Peoria Pirates Sink the Iowa Barnstormers and Steal Their Booty, 45-35

Sunday

25May2008

Sunday, May 25, 2008 at 12:55PM

MLN Newswire - www.mlntherawfeed.com – PEORIA, IL – (May 24, 2008) The Peoria Pirates defeated the Iowa Barnstormers 45-35 on Saturday night in front of 2,973 screaming fans at Peoria’s Carver Arena. Peoria (3-5) drew first blood but quickly fell behind Iowa (3-5), but then orchestrated a clock-eating fourth quarter comeback.

Pirates scored first on a four-yard rush by Phillip Brock. Iowa answered just three minutes later with a two-yard run by Joe Brannen. The period ended with the score tied 7-7. During the second quarter, the teams traded touchdowns twice, but missed PAT opportunities had the Pirates trailing 21-19 when Brannen completed a nine-yard pass to Errick McCown for a score and the period ended with the Barnstormers leading 28-19.

In the third quarter the tide began to turn just two minutes into the game when Randy Chappell intercepted a pass from Brannen and ran it back 23-yards. Justin Rascati put the ball in the air on the very next play and hit Phillip Brock in the end zone for a 12-yard TD completion. The teams again traded scores later in the quarter, but the Pirates were in striking distance as the game moved into the final frame with the score 35-31 Iowa.

ADVERTISEMENT The fourth quarter started off with a solid defensive stand by Peoria and Iowa was forced to attempt a field goal. Barnstormer kicker Jeff Glas missed a 38-yard kick. Peoria then drove almost the entire length of the field, with Rascati hooking up with Darren Paige for a pair of completions; first a twelve-yard pass followed by another 21-yard completion for the score. The PAT kick was good and the Pirates had completed their comeback with 8:03 left to play in the game. That wasn’t the end of the scoring, though. After the kickoff, the Peoria defense held firm and the Barnstormers were four-and out, giving Peoria excellent field position. Rascati put the ball in Brock’s hands again for a 5-yard TD to end the scoring.

Rascati ended the night completing 17 of 27 passes with a single interception. He also led all rushers with 25-yards on the ground. Alex Wiese also gained 20 yards rushing for the Pirates and the Barnstormers ground attack was led by J.J. Payne, who had 10 yards and a TD. Joe Brannen completed 22 of 38 and had the one pick. Tim Dodge and McCown were his most frequent targets, with 87 and 78 yards receiving, respectively. For Peoria’s receiving corps, Brock led all with 112 yards on ten catches. Paige also had five catches for 56 yards and Jaybr Holbrook had a very key 37-yard catch. Defensive leaders for Iowa were Tanner Varner with eight tackles and Jason Simpson with seven. Danie McElmore had the lone barnstormer pick of the night. Kofi Amoah led the Pirates with eight tackles while Nathan Williams made seven stops and Charles Edwards had a sack and a tackle-for-loss.

Peoria heads to Green Bay on Friday with revenge on their minds. The Pirates return home on Saturday, June 7 for a game against the Louisville Fire. Game time is 7:05 PM. Call 309-673-1000 for tickets.

JLS Ironman of the Game: Curtis Eason (PEO)
Schutt Offensive Player of the Game: Phillip Brock (PEO)
ADT Defensive Player of the Game: Randy Chappell (PEO)
Cutters Catch of the Game: Jaybr Holbrook (PEO)