The Pirates and Barnstormers will meet for the second time this season. Massachusetts won the first meeting at home on 54-29 on April 12th. The Pirates lead the all-time series 4-2. 

Here are three keys to the game for the Pirates.

1. Pound Thomas and Robinson: The Pirates rushing attack has been one of the best in the IFL. Tavion Thomas is averaging 69.5 yards per game. Jimmie Robinson is averaging 54.2 yards per game. Combined, the two backs have scored 8 touchdowns. Robinson’s 150.2 all-purpose yards per game leads the IFL. 

2. Bracket Williams: Quian Williams is one of the top receivers in the IFL. He has 30 receptions (3rd) for 355 yards (3rd) with seven touchdowns (8th). He averages 11.8 yards per catch, 5.0 receptions per contest (4th) and 59.2 yards per game (3rd). Williams is second in the league with 126.5 all-purpose yards per game. He is a game breaker and the Pirates are going to need to double him in certain alignments. 

3. Come back strong: Coming off a bye week, it is easy to be rusty. The Pirates need to get off to a good start. Iowa is generous defensively but their offense is good enough to jump on teams early. The Pirates cannot allow that to happen. Massachusetts must get early stops, score and play with the lead. 

Final Thoughts: The Pirates couldn’t have asked for a better opponent coming out of the break. It is important however that the Pirates get off to a good start. If they do not, what is a winnable game will be a challenge.