What Is 2015 Iowa Barnstormers football team

Overview

The 2015 Iowa Barnstormers were a professional indoor football team based in Des Moines, Iowa, competing in the Champions Professional Indoor Football League (CPIFL). This season marked the team's second year of revival after rejoining professional play in 2014 following a previous hiatus.

Under head coach Joe Brannen, the Barnstormers struggled with consistency, finishing the 16-game season with a 6–10 record. Despite high-scoring offensive performances, defensive shortcomings prevented a playoff berth, ending their postseason hopes.

• League affiliation: The team competed in the CPIFL, a mid-tier indoor football league operating primarily in the Midwest during 2015.
• Regular season record: The Barnstormers posted a 6–10 win-loss record, placing them near the bottom of the league standings.
• Home venue: All home games were held at the Wells Fargo Arena, a 15,000-seat multipurpose venue in downtown Des Moines.
• Offensive output: The team scored a total of 893 points across 16 games, averaging approximately 55.8 points per game.
• Defensive performance: They allowed 974 points on defense, averaging 60.9 points per game against, highlighting a major weakness.

Season Performance

The 2015 campaign was defined by offensive firepower but undermined by defensive lapses and inconsistent road performance. Several close losses contributed to their subpar standing, preventing a late-season playoff push.

• Week 1 result: Opened the season with a 57–49 win over the Kansas Magic, showing early promise on both sides of the ball.
• Mid-season slump: Lost five of six games between May and June, including a 70–56 defeat to the Dodge City Law.
• Quarterback stats: Starting QB Arvell Nelson threw for 1,842 yards and 42 touchdowns, but with 14 interceptions.
• Top receiver: Wide receiver Cedric Alvis recorded 1,038 receiving yards and 23 touchdowns, leading the team in both categories.
• Defensive leader: Linebacker Chris Wilson led the team with 10.5 sacks and two forced fumbles.
• Final game: Concluded the season with a 64–50 loss to the Salina Bombers, sealing their non-playoff status.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2015 Iowa Barnstormers compared to other CPIFL teams across key performance metrics:

The Barnstormers ranked fourth in the five-team league, ahead only of the Omaha Beef. Their point differential of –81 reflected their struggles, particularly on defense, where they allowed the second-most points in the CPIFL.

Why It Matters

The 2015 season is a notable chapter in the Barnstormers' modern revival, illustrating both the potential and challenges of sustaining a professional indoor football team in a competitive regional league. While fan support remained steady, on-field performance raised questions about coaching strategy and roster depth.

• Legacy continuity: The 2015 season helped maintain the Barnstormers brand, continuing the team’s legacy since its original 1995–2001 run in the Arena Football League.
• Community engagement: The team hosted youth clinics and local promotions, strengthening ties with Des Moines-area schools and businesses.
• Player development: Several 2015 players, including Arvell Nelson, later moved to higher leagues such as the IFL or AFL.
• Financial sustainability: Attendance averaged around 4,200 per game, supporting continued operations into 2016.
• Coaching impact: Joe Brannen’s tenure shaped the team’s offensive identity, emphasizing fast-paced, pass-heavy schemes.
• League evolution: The CPIFL merged with other leagues in 2015, eventually folding into the new Champions Indoor Football (CIF) league in 2016.

Though the 2015 season did not end in playoff glory, it provided valuable experience and continuity for the organization, setting the stage for future rebranding and league realignment in the years ahead.