Game 2 Preview vs Iowa 

Game 2 Preview vs Iowa 

By Timothy Wallis

Following an opening week loss on the road at Fishers, the Quad City Steamwheelers will return to the Quad Cities for the team's home opener, where they'll take on their rivals in the Battle of I-80, the Iowa Barnstormers. The Steamwheelers will look to extend their winning streak against the Barnstormers, having swept them in three games last season.

Kick-off is at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 21, at XUSD Field at the Vibrant Arena at The Mark in Moline, IL. To watch, you can go to Overnight online or on iOS, Android, or Apple TV.

About the Steamwheelers

Last week, the Steamwheelers fell 45–27 to the Fishers Freight after turnovers and defensive struggles proved costly. Despite a four-touchdown performance from quarterback Daquan Neal and three touchdowns from receiver Quian Williams, the Steamwheelers couldn't maintain momentum in a back-and-forth first half. After taking a brief 27–24 lead in the third quarter, Quad City failed to score again, while Fishers capitalized with multiple touchdowns, a safety, and a field goal to pull away. Ultimately, missed opportunities and an inability to get key stops sealed the Steamwheelers' 0–1 start. Despite the loss, Neal leads the league in passing touchdowns with four after the first week of play, while also racking up the second-most passing yards so far. Quian Williams' three receiving touchdowns lead the league, and his 48 yards rank second, only behind Phoenix Sproles.   

QC - Players to Watch

Daquan Neal / QB  - In three games against Iowa last season, Neal tallied 251 passing yards, four touchdowns and one interception, while also rushing for 233 yards and eight touchdowns. Last week, he threw for four against Fishers, but two deep interceptions ended up proving costly, so if the Wheelers want to secure their first win of the season, Neal will have to find a way to limit the turnovers while still producing, something he showed last season he is capable of doing.

Camron Harrell / DB - In last year's week three matchup, Harrell intercepted the Barnstormers two times and proved to be a nuisance against the team in the other two matchups, whether it was on defense or returning kicks. While having a quiet six tackles in week one, Harrell will look to once again force his fair share of turnovers against Iowa.

About the Barnstormers

Last year, the Barnstormers struggled to gain momentum last season after an 0-3 start, and after picking up their first win over Fishers to move to 1-3, the team dropped their last 12 games and finished 1-15, the league's worst record. Following the season, the team parted ways with head coach Dave Mogensen and hired Andre Coles, a former assistant coach for the Tulsa Oilers.

Starting ranked 13 in the week one coaches poll, the team enters the season with a mix of returning talent and new additions, as eight players from last season return, including wide receiver Raheem Harvey and linemen like Tyler Castaneda and Tyler Tate, who highlight the returning core. 

The roster was bolstered by a wave of experienced newcomers from across the IFL and other leagues, including offensive lineman Tyrone Chambers, a former Steamwheeler, defensive back Taylor Hawkins, and quarterback Harrison Roubidoux, bringing proven talent, while a large rookie class will compete for remaining spots. 

Iowa - Players to Watch

Harrison Roubidoux / QB - After a bit of playing experience last season in the playoffs with the San Diego Strike Force, Roubidoux signed a deal with the Barnstormers for the 2026 season. Collegiately, he spent four years with UW-Eau Claire and was the program's all-time leader in completions and pass attempts. The Wheelers will have to rein in the signal-caller if they want to get back in the win column. 

Tyler Tate / DL - The strong defensive lineman will return to Iowa for his third season with the team, and will look to cause havoc against a Wheeler offensive line that struggled at times last week. Last season with Iowa, Tate racked up 60.5 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, two sacks and two pass breakups.

Last Time Around….

The Steamwheelers and Barnstormers last met on 7/20/26, where the Steamwheelers secured a 52–45 road win over Iowa, clinching a home playoff game for the first time since joining the IFL in 2018. After falling behind early, the Wheelers rallied behind quarterback Daquan Neal, who dominated on the ground with 115 rushing yards and six touchdowns, leading multiple scoring drives and helping the team take control. Quad City's defense contributed with key stops and a blocked field goal, while running back Jarrod Ware Jr. added a rushing touchdown to extend his scoring streak. Despite a late push from Iowa, the Wheelers managed the clock, recovered an onside kick, and held on to cap a high-scoring victory.