Storm Videos
Written by Kayley Shade, Director of Media RelationsSIOUX FALLS, SD - The Sioux Falls Storm traveled to Des Moines, IA to play in their ninth consecutive championship appearance. The showdown plotted the Sioux Falls Storm against the Iowa Barnstormers in the 2018 United Bowl Championship game on Saturday, July 7th. The Storm would fall short in recapturing the United Bowl trophy after a 42-38 loss to the Barnstormers.
The first quarter saw only one touchdown coming off a Iowa six-yard touchdown pass by Drew Powell to BJ Butler, putting the Barnstormers up 7-0.
The second quarter was a back and forth bout with Sioux Falls striking first to tie the game when Lorenzo Brown took in a 11-yard rushing touchdown. Iowa would retake a 14-7 lead after Drew Powell found Ryan Ballentine for a 42-yard touchdown. Sioux Falls would tie it up again after a two-yard touchdown pass by Lorenzo Brown to Damond Powell. Iowa would go on top 21-14 after a Drew Powell 23-yard touchdown pass to Ryan Ballentine. Sioux Falls would end the half with a 21-17 deficit after a 28-yard field goal by Miles Bergner.
SIOUX FALLS, SD - The Sioux Falls Storm (12-3) will face the Iowa Barnstormers (12-3) in 2018 United Bowl
Championship on Saturday, July 7. Kickoff is slated for 7:05 PM (CT) at Wells Fargo Arena.
The Storm defeated the Arizona Rattlers during the first round of playoffs to advance to their ninth consecutive United Bowl. In that game, quarterback Lorenzo Brown completed 13 out of his 22 attempts for 167 yards, four touchdowns and one interception. Brown also rushed for 72 yards and three touchdowns. Running back Lyle McCombs had seven rushing yards with one touchdown and 68 receiving yards with one touchdown. Wide receivers Damond Powell had 55 yards and two touchdowns while Damian Ford had 40 yards with one touchdown. Kicker Miles Bergner was perfect on the night, hitting two field goals and nine extra points. Kick returner Damond Powell had 176 return yards and one touchdown. Defensive back Damond Smith II led the Thunder Defense with 13 total tackles. Linebacker Dezmin Reed had one pass break-up and one block. Defensive linemen Claude Davis and Louis Palmer had .5 sack.
The Indoor Football League (IFL) is proud to announce the 2018 Team Awards for outstanding achievements during
the IFL regular season.
Franchise of the Year: Arizona Rattlers
For the second consecutive season, the Arizona Rattlers have been named the IFL Franchise of the Year. Selected by their peers, factors considered for achieving this award consisted of attendance, sales, public relations, marketing, on-field performance, community involvement and overall representation of the IFL.
"This honor is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of our players and coaches, front office staff, support staff and of course our incredible fans who continue to support our team," said Rattlers owner Ron Shurts. "It's our mission to support our city, provide a great experience to our fans and help grow the sport of indoor football in Phoenix. A huge thank you to our partners, fans and all of our supporters. This isn't possible without them!"
After winning the United Bowl last season, the Rattlers organization built on their success in 2018. On the field, Arizona tied for the best record in the IFL (11-3) and again advanced to the playoffs. Additionally, the organization set a new IFL and new team single game attendance record this season of 18,381 fans.
Executive of the Year: Ryan Hopson (Director of Sales) - Green Bay Blizzard)
Green Bay Blizzard Director of Sales Ryan Hopson has been named the 2018 IFL Executive of the Year.
"I am honored to receive this recognition from the IFL," said Hopson. "To even be considered in this category with other executives in the league from whom I have learned so much, is humbling. This award would not be possible without the unwavering support of Blizzard owners Larry and Kathy Treankler, my family, our front office and intern staff, sponsors and fans!
Hopson guided the Green Bay Blizzard to team attendance records in 2018. Despite a 2-12 season, the Blizzard had the highest average attendance since the team joined the IFL in 2010. In addition, Hopson also oversaw a 33 percent increase in sponsorship from 2017 to 2018.
Best Fan Base: Arizona Rattlers
For a second consecutive season, the Arizona Rattlers have the IFL's Best Fan Base. The award is given to the team with the fans that show the most enthusiasm, energy, and overall appreciation for their team. Fans at the "Snake Pit" showed up in record numbers this season as the team set not only a new IFL new single game attendance record of 18,381 but a new team record as well!
