Two rookies, one expected, one out of nowhere, and a second year player looking to insert himself into the league’s MVP conversation were the IFL’s best in week one. There wasn’t much competition to win this week’s awards, but it didn’t make their performances any less impressive.
OFFENSE: EJ HILLARD
The Steamwheelers signal caller was the selling point in the IFL’s kickoff showcase against the Cedar Rapids River Kings last week. Hilliard didn’t put up the huge passing numbers we came to expect from him last season, but took what the River King defense gave him, and that was a lot of high percentage throws, and running lanes near the goal line. The 2019 IFL Offensive Player of the Year completed 8 of 12 passes for 125 yards and 1 TD, and ran for another 47 yards and 3 touchdowns. Hilliard leads the league in rushing yards and touchdowns after week 1.
DEFENSE: DAQUAWN BROWN
Brown is a guy who get very well not be in the IFL in a few weeks. This isn’t because of his lack of skill, it’s for his abundance of skill. Many IFL players have already gotten a chance to move up to the XFL, and Brown may be the next one called. For the time being he’s a member of the San Diego Strike Force and he dominated in week one. Brown made a game-high 10 tackles (2nd in league), a tackle for loss, and interception, and 4 pass breakups (1st in league). By the way, this was his first professional football game.
SPECIAL TEAMS: ZURIL HENDRICK
Hendrick was a relatively unknown player before week one, and if anyone was watching he no longer is. Hendrick was a Division II All-American at Edinboro University and is turning out to be an absolute steal for Bismarck. The rookie made four tackles and an interception in the season opener but made his biggest contributions on special teams, returning two missed field goals for 90 yards, the first went 40 yards down the left sideline, setting up a Bismarck touchdown. The second was the longest play in Buck history, 50 yards for the rookie’s first career touchdown.
What a start for Bismarck. They were able to utilize some huge names they didn’t bother announcing they had signed (Shad Thornton) to build a 14-0 lead after Ryan Feiss set the tone with a 26 yard kickoff return which led to an Eric Lauderdale 3 yard touchdown plunge. They then used a huge missed field goal return by Zuril Hendrick to set up a Taz Wilson touchdown run from 9 yards out. These two short touchdown drives successfully masked the fact that Bismarck had no passing game on Sunday. San Diego finally woke up on a busted play where Nate Chavious got to show off his speed down the sidelines for a 31 yard catch and run for the first score of 2020 for SD. The play of the half came on rookie quarterback Michael Carrillo’s second touchdown of the half, and best throw of the day, a 42 yard bomb to Marques Rodgers to give the Strike Force a 21-17 lead at the break.
San Diego received the second half kickoff poised to go up two scores. That’s when Zuril Hendrick stepped in front of a Carrillo pass for the Bucks’ second interception of the day. That led to the Bucks’ lone passing touchdown of the day as Wilson found Shad Thornton on a wheel route from 12-yards out to go up 28-24. That lead lasted all of 1 play as the 109 Special Teams Player of the Year, Rodgers returned the ensuing kickoff 45 yards for the go-ahead score.
After a stop on the following drive San Diego had a chance to put the game away, but refused to take advantage, fumbling in their own endzone for a safety. Cody Barber then made an impossible 40 yard field goal to give Bismarck the lead back at 29-28. Bismarck’s inexperience showed itself on the next San Diego drive as a busted coverage allowed Carrillo to easily find wideout Donta Armstrong in the endzone from 19 yards out as the Strike Force went up 35-29. That’s when things got fun.
After both teams traded stops San Diego lined up for a 53 yard field goal attempt off the leg of Bryce Crawford. Crawford’s kick fell short and Zuril Hendrick made what looked like the best play in the franchise’s young IFL history, breaking multiple tackles en route to a 50 yard touchdown return to give Bismarck a one-point lead with 2:23 remaining. Just when it looked like San Diego had their backs against the wall, Isaiah Bernard fielded a muffed kick by Nate Chavious and weaved nearly untouched for yet another go ahead kick return touchdown.
Bismarck had one final shot but failed to gain positive yardage and turned the ball over on downs. Nate Chavious added another touchdown from 6 yards out for good measure as the Strike Force improved to 1-0 for the first time ever.
FINAL THOUGHTS
SAN DIEGO: This secondary was the pride and joy of the 2020 offseason, and they showed out with the rest of the defense on Sunday. Daquawn Brown, Malcom Lee, and backup QB Rudy Johnson each had multiple pass breakups. The offense still provides a huge question mark. Nate Chavious could be in for an All-IFL type season if used correctly. Everytime he has the ball in his hands there is big play potential. He only carried ten times on Sunday and that number should increase. Michael Carrillo played solid football but has plenty to improve on. Finally, the play at the center position was hoorendous as Carrillo had to crouch down to field just about every snap. Things looked better as the game went on but that needs to be cleaned up.
BISMARCK: If Taz Wilson completes a deep throw just twice on Sunday the Bucks are 1-0 and we look like complete idiots. Instead, for whatever reason, Wilson continuously overthrew open men and somehow got worse as the game went on. He completed just 5 of 22 passes for 36 yards. That just simply won’t cut it and it’s a shame because the defense was fantastic, forcing multiple turnovers. Special teams was phenomenal. This loss falls on Wilson’s shoulders. Fortunately, if he plays well this looks like a somewhat talented Bismarck squad.
GAME AWARDS
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME: RB Nate Chavious (SD): 10 att. 39 yards, 2 TD, 2 rec. 26 yards, 1 TD.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE GAME: DB Daquawn Brown (SD): 10 tackles, TFL, 4 PBUP, INT.
SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE GAME: DB Zuril Hendrick (BIS): 2 missed FG returns, 90 yards, LONG: 50, 1 TD.
PLAY OF THE GAME:
STAT LEADERS
PASSING YARDS: Michael Carrillo (SD): 132
PASSING TOUCHDOWNS: Michael Carrillo (SD): 3
PASS COMPLETIONS: Michael Carrillo (SD): 9
PASS INCOMPLETIONS: Taz Wilson (BIS): 17
COMPLETION PERCENTAGE: Michael Carrillo (SD): 52.9%
There was excitement, there was energy, there was hope this would be a new River Kings team. That lasted all of six seconds, as Keyvan Rudd returned the opening kickoff of the 2020 IFL season for a touchdown. Cedar Rapids did make things interesting in the first half as the new-found athleticism of Victor Mann’s squad showed itself when Chris Franklin returned a kickoff for a touchdown to pull the River Kings within six. After another QC touchdown Derrick Bernard scored on an impressive 21 yard touchdown run. That’s when the wheels fell off and Quad City does what they do so well, answer quickly. Hilliard threw a beautiful ball downfield to Rudd from 34 yards out to give the ‘Wheelers a two-score lead which they turned into a four-score lead by halftime as Hilliard scored on the ground from one and ten yards out.
The second half saw the River Kings take out some of their first half frustrations and turn things into a game in the third quarter. Cedar Rapids was able to score 26 points in the half, thanks to an improved passing game as Bernard threw two touchdown passes, while Javin Kilgo threw his first career IFL touchdown. The only turnover of the night came on a fumble recovery in the endzone in which River King Diante Thomas fell on a ‘Wheeler fumble for a score. In the end, the River Kings were a much more intriguing team on Saturday night but the quick strike offense was too much for the inexperienced River Kings to overcome.
RIVER KINGS CONFUSION
The second half can be summed up with a “What if?” The River Kings did a fantastic job battling their way back into the game after halftime only to throw in the towel. There were three instances which come to mind. Derrick Bernard finally got going after a 5/15 first half, throwing for two touchdowns, only to be benched for Javin Kilgo. While Kilgo played well, Bernard provided a much bigger threat for a comeback and he wasn’t given that opportunity. Second, the team chose to not kick onside down 54-33 with 39 seconds remaining, and then didn’t attempt an onside kick again down just two scores, 54-39 with 32 seconds left. Lastly, the team had a chance to get the ball back if they were able to tackle Quad City behind the line of scrimmage and use their final two timeouts but instead let the clock run out as the River Kings failed to win their fourth consecutive season opener.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I was a bit dissapointed in the ‘Wheelers tonight. They did get the win which is their job, not to entertain me. They took what the River Kings gave them which was a lot of short throws and we didn’t see a whole lot of what we expected, which were the deep throws we saw last season from QC. Cedar Rapids is going to be such a fun team to watch this season whether they win a lot or not. They are athletic, and passionate, and are a perfect underdog story. If they can find their identity they can be dangerous. One thing is for sure, they need to clean up A LOT of things defensively.
STAT LEADERS
PASSING YARDS: EJ Hilliard (QC): 125
PASSING TOUCHDOWNS: Derrick Bernard (CR): 2
RUSHING YARDS: EJ Hilliard (QC): 47
RUSHING TOUCHDOWNS: EJ Hilliard (QC): 3
RECEPTIONS: Marcus Bagley (QC), James Harden (CR): 4
While breaking down and predicting every team’s 2020 record it is incredibly hard to predict the entire outcome of a season before the opening kickoff of any sport. The IFL has to be an increased level of difficulty. There’s no guarnaty every player finishes a season because of injury, but now with the birth of the XFL, teams have an increased chance of losing their stars than ever before. Again, these are simply predictions and it is not a perfect science. Let’s do it.
1-SEED: ARIZONA RATTLERS (12-2)
The Rattlers will fall twice in 2020, after a 7-0 start they’ll lose a hard-fought matchup on the road against the Tucson Sugar Skulls before the Spokane Shock pull a bit of an upset on their own in the Rattlers’ penultimate regular season game.
2-SEED: SIOUX FALLS STORM (12-2)
The only reason Sioux Falls doesnt have the 1-seed is because of a tie-breaker with Arizona, as the Rattlers avenge their 2019 United Bowl loss and continue to play well against the Storm in the regular season like they always have. Sioux Falls will also slip up in Moline against a Steamwheeler club which always plays well at home.
3-SEED: FRISCO FIGHTERS (11-3)
The schedule sets up so nicely for the first year franchise which may have the most talent of any team in the league both on the field and on the sidelines. Experience is the only question mark for this squad. After an up-and down start to the year we predicit the Fighters rack up 7 wins in a row, winning 8 of their last 10.
4-SEED: TUCSON SUGAR SKULLS (10-3)
Daquan Neal and Dixie Wooten are already lethal together, now the question becomes can they become one of the all-time great duos in IFL history? The only thing missing last year was a ring and they have an opportunity to get it this season with an increased playoff bracket and only 13 regular season games. They’ll be on upset-alert early against San Diego but finish the regular season on a 4-game winning streak.
5-SEED: SPOKANE SHOCK (9-5)
Charles McCullum is back in the IFL and the Shock are the most intriguing team in 2020. There’s plenty of big names both from the outdoor, and indoor game. The only question is if they can all mesh. The Shock have a brutal three-game stretch midway through their schedule, facing Sioux Falls, Tucson, and Arizona. A three-game win streak will give them some momentum heading into the tournament.
6-SEED: GREEN BAY BLIZZARD (8-5)
Corey Roberson showed last year that he can really coach and he has his signal caller back in Lenorris Footman, his dangerous secondary has returned, and all of Footman’s weapons are back in GB as well. There won’t be much different of a look on the field for Green Bay, the question is can they win the close game and can they win the big game? The Blizzard are handed a relatively favorable schedule in 2020. They’ll have to face the big dogs in the playoffs.
7-SEED: QUAD CITY STEAMWHEELERS (7-7)
Quad City was electric in 2019, they just didnt make enough stops. That is projected to change in 2020, and with an entire offense back they will make some serious noise. The league is just so talented at the top it’s tough to get wins. Quad City will get enough of them though to make the IFL playoffs for the first time. The highlight of their regular season will be a win over Sioux Falls.
8-SEED: IOWA BARNSTORMERS (6-8)
The final playoff spot will belong to Iowa. There’s nothing flashy about the Barnstormers but Ameer Ismail is too good a coach and the organization has too much talent to not win enough games to get in. Even with 8-teams they project to be the only team with a losing record who will make it in.
ON THE OUTSIDE LOOKING IN
9: Oakland Panthers (4-10)
10. San Diego Strike Force (4-10)
11. Duke City Gladiators (3-10)
12. Cedar Rapids River Kings (3-11)
13. Bismarck Bucks (1-13)
Before I began I thought there would be no way Oakland misses the playofs with the amount of talent they’ve put together and I thought San Diego would be extremely close to making it. Duke City won a championship last year and has a great coaching staff. This process proved how deep the league is this year and I believe coaching will have more of an edge than ever before. This is why Oakland is on the outside looking in. A lack of experience on the sidelines. For San Diego they play a tough schedule and will start 2-0 but I don’t think they know how to win just yet. Duke City has a tough draw playing mostly the West Coast powers and I don’t think the roster is talented enough to compete for a playoff spot. Cedar Rapids and Bismarck will surprise some people. The River Kings will be extremely competitive, picking up two wins over playoff teams, Bismarck will get their lone win over Iowa.
PLAYOFF PREDICTIONS
ROUND 1
1. Arizona def. 8. Iowa
2. Sioux Falls def. 7. Quad City
6. Green Bay def. 3. Frisco
4. Tucson def. 5. Spokane
CONFERENCE CHAMPIONSHIPS
4. Tucson def. 1. Arizona
2. Sioux Falls def. 6. Green Bay
UNITED BOWL
2. Sioux Falls def. 4. Tucson
PLAYOFF RECAP
Sioux Falls is just too good and they may be even better than last year. The amount of talent may be higher than ever before. Green Bay is a sneaky good team and I think they have potential to make it to the semi-finals as a team others overlook. Arizona and Tucson play so much and I think Tucson will figure out Arizona by the time that championship comes around. In the end, this may be the best Sioux Falls team ever. It won’t look like that because of the level of competition but they are ultra-talented and our pick for 2020 IFL champions.
Green Bay Blizzard can lock up a playoff berth this weekend for the first time since 2012 PHOTO CREDIT: OurSports Central
For the majority of teams in the Indoor Football League only 4 games remain for them to try and improve their playoff standing. The exceptions are the Arizona Rattlers and Bismarck Bucks who each have 5 games left on their schedule. For the remainder of the season until the playoffs come around we will be giving you scenarios to look for in each week of action which will set the 2019 IFL playoff bracket. 6 teams will make the playoffs.
TICKETS PUNCHED
The Arizona Rattlers, Iowa Barnstormers, and Sioux Falls Storm have clinched spots in the IFL playoffs leaving three spots still open.
TEAMS ON THE CUTTING BLOCK
Both the San Diego Strike Force and Cedar Rapids River Kings are on the verge of becoming the first two teams eliminated from playoff contention. If the River Kings lose to the Steamwheelers they will be eliminated from playoff contention. If the Strike Force fall to the Rattlers they will be eliminated. Even if both teams win they’ll need some help to stay alive. A win by the Sugar Skulls against the Bismarck Bucks and a win by the Nebraska Danger over the Sioux Falls Storm would eliminate both teams immediately.
CLINCHING SPOTS
The Green Bay Blizzard will have their opportunity to clinch a playoff spot for the first time since 2012 this weekend. The Blizzard who currently sit at 4th in the standings can lock up a playoff berth with a win over the Iowa Barnstormers or a Quad City Steamwheeler loss to the Cedar Rapids River Kings.
5 SEED UP FOR GRABS
While there is no question who the more talented team is, the Nebraska Danger and Tucson Sugar Skulls are tied in the standings sharing the 5th and 6th spot. If Nebraska wins against Sioux Falls they will hang on to the 5 spot no matter the outcome of Tucson’s game. However, if the Sugar Skulls knock off Bismarck and the Danger lose to the Storm the Danger would fall back to the 6th spot and the Sugar Skulls would move up to number 5.
MOST IMPORTANT GAME OF THE WEEK
Who would’ve thought the Tucson Sugar Skulls and Bismarck Bucks would be playing in a game with playoff implications. A win for the Sugar Skulls all but eliminates Bismarck from postseason play as the Sugar Skulls will have then swept the season series. With a win Bismarck would put themselves 1.5 games behind Tucson for the sixth and final playoff spot, and with a Storm victory over the Danger the Bucks would be 1.5 behind Nebraska. The Danger do own the tiebreaker over the Bucks.
Daquan Neal continued his MVP Caliber season in Week 12. PHOTO CREDIT: pictureiowa.com
REALLY GOOD OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
IOWA BARNSTORMERS QB DAQUAN NEAL: Neal had a memorable performance in week 12. One of the greatest single-game performances in IFL history. The play everyone will remember is the IFL Rookie’s game winning touchdown as time expired to give his team a berth in the 2019 IFL playoffs. (you can watch the play by clicking the link.) Neal scored 10 total touchdowns, 6 of which came on the ground which is tied for 3rd all-time for a single game. He also threw 4 through the air to go along with 199 yards.
REALLY GOOD DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE WEEK
GREEN BAY BLIZZARD LB DAYSHAWN TAYLOR: Despite the effort coming in a loss, Taylor had a breakout game against the Sioux Falls Storm. Taylor tallied a team high 11 tackles to go a long with a sack. The total is the highest which Taylor has tallied this season and was also his first sack of 2019.
REALLY GOOD SPECIAL TEAMS PLAYER OF THE WEEK
SIOUX FALLS STORM DL MALCOLM GOINES: In a seven point game every play is obviously important. It would be interesting how this 44-37 victory could’ve turned out differently for Sioux Falls if not for an effort from Defensive Lineman Malcolm Goines. In the late stages of the first quarter Green Bay Blizzard kicker Ed Ruhnke lined up in his own endzone for a 61 yard attempt. Goines burst through the Blizzard line, blocking the kick and then fell on it himself for a touchdown.
The Iowa Barnstormers have clinched a spot in the 2019 IFL playoffs. PHOTO CREDIT Iowa Barnstormers Facebook
BARNSTORMERS 59 STEAMWHEELERS 56
This is going to be the game of the year in the IFL and if it isn’t it’s going to take one of the all-time classics to top it. The Barnstormers continued their flare for the dramatic, using a Daquan Neal touchdown scamper to give them their second last second victory of the season, clinching the defending champs their fourth straight playoff apearence. This is probably going to be the game that ends up winning Neal MVP honors, among others. The first year IFL signal caller threw only 3 incompletions on 17 attempts, 199 yards and 4 touchdowns to go along with a staggering 6 on the ground. The Steamwheelers most likely have run out of time because of this loss. The team sits at 3-7 and are 2 games behind Tucson for the 6th and final playoff spot. With that being said, this is an incredibly fun team to watch. EJ Hilliard, tossed another 4 TD strikes, and still has only thrown 1 interception this season. No QB in IFL history has thrown less than 2 in a season. Quinton Pedroza hauled in 2 of Hilliard’s 4 touchdowns bringing his league high total to 21. This connection is arguably the best in the league and they’ll have a must win game against Cedar Rapids this weekend to keep their hopes alive.
STORM 44 BLIZZARD 37
The final score was only a 7 point margin but the ending of the IFL’s battle for third place ended a bit anti-climatically. With 2:13 left the Blizzard opted to kick the ball deep instead of trying for an onside kick. The Blizzard never got the ball back and fell to 6-4. Despite the loss Lenorris Footman continued to improve as a passer, throwing for 160 yards and 3 TD’s. His 1 interception proved to be costly though as Lorenzo White picked Footman off, in what would turn out to be the deciding possession of the ball game. As for Sioux Falls, Lorenzo Brown was held to under 100 yards passing for the evening, and no player rushed for more than 65 yards. The defense won this game for Sioux Falls, and clinched the IFL’s greatest franchise yet another playoff berth.
SUGAR SKULLS 65 STRIKE FORCE 48
The good news for the Strike Force is they went into the fourth quarter against the Sugar Skulls down 44-41. The bad news, they allowed their expansion counterparts to outscore them 21-7 in the fourth, and the momentum the Strike Force had after a win against Cedar Rapids on April 14th is now a distant memory. Jihad Vercher was solid, throwing for 3 touchdowns. The Achilles heel for San Diego continued to be turnovers as Vercher threw a pick and the normally reliable George Moreira coughed up the ball on a pivotal fourth quarter drive. As for Tucson nothing they did was overly impressive against San Diego. Jake Medlock and Matt Behrendt combined to throw five touchdowns, but most importantly the Sugar Skulls never turned the ball over. Kick returner Jeremiah Harris was impressive yet again as he continues to make his case as a late runner at an all-IFL returner spot, totaling 181 yards on 8 attempts for a 22.6 YPR average with a long of 44 yards.
Lorenzo Brown carried the Storm to Victory in Week 11 in Record Setting Fashion. Photo Credit: siouxfallsstorm.com
STORM 59 STEAMWHEELERS 46
Lorenzo Brown tossed a season high 7 touchdown passes in the win for Sioux Falls which moves him into 4th all-time, passing Willie Copeland. Kent Shelby and Brandon Shepard were the main targets for Brown, hauling in three touchdowns a piece. For Quad City their toughest stretch of schedule could not be coming at a worse time. The ‘Wheelers now sit a game back of Tucson for the sixth and final playoff spot with a date against the Barnstormers awaiting them this weekend.
RATTLERS 56 DANGER 46
The first taste we got to see of reigning MVP Drew Powell wasn’t overly impressive, but it got the job done. Powell was efficient, completing 8 of 10 passes for 96 yards and 2 touchdowns against 1 interception. The Rattlers also got a lot of help defensively as Dillion Winfrey added an interception and veteran Bubba Chapman added two more.The Danger tried a new approach against the unbeaten Rattlers, focusing on a ground heavy attack with Tommy Armstrong, Davonte Sapp-Lynch and converted wide receiver Quincy Walden. The Rattler defense slowed down Walden and Sapp-Lynch, limiting them to just 66 yards and a touchdown combined. Armstrong had a strong night on the ground with 73 yards and 2 touchdowns, but his 3 interceptions were too much for Nebraska to overcome.
BARNSTORMERS 43 RIVER KINGS 18
If you have watched a Barnstormer or River Kings game this season, you can guess what went down in Des Moines Saturday night. Daquan Neal continued his MVP caliber season, throwing for 186 yards and 4 touchdowns to go along with 1 on the ground. Wide receiver Ryan Balentine continued to climb the record ladder, moving into 3rd place all-time in receiving yards as he earned 109 against Cedar Rapids, while also catching a touchdown. 4 different Barnstormers caught touchdown passes. Tyrell Pearson also added an interception which gives him a league-leading 6 for the season. As for the River Kings, we haven’t minced words on how we feel about the situation for Cedar Rapids. Ben Wilkerson struggled again. He went 8-20 passing for 93 yards a touchdown and 3 picks. Mark Stoute should probably receiving his walking papers sooner rather than later, and the River Kings will be playing in Oakland next season if things don’t change.
SUGAR SKULLS 54 STRIKE FORCE 34
Good for the Sugar Skulls here, they took an opportunity and made the most of it. despite losing four straight coming into the ball game Tucson did a fantastic job finishing on Saturday, earning the victory behind 3 Rico Brown touchdown catches and moving back into the sixth and final playoff spot. All hope is not lost for San Diego, there are times where this team looks like it’s heading in the right direction. This was the first time they looked like they took a step back in a few weeks. A late season surge is still in the cards for a playoff push but performances like the one seen in Week 11 must be avoided.
BLIZZARD 48 BUCKS 39
Unfortunately the YouTube stream of this game never posted so we have not seen the entirety of this game. With that being said the Bucks are dangerous. They were down 2 points with 3 minutes to go and are going to be the most formidable challenger to Quad City and Tucson for the sixth and final playoff spot. The Blizzard keep doing what they need to do to set themselves up for a home playoff game. At 6-3 they are 1.5 games up on Nebraska for the fourth spot and own the tiebreaker. Lenorris Footman had arguably his best game throwing the football, going 8-14 for 135 yards, 3 touchdowns and most importantly no interceptions.
Sugar Skulls RB Mike Jones and Danger KR Eric Thomas Photo Credit: Instagram: @thekickodilehunter and Jimmy Rash of the Grand Island Independent
OFFENSE
SUGAR SKULLS RB MIKE JONES JR: Despite his team failing to protect a 17 point lead in the first half and a 10 point lead with under 5 minutes remaining Saturday, Tucson running back Mike Jones Jr. was impressive again. Jones carried the ball 21 times for a season high 109 yards and 3 touchdowns. He also caught 3 passes for 13 yards. Despite this, Tucson surprisingly kept the ball out of Jones’ hands in crunch time which could be the reason Tucson failed to protect their lead en route to a fourth straight loss. Jones now is the IFL’s leader in rushing yards per game with 61.4, and is third in the league in rushing yards with 430 and rushing touchdowns with 14.
DEFENSE
DANGER DL D’VONN BROWN: The Danger found their way to the quarterback 5 times in their week 10 victory. Leading the way was Defensive Lineman D’Vonn Brown who registered a season high 2 sacks to go along with 7 tackles, 4 of which were for a loss. Brown now ranks 6th in the league in sacks and tackles for loss with 3.5 and 7.5.
SPECIAL TEAMS
DANGER KR ERIC THOMAS: The Nebraska wide receiver had a night to remember on Friday against the team he called his own in 2016 without catching a single pass. Thomas returned the opening kickoff 52 yards for his 2nd kickoff return touchdown of 2019 before following that up with a missed field goal return for a score at the end of the first half from 58 yards. On the night Thomas had 3 returns, totaling 104 yards. Thomas joins Marquel Wade as the only players with multiple kickoff return touchdowns in a single game this season.
Iowa Barnstormers Head Coach Dixie Wooten celebrates with Quarterback Daquan Neal as Tucson Quarterback Jake Medlock looks on. Photo credit to Kelly Presnell of the Arizona Daily Star
BARNSTORMERS: 61 SUGAR SKULLS: 58
From the opening kickoff everything pointed towards the Sugar Skulls pulling off an upset which would have serious playoff implications. A win would put Tucson back into the top six and an Iowa loss most likely meant no first round bye for the defending champions in this year’s playoffs. The homestanding ‘Skulls held an 11 point lead thanks to a fantastic first half offensively led by quarterback Jake Medlock and running back Mike Jones. When the second half came around the bounce the Barnstormers have gotten all season never seemed to come, every bounce went the Sugar Skulls way. Tucson led by a 10 point margin with 4:11 remaining in the ball game. That’s when things, like they have at every point since the Skulls 3-1 start, went wrong. Ryan Balentine hauled in a Daquan Neal TD pass making the score 51-47. Tucson then went nowhere offensively and right on que had a Josh Gable field goal blocked and returned for a touchdown giving Iowa their first lead of the game. Tucson fought back as Shaq Curenton hauled in a 28 yard toss from Jake Medlock with 54 seconds left. Those 54 seconds were too much for the defending champions. Iowa drove down the field and Daquan Neal scrambled to his left, diving into the endzone for the deciding score. On the play a blatant holding call which spring Neal to paydirt was missed.
The Sugar Skulls would have one more crack, as Josh Gable lined up for a game tying field goal. The strong legged kicker picked the wrong time to come up short as his attempt didn’t have enough strength behind it, giving the Barnstormers the comeback win.
Tucson: Mike Jones (RB): 21 Carries, 109 Yards, 3 TD.
FINAL THOUGHTS
I don’t know how the Sugar Skulls managed to blow this one. I kept waiting for them to make a mistake or for Iowa to show why they are the defending champions. That moment looked like it would never come. I thought the game was over when Mike Jones took a carry 28 yards to the house with 5:10 left to give Tucson a ten point lead. The Sugar Skulls have a legitimate gripe on the no call for the hold on the Daquan Neal go ahead touchdown. That call is the worst no-call this season and maybe in the last few seasons. Tucson could possibly miss out on playoff football because of this, and that’s unacceptable. However, they don’t get put on that position if they could figure out how to close out a game. That 3-1 start feels like a distant memory now. As for Iowa, there are some serious problems the Barnstormers need to figure out before the playoffs hit. Iowa deserved to lose this game but they got lucky. They should’ve lost to the Danger earlier this season. This could very well be a three loss team. Don’t be surprised if they lose again this season and wind up playing a first round playoff game.
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