Iowa Barnstormers Press Release

For Immediate Release Contact: Nick Heimendinger

February 15, 2017 (515) 633-2255

Barnstormers Fall to Nighthawks in Season Opener

Iowa Defeated 68-53 in Wichita Falls

Des Moines, IA The Iowa Barnstormers (0-1) fell to the Wichita Falls Nighthawks (1-
0) 68-53 Saturday Night at the Kay Yeager Coliseum in Wichita Falls, Texas.

In the first quarter, Wichita Falls wasted no time finding the end zone scoring on its
first possession of the season with a passing touchdown from Nighthawks
quarterback Charles McCullum. The Barnstormers were quick to answer as
quarterback Travis Partridge found receiver Lucas Hefty for a short passing
touchdown. The Barnstormers completed a long touchdown pass from Partridge to
receiver Brady Roland, giving the Barnstormers a 12-6 lead. On the next series,
Wichita Falls connected on a touchdown ending the first quarter with a 14-12
advantage.

During the second quarter, Iowa Barnstormers kicker Kenton Chun made a pair of
long field goals, while Wichita Falls delivered a passing and rushing touchdown,
giving the Nighthawks a 27-18 lead midway through the second quarter. In the final
moments of the first half, McCullum threw his fourth passing touchdown of the half
to give the Nighthawks a 33-25 lead going into halftime.

The second half started with back and forth scoring from the Barnstormers and the
Nighthawks, each scoring on its first possession. Roland hauled in his second
touchdown of the game, while the Nighthawks threw a short passing touchdown to
take the lead 41-32. On the next Wichita Falls possession, the Nighthawks scored on
a passing touchdown giving them a 47-32 lead going into the fourth quarter.

At the start of the final quarter, the Barnstormers wasted no time as Partridge found
receiver Ryan Balentine for a touchdown, cutting the Nighthawks lead to 47-38. The
Barnstormers defense was unable to keep the Nighthawks offense out of the end
zone on the next play, increasing the lead to 53-38. Iowa answered back with
touchdown receptions from Balentine and Roland, but Wichita Falls kept its foot on
the gas and answered both times defeating the Barnstormers 68-53.
 The Barnstormers will return to Wells Fargo Arena on Sunday, March 26, 2017 for
their HOME OPENER against in-state rivals the Cedar Rapids Titans. Kickoff is set for
3:05 p.m. Tickets are available now.

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