The game was just as close as the teams’ identical records would indicate as the Iowa Barnstormers fell 62-56 in sudden-death overtime to Tampa Bay on Saturday at Wells Fargo Arena.
Many players were stars and many big plays were made, but it wasn’t enough to overcome nine touchdowns by Storm quarterback Randy Hippeard.
Iowa’s Darius Reynolds recovered an onside kick with 26 seconds remaining in regulation to give his Arena Football League team a chance. Iowa marched down the field and scored to make it 56-54.
Reynolds was in at quarterback for the two-point conversion, and somehow spun himself out of danger to find fellow receiver Marco Thomas in the end zone to send the game into overtime.
After a Storm turnover and a Barnstormer turnover on downs, the game became a sudden-death affair, and Hippeard ended it abruptly with an 11-yard touchdown run up the middle.
It was over when: Not until the final play of the game. Even as the Storm loomed on Iowa’s 11-yard line with sudden-death rules in play, the Barnstormers had a chance. They proved minutes earlier that they were capable of heroics.
Key sequence: After Mervin Brookins came up with an interception during Tampa Bay’s first possession of overtime, the Barnstormers had all the momentum. But then a quick three-and-out took all the wind out of Iowa’s sails. That’s when Tampa Bay was awarded the ball at the Barnstormers’ 11, and two plays later the game ended.
Turning point: Iowa had the upper hand for the entire first half. Iowa gave up a touchdown on the first possession of the second half to tie the game. Then there was a turnover on downs, and another Storm touchdown that gave Tampa Bay its first lead, 35-28.
Star of the show: Former Cyclone Reynolds had the onside kick recovery, the two-point conversion toss and added three total touchdowns — two from the quarterback position — and 119 total yards.
What went right: After committing four costly turnovers in its last outing — an 86-49 loss to Cleveland — Iowa was much more careful with the ball this time around. Iowa coughed the ball up just once, a fumble by Reynolds in the fourth quarter.
What’s next: The Barnstormers will play at Pittsburgh on Friday night, and both teams will be looking to get back in the win column after losses Saturday night. Iowa is now on the outside looking in for the playoffs, and desperately needs to end to its two-game skid. Pittsburgh holds the top wild card spot.
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