BARNSTORMERS TAKE DOWN BUCKS
The Iowa Barnstormers (7-6) defeated the Bismarck Bucks (3-12) on Saturday night, 49-30.
The Bucks were able to strike first with a field goal from Nick Dorka. It didn't take long for the Barnstormers to fire back, as Darius-James Peterson launched a 25-yard touchdown pass to WR Zac Parker. In a "nothing to lose game," the Bucks decided to pass the ball on fourth down, and were able to regain the lead with a touchdown from Jerome Gross III.
Barnstormers defensive end Dave Calderon started the second quarter with a diving touchdown. Bismarck receiver Edgar Poe stole the lead back with a touchdown of his own, but Iowa ended the second quarter red-hot. Peterson reached the endzone, and then his defense was able to cease a Bismarck score. Gabriel Rui kicked the ball through the uprights to give Iowa the halftime lead, 23-16.
The first score of the third quarter came when Giovanni Sanders was sacked in the endzone and awarded Iowa two points. WR Antonio Wimbush extended the Barnstormer's lead to 32-16 with an 18-yard touchdown.
In need of a score, Bismarck opened the fourth quarter with a rushing touchdown. Rui made another field goal to extend the Barnstormers lead, and then DB JR Stevens caught an interception to give his team the ball right back. Wimbush scored his second touchdown of the night and DL Marshaun Jones returned a kickoff for a touchdown to help the Barnstormers escape the Bismarck Events Center with a 49-30 victory.
The Barnstormers control their own destiny in the race for the playoffs. They will face the Massachusetts Pirates next weekend at Wells Fargo Arena.