Game Notes

Louisville, Ky.- Louisville returns to the Midwest for the second consecutive week to face off with the Iowa Barnstormers on Saturday, May 10, in Wells Fargo Arena. This will be the second match-up between the American Conference opponents in the 2008 season. The first contest ended in Louisville's favor as the Fire took a 58-28 win over Iowa in the season opener at Freedom Hall.

In the first meeting this season the Fire jumped out to a quick 23-0 lead and went into halftime ahead 37-7. Louisville dominated the Barnstormers, holding them

to 166 yards on 40 plays. The ‘stormers were also held to 9 rushing yards, which has been a staple of the Fire defense all year, ranking number one in rush defense allowing 7.3 yards per game. The Fire were able to run for 55 yards and gain 296 yards of total offense. Matt Bassuener led the Fire offense with 37 rushing yards and 131 passing yards. Lonnell Dewalt took advantage of most of those passing yards acquiring 146 receiving yards on 10 receptions. Kickoff returns were the lone bright spot for the expansion team from Iowa. They had 128 yards on 5 returns and one touchdown.

Louisville is coming off a hard fought 55-53 victory over Quad City last week. The Fire made the journey down to Moline, Illinois, in search of revenge following their disappointing loss to Quad City in Freedom Hall earlier this season. Schutt Offensive Player of the Game, Matt Bassuener finished with two touchdown passes and 218 yards on 22 completions. Leading the team, he posted 57 rushing yards, totaling three rushing scores. Fire veteran, Demetrius Forney, and the rookie QB combined for a total 108 rushing yards on 20 attempts setting two Louisville game records against the Steamwheelers. Ricardo Lenhart was the Fire's leading receiver with 13 catches and 133 yards. Louisville's defense was led by rookie corner, Dominic Ross, who registered an impressive game-high of 10 tackles. Tymere Zimmerman and Dominic Ross also came up big intercepting Steamwheeler passes during the game.

The Barnstormers enter this week's contest 2-3, recently falling to Green Bay 41-18. Quarterback Joe Brannen posted 217 yards for 20 completions. He made two successful touchdown passes, one to lead receiver Robert Kilow, the second to Errick McCowan. Kilow finished with eight receptions for 102 yards.

The Fire look to continue their success as they head to the Midwest. Louisville is currently second to Green Bay in the Midwest Division, holding a 4-2 overall record and a 3-1 division record. Iowa is fifth in the division with a 2-3 overall record and one division win. Visit www.louisvillefirefootball.com and click on the Nifty TV link to view this week's game.

GAME FACTS – Louisville Fire (4-2) vs. Iowa Barnstormers (2-3)
Date: Saturday, May 10, 2008
Time: 7:35
Site: Wellmark Blue Cross & Blue Shield Field at Wells Fargo Arena
Online Broadcast: Game will be streamed online at www.louisvillefirefootball.com
Radio: The Ticket (93.9 FM) with Zack McCrite (play-by-play)
Series History: Iowa leads 2-1 all-time (1-1 in Louisville, 0-1 in Des Moines)
Last Meeting: Louisville 58, Iowa 28 (March 29, 2008 - Freedom Hall, Louisville, Ky.)