on the season, while Milwaukee improved to 11-4 taking a half game Midwest Division lead over Chicago heading into the regular season’s final week.

 

The game started with the team’s matching each other score for score as both quarterbacks played nearly flawless. Barnstormers Quarterback Ryan Vena completed his first 11 passes, while his counterpart Chris Greisen threw for three touchdowns in the first quarter. Iowa jumped ahead 27-21 when DB Tanner Varner intercepted a Greisen pass in the end zone and returned it 56 yards for a touchdown. The teams then continued to trade scores, resulting in a 41-35 Barnstormer lead at the half. 

 

The second half was filled with a combination of mistakes and misfortune for the Barnstormers as they turned the ball over 3 times, while Milwaukee recovered a third quarter kickoff that deflected off the goalpost and into the hands of WR Marcus Everett and wasted no time in regaining the lead. The Barnstormers battled hard throughout the rest of the game, but ultimately could not match the potent Iron offense. Greissen finished the game completing 30 of 40 passes for 413 yards and 8 touchdowns, while Vena was 28 of 33 for 332 yards and 7 total touchdowns (6 pass, 1 run).

 

The Barnstormers close out the 2010 season when they travel to Phoenix next Friday night, July 30^th to take on the Arizona Rattlers. The Barnstormers would like to thank all of their fans, corporate sponsors and most importantly season ticket holders for a great 2010 season. Please note that season tickets for the 2011 season are already on sale with no price increases! To order yours season tickets for the 2011 AFL season, call the Barnstormers at 515.633.2255 or log on to www.theiowabarnstormers.com.

 

 

Russell Athletic Offensive Player of the game – Chris Greisen (MIL)

JSL Ironman of the Game –  Tanner Varner (IOW)

Riddell Defensive player of the game –  Tanner Varner (IOW)

Cutters Catch of the Game –  Larry Kendrick (IOW)

Nifty Playmaker of the Game – Damian Harrell (MIL)

Spalding Highlight of the Game – Tanner Varner (IOW) - 56 yard interception return for TD

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