The Massachusetts Pirates will be hosting the Iowa Barnstormers this Saturday at DCU Center in Worcester, MA. This is a pivotal matchup that could have significant playoff implications. The Massachusetts Pirates, Iowa Barnstormers, and Frisco Fighters all have a 3-1 record and sit at the top of the Eastern Conference while the Arizona Rattlers are 5-0 and at the top of the Western Conference in the Indoor Football League Standings. The Massachusetts Pirates are actually the defending champions of the Indoor Football League having defeated the Arizona Rattlers in the 2021 United Bowl.
The Pirates have had some incredibly talented players this season who have made big plays for the team. Harlan Miller caught an interception against the Bismarck Bucks on April 10th. Miller actually started games for an NFL franchise, the Arizona Cardinals, and made some crucial plays when he played alongside NFL Legends like Calais Campbell and Patrick Peterson on that stout Cardinals defense. The Massachusetts Pirates also have had players like Dexter McCluster in the past. McCluster is an NFL Pro Bowler who played a really big role for the Kansas City Chiefs offense with Jamaal Charles. This matchup on Saturday also features an Iowa Barnstormers team that used to feature NFL Hall of Famer Kurt Warner. Warner threw absolute rockets for the Barnstormers offense before winning two NFL Most Valuable Player Awards and winning a Super Bowl. Warner also played in two other Super Bowls.
Quarterback Alejandro Bennifield, running back Martez Carter, and wide receiver Thomas Owens have put up great numbers on offense this year. Owens has 8 touchdowns in the first 4 games and wears #81. The fans are appreciating Owens’ success in the end zone and calling him “T.O.” like NFL Legend Terrell “T.O.” Owens.
The stage is set for an exciting game between the Pirates and the Barnstormers on Saturday, April 23.