Green Bay Blizzard Cannot Weather Storm; Fall 86-42
March 30, 2014 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Green Bay Blizzard News Release
Sioux Falls, SD- On a night filled with big plays, the Blizzard just did not make enough, falling to the Sioux Falls Storm 86-42 at the Sioux Falls Arena in Sioux Falls, SD.
Playing against the defending IFL Champions, the Blizzard looked to pull off an upset and make big impression, and did on several occasions. However, a lack of third down conversions (2 of 10), missed field goals, missed extra points, and a struggling special teams unit allowed the Storm to dismantle the Blizzard in one of the worst losses in team history.
Despite a strong first half by Green Bay, Sioux Falls (5-0) outscored the Blizzard 42-17 in the second half en route to racking up 86 points, second most against a Blizzard team in history.
The Blizzard made several big plays throughout the night, as four touchdowns were longer than 20 yards, however the Blizzard could not stop one of the league's best offenses. The fearsome pass rush the Blizzard exhibited last week struggled to get to former IFL MVP QB Chris Dixon, collecting only one sack.
Sioux Falls, who has not lost at home in 37 games, struck first as Dixon found WR James Terry for a quick seven yard score after the Storm blocked a field goal on Green Bay's first drive.
However, QB Nate Wara proved resilient as he quickly connected on a long 29-yard pass to a wide-open WR in Donte Sawyer to pull the Blizzard within one point. Sioux Falls proceeded to score a touchdown on their next two possessions, giving the Storm an early 21-6 lead.
Scoring came quickly and in flurries in the second quarter. At the top of the second quarter, Wara was able to rush for a 13-yard touchdown pulling the Blizzard to within eight. However, every time momentum appeared to shift towards Green Bay, the Storm were able to match with a touchdown of their own. On Sioux Falls' first play after the Wara score, Dixon hit James Terry on a perfectly thrown 30-yard TD pass.
Green Bay quickly reciprocated with a 43- yard catch and run touchdown by WR Andre London. London, who had two receiving touchdowns on the night, also had a career-best 11 catches for 138 yards.
Later in the second quarter, LB Nate Keller made one of the plays of the night as he grabbed a Storm fumble and rumbled for 40 yards for a touchdown. Again, momentum was drained though as Storm KR Tory Harrison returned the ensuing kickoff 50 yards for a touchdown to help give the Storm a 44-25 lead at the half.
For a second game in a row the Blizzard got outscored in the second half. On the opening kickoff of the second half, Harrison again returned the ball 49 yards for another kickoff return touchdown. Sioux Falls would go on to score a touchdown on six of their seven drives in the second half.
The Blizzard's second half looked like the team's second half against Texas as the team became prone to turnovers and turnovers on downs. Four of the team's seven second half possessions ended in a turnover. Sioux Falls was able to use that momentum to seal Green Bay's night 86-42.
Nate Wara finished the night completing 20 of 27 passes for 219 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions. He also added 32 rushing yards and two touchdowns. WR Andre London caught 11 passes for 138 yards and two touchdowns. DB James Ackel finished the night with a team-leading six tackles.
Sioux Falls QB Chris Dixon completed 17 of 26 passes for 191 and five touchdowns. Tory Harrision led the team in rushing with nine attempts for 69 yards and a touchdown. Harrision also had two kickoff returns for touchdowns. WR Michael Johnson caught five passes for 55 yards and two touchdowns. LB Tyler Knight led the defense with 12 tackles and two sacks.
The Blizzard will go into a bye week this week before returning to action on Aurora BayCare Field at the Resch Center on Saturday, April 12 as the team takes on the Storm again. April 12 will be Youth Jersey Night, where the first 1,500 youth 14 and under will recieive a free replica home jersey sponsored by Aurora BayCare and WFRV - TV 5. Kickoff is scheduled at 7:00 PM.
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