March 28, 2024

Barnstormers win first league championship

DES MOINES — Jamal Tyler scored the game-winning touchdown with 13 seconds to play, and the Iowa Barnstormers won the United Bowl, 42-38, over the Sioux Falls Storm at Wells Fargo Arena on Saturday night.

It was the first league championship in franchise history, dating back to the inaugural season in 2006.

Drew Powell, the league’s MVP, was 12-for-16 through the air for 178 yards and four touchdowns. He gained another 48 yards and one TD on the ground.

Ryan Balentine was at the receiving end of all the long TD plays.

The Southern Mississippi product finished with five catches for 91 yards. He hauled in two first touchdowns, the first covering 42 yards and the second covering 23 yards.

Balentine was named the game’s MVP.

The Barnstormers capped their first championship season with a record of 13-3.