What Is 2018 Iowa Barnstormers football team

Overview

The 2018 Iowa Barnstormers represented Des Moines in the Champions Indoor Football (CIF) league, marking their continued presence in professional indoor football since rejoining the circuit in 2016. Coached by Vantz Singletary, the team struggled to find consistency, ultimately finishing the season with a losing record.

Despite a passionate fan base and strong community support, the Barnstormers failed to make the CIF playoffs in 2018. Their performance reflected challenges in both offense and defense, with several close losses contributing to their sub-.500 record.

• League affiliation: The team competed in the Champions Indoor Football (CIF) league, which formed in 2015 from a merger of several regional indoor leagues.
• Season record: The Barnstormers posted a 7–9 win-loss record during the 14-game 2018 regular season, placing them below playoff qualification threshold.
• Head coach: Vantz Singletary, a former NFL player and experienced indoor football coach, led the team for the 2018 season before departing afterward.
• Home venue: All home games were held at Wells Fargo Arena in downtown Des Moines, a 15,000-seat multi-purpose facility also hosting concerts and other sports.
• Playoff status: The team did not qualify for the CIF postseason in 2018, ending their campaign in early June after the regular season concluded.

How It Works

Indoor football differs from traditional outdoor American football in field size, rules, and pace. The CIF follows a modified version of the indoor game, designed for faster action and higher scoring, which shapes team strategies and player roles.

• Field dimensions:The playing surface is 50 yards long and 28 yards wide, significantly smaller than an outdoor field, leading to compressed offensive schemes and aggressive defense.
• Game clock:The clock stops frequently, but each quarter is 15 minutes long with a 30-second play clock, increasing the total number of plays per game.
• Scoring rules:A touchdown is worth six points, and teams can attempt a one- or two-point conversion; however, kickoffs are replaced with a single-point scrimmage play.
• Player roster:Teams carry 20 active players per game, with eight on the field at once, requiring versatile athletes who play both offense and defense.
• Defensive rules:Defensive linemen must remain within a 10-foot neutral zone until the ball is snapped, altering pass rush strategies.
• Overtime format:Overtime consists of two possessions per team, starting from the opponent’s five-yard line, with sudden death rules if tied after both attempts.

Comparison at a Glance

The 2018 Iowa Barnstormers' performance can be better understood when compared to other CIF teams and previous seasons. The table below highlights key statistics from the 2018 season.

The Barnstormers ranked near the middle of the league in scoring but allowed more points than they scored, indicating defensive shortcomings. Their point differential of -33 was among the worst for non-playoff teams, underscoring the need for improvement in subsequent seasons.

Why It Matters

The 2018 season, while not successful on the field, was significant for maintaining the Barnstormers' presence in Des Moines and continuing to build a fan culture around indoor football in Iowa. The team’s efforts contributed to the broader growth of minor league football in the Midwest.

• Community engagement:The Barnstormers hosted youth clinics and school outreach programs, strengthening ties between the team and central Iowa families.
• Economic impact:Home games brought thousands to downtown Des Moines, supporting local businesses and arena operations.
• Player development:The team served as a platform for athletes to showcase talent, with several players moving to higher-level leagues.
• Entertainment value:Fast-paced games provided affordable family entertainment, drawing over 4,000 fans per game on average.
• League stability:Continued participation helped sustain the CIF, which faced franchise turnover and financial challenges.
• Historical continuity:The Barnstormers maintain a legacy dating to 1995, linking the 2018 team to earlier iterations in the Arena Football League.

Though the 2018 season ended without playoff glory, it played a vital role in keeping professional indoor football alive in Iowa and setting the stage for future rebuilding efforts.