Post by DiamondThief on Apr 29, 2017 19:04:27 GMT -8
4/29/17 --
DES MOINES, IA - Missed opportunities. The Colorado Crush had their chances, but were unable to capitalize as they fell to the Iowa Barnstormers tonight, 33-21.
The Crush scored just six points in the first half - on a pair of Spencer Groner field goals. Groner also had another long field goal attempt blocked, which led to an immediate Barnstormers' score. Couple that with a pair of interceptions and a fine Colorado defensive effort went for not.
The Barnstormers took a 7-3 lead on a six-yard run from Keshaudas Spence. They increased the advantage to 13-6 on Ryan Balentine's four-yard run with 9:43 left in the second quarter.
Colorado had the ball first in the second half, but on the second play of the third quarter, Liam Nadler was intercepted by Iowa;s Daejon Love. The Barnstormers would score just over four minutes later on a four-yard run from quarterback Travis Partridge. Four minutes later, the Barnstormers scored again on Spence's one-yard run.
The Crush finally reached the end zone early in the fourth quarter on Josh Ford's one-yard run, which cut their deficit to 27-13. They had an opportunity to cut that lead in half. The Crush were driving with the ball at the Iowa 12 yard line when Sean Goldrich's pass was intercepted by Dee Maggitt, Jr. and returned 49 yards for a touchdown.
Colorado scored with 25 seconds remaining in the game on Goldrich's three-yard pass to Kyle Kaiser.
Liam Nadler started his fifth straight game for the Crush, who were coming off a thrilling 77-73 win over the Wichita Falls Nighthawks on April 21. Goldrich, who began the season under center for the Crush, missed the past several games due to injury. He was activated by the team last week and replaced Nadler in the third quarter. This could create a quarterback controversy and competition between the two going forward.
The Crush were playing their first game under head coach Marvin Jones, who took over earlier in the week after Jose Jefferson was dismissed by the team for what Jefferson described as "financial" reasons.
Colorado actually outgained Iowa in total offense, 197 to 152. The Crush committed seven penalties for 32 yards, while the Barnstormers were flagged twice for 20 yards.
Partridge completed 12 of 16 passes for 79 yards, while rushing 11 times for 28 yards and a touchdown.Spence added 41 yards on 11 carries. Balentine had five receptions for 32 yards and Brady Roland contributed 29 yards on three grabs. Love led the Barnstormers with 8.5 total tackles and an interception. Ra'Shawde Myers and Keith Jones, Jr. each tallied a sack.
Goldrich went 11 of 19 for 73 yards with a touchdown and an interception. Josh Ford rushed eight times for 27 yards and a score. and caught four passes for 16 yards. Lovie Rose III caught seven passes for 62 yards, while Kaiser had five catches for 46 yards and a touchdown. Chris Gant had three grabs for 31 yards. Ace Clark has a strong performance with nine total tackles, while Kwame Bell had 2.5 tackles for a loss.
The Barnstormers (7-2) will visit the Green Bay Blizzard (2-7) on May 6 at 5:05 p.m. The Crush (2-7) will be at home on May 8 against the Salt Lake Screaming Eagles (1-7) at 5 p.m. The Screaming Eagles will face the Spokane Empire on April 30. All times are pacific time. Both of those games, as well as all of the leagues games this season are available for streaming on the IFL's Youtube channel.
- ANM
(Graphic courtesy SCtoC)
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