ROSEMONT, IL-Two fourth quarter touchdown passes by Arman Drummond enabled the Chicago Rush to defeat the slumping Iowa Barnstormers, 34-20 in Week 10 of the AFL season.
Iowa started with a drive into scoring position, but SB Rhoads missed a 37-yard field goal attempt. Chicago would answer with a 5-play, 36-yard drive, and Dete Justen drilled a 54-yard field goal to give the Rush a 3-0 lead with 7:21 remaining in the first quarter. Both teams traded punts during the remainder of the quarter.
After a Barnstormer punt early in the second quarter, The Rush drove 18 yards on 5 plays, and Justen kicked a 46-yard field goal with 12:01 remaining in the half to go up 6-0. Iowa's next drive again put them in scoring position, but Rhoads would miss a 42-yard field goal attempt. Chicago responded with an 11-play 68-yard drive, ending with Drummond throwing a 13-yard touchdown pass to Lonnie Clements making it 13-0 with 4:04 left in the second quarter. After an Iowa punt pinned Chicago deep in their own territory, the Rush lined up to punt. Winn Burnett's punt was blocked by Richard Ponder and Burnett recovered it in the end zone and was tackled for a safety with 14 seconds left in the half, and the Barnstormers trailed 13-2 at halftime.
Chicago started the second half with possession, and Drummond was intercepted by Shelton St. Johns. The Barnstormers would then drive 25 yards on 4 plays, and Rhoads kicked a 31-yard field goal to make it 13-5 with 10:29 to go in the third quarter. The Rush would answer with a 10-play, 72-yard drive. Drummond finished it off with a 24-yard touchdown pass to Marty Margerum to pull ahead 20-5 with 6:30 remaining in the third. The Barnstormers would respond with a 10-play, 80-yard drive. Ev Blansett would throw a 6-yard touchdown to Chesley Starnes with 1:06 left in the third to make it 20-12.
The Rush went three-and-out, and the Barnstormers would move the ball again, going 65 yards on 8 plays. Blansett would finish the drive with a 1-yard touchdown pass to Starnes, and a successful 2-Point Conversion tied the game at 20 with 11:40 left in the fourth quarter. Chicago would answer with a 12-play, 67-yard drive, ending with Drummond throwing a 24-yard touchdown pass to Margerum giving the Rush a 27-20 lead with 6:04 to go in the fourth quarter. Iowa's comeback hopes were dashed when Blansett was picked off by Loren Dickerson, who returned it 32 yards to the Barnstormers' 32-yard line. Four plays later, Drummond threw a 27-yard touchdown pass to Clements making it 34-20 with 3:46 left in the game. The Barnstormers tried to drive for a score, but were turned away on fourth down.
Chicago (3-7) gained 319 yards of total offense. The Rush gained 82 yards rushing on 27 carries. Ward Despain led the team with 46 yards on 10 carries. Drummond went 18-of-37 passing for 245 yards, 4 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked once for an 8-yard loss. Clements led the team with 6 catches for 84 yards and 2 TD. Margerum caught 5 passes for 79 yards and 2 TD. The Rush will visit the Los Angeles Avengers next week.
Iowa (4-6) gained 355 yards of total offense. The Barnstormers ran for 32 yards on 18 carries. Blansett was the team's leading rusher with 26 yards on 6 carries. He was 29-of-41 passing for 362 yards, 2 TD and 1 INT. He was sacked five times, losing 39 yards. Isaiah O'Connell led the team with 8 catches for 76 yards. Iowa goes on the road next week to face the San Jose Sabercats.
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