IFL Green Bay Blizzard

Blizzard face off against Axemen for first time

Published on February 19, 2014 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
Green Bay Blizzard News Release


Green Bay, WI - The Green Bay Blizzard (0-0) will travel to Minnesota to take on the Bemidji Axemen (0-0) on Saturday, February 22 at the Sanford Center. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:05 P.M.

This is the first ever meeting between the Blizzard and the Axemen. Bemidji is in their first year as an expansion team and look to show the league what they're made of.

Chad Baldwin begins his first full season as the head coach of the Blizzard. Baldwin will get a chance to put his own team together after taking over for Coach Robert Fuller half way through the 2013 season. Prior to becoming the head coach last season, Baldwin was the defensive coordinator during the 2012 and 2013 seasons. In 2012, his defense allowed the fewest yards in the IFL.

Coach Robert Fuller leads the Bemidji Axemen in their inaugural season. Fuller was the head coach of the Green Bay Blizzard in 2012 and the first six games of 2013. In 2012, Fuller led the Blizzard to the United Conference Championship and was named IFL Coach of the Year. Prior to his time with the Blizzard, he served as head coach and director of football operations for the Fairbanks Grizzlies.

"We've had great dialogue between us leading up to this game," said Coach Baldwin. "We used to go up against each other in college so it's not like this is our first time competing against one another. I'm grateful for the opportunity he (Fuller) gave me in coming here to coach with him; now, I can't wait to go against him. We know each other's tendencies, so we'll both have to change a little bit of our game plan. The fans are going to get quite a show."

The Green Bay Blizzard are coming off a disappointing season, ending 2013 with a 4-10 record. The Blizzard look to turn that around this season and get back to the playoffs after a one-year hiatus. Prior to last season, the Blizzard had made the playoffs eight consecutive seasons.

For the Blizzard, Quarterback Taylor Perkins will make his first start in the IFL after finishing an illustrious collegiate career at the University of Sioux Falls. Perkins accounted for over 70 touchdowns for USF. Wide Receiver Donte Sawyer will also make his first start after setting school records in receptions, yards, and touchdowns at Morehead State University.

Defensively, Linebacker Derek Earls returns for his second season with the Blizzard. Earls led the team in tackles, finishing with 88 tackles and three sacks. Earls is also a force on special teams, being selected as co-special team's player of the week last season. Joining the defense is newcomer Shawn Plummer. Plummer played collegiately as Fresno State and was an all-conference safety for the Bulldogs last season. Before the NFL season began, Plummer participated in camp with both the Atlanta Falcons and San Francisco 49ers.

The Axemen have been getting ready for their season by scrimmaging twice against a fellow United Conference opponent in the Cedar Rapids Titans. Bemidji fell both times to the Titans but made a great impression on their fan base.

Bemidji Quarterback Hunter Wanket begins his second year in the IFL after playing for the Nebraska Danger last season. Against Cedar Rapids, Wanket threw for one touchdown on a 41 yard score. Wanket split time with QB Joshua Aakre who rushed for two more scores. Former Blizzard wide receiver Ryan Balentine also made his debut with the Axemen and will look to continue where he left off with the Blizzard. Balentine was the Blizzard's leading receiver last season with 834 yards on 74 receptions. Another former Blizzard player will look to make his mark with the opposition, Defensive Back Daquan Starling.

Be sure to visit Burkels for the official watch party of the Green Bay Blizzard. Enjoy food and drink specials while watching the game with Blizzard fans and staff.

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