Blizzard Rocks the House and the Steamwheelers
May 20, 2006 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Green Bay Blizzard News Release
As the Green Bay Blizzard prepared for their Friday night game against the Quad City Steamwheelers they knew that it was going to be a good game with a lot of excitement, but by the time the final gun sounded, it had become unlike anything the franchise had ever seen before. A rock-solid performance and last-second heroics in the form of a stout defensive stand helped the Blizzard to a thrilling 40-35 victory over their arch-nemeses in front of 6,234 rabid fans at the Resch Center. It marks the first time in franchise history that the Blizzard has swept their rivals in a season series.
In addition to a great game against their division foes, fans were treated to a number of special events: the Piggly Wiggly "Stomp Out Hunger" Food Drive was taking place as fans entered the arena; Green Bay Packers FB Vonta Leach was the game's Honorary Captain and flipped the coin to begin the game; the 1st Annual J.J. Keller & Associates "High School Tug-of-War Challenge" was held at halftime, with a very moving trophy dedication ceremony before the tournament; the University of Wisconsin Marching Band played the National Anthem, a rousing set at halftime, and then absolutely rocked the house with their famed "5th Quarter" after the game; the Xavier High School Band played from the stands during breaks in the action; even "Mr. Pig," the loveable mascot for Piggly Wiggly, was dancing in the stands and hanging out in the concourse with Bruiser having a good time!
While each and every one of those events was certainly worth the price of admission, the game was one of the most exciting contests ever played by the Blizzard. A close battle right from the start, the Blizzard was behind 28-20 at halftime and did not lead at any point in the game prior to scoring their final points with only 4:46 left on the clock. Despite trailing virtually the entire game, the Blizzard never showed any signs of panic; rather, they played like a team that knew they were going to win.
The fans were certainly behind them. During the stretch run in the game's final moments, every fan in the arena was on their feet, slamming their Piggly Wiggly ThunderStix together, stomping their feet and screaming at the top of their lungs. The deafening roar was enough to inspire the Blizzard into the most important defensive stand of the season. The 'Wheelers had a 1st-and-goal inside the 5-yard-line, and on 4 consecutive plays, the Blizzard stopped them in their tracks. The game came down to one final play, 4th-and-goal from the 1, and the Blizzard line stoned the 'Wheelers blockers, standing strong on the play and sealing the victory.
It marked the second week in a row that the Blizzard put together a complete effort. QB Ronnie Gordon was efficient once again, going 12-of-21 for 175 yards, 1 TD passing, 2 TDs rushing, and no INTs. FB/LB Peter "The Animal" Lazare was a force on both offense and defense, rushing for 20 yards and 2 TDs on only 5 carries, and adding a fumble recovery, a pass defensed and 2.5 tackles, including a solo shot on the decisive 4th down play to preserve the win. OS Brent Holmes is still making a splash in his second game since returning to the Blizzard, hauling in 5 receptions for 97 yards and 1 TD, including receptions of 32 and 38 yards each.
On defense, DS David Crocker continues to deal out bone-crushing hits at every turn, prompting the PA Announcer to proclaim each of his shots as "hitting the shepherd," in reference to his now-famous quote "If you strike the shepherd the sheep will scatter." Well, he struck and the 'Wheelers scattered, to the tune of 8.5 tackles (7 solo) and a pass defensed. FB/LB Jermaine Petty also made hi presence known by picking off a pass by Steamwheelers QB Tim Hicks and returning it 42 yards for a TD. Petty would also add 5.5 tackles (5 solo).
As exciting as the game was, the night's events were just as electric. The ceremony dedicating The Bradley Williams Memorial Trophy prior to the J.J. Keller "High School Tug-of-War Challenge" was poignant and moving, and the tournament itself was full of excitement and energy. The most moving part of the event came when, after Oconto defeated Green Bay West in the Championship match, all of the participating schools gathered around Joel and Deanna Williams as they presented The Bradley Williams Memorial Trophy to the victors.
Then it was showtime! The University of Wisconsin Marching Band played a full set after the tournament, and then put on their famous "5th Quarter" after the game. Fans were treated to a whole string of hits, and the show ended with the traditional "When you say 'Wisconsin,' you've said it all!" chant. The Badger Band's appearance was presented by Piggly Wiggly, who also announced after the game the results of their "Stomp Out Hunger" Food Drive: Blizzard fans donated more than 3,000 pounds - that's one-and-a-half tons - of food to benefit The Salvation Army and the DePere Christian Outreach Center.
All in all, the night was one of the biggest ever for the fourth-year Arena Football franchise. Jim Foster, the man who created Arena Football on the back of a manila envelope more than 20 years ago, was at the game and congratulated Blizzard President Brian Noble after the game for his team's showing on the field and his franchise's successful efforts to make the game an event. The team is back to .500 with a 4-4 record and has won their last 2 games in dramatic fashion, and the fans are seeing top-quality football and some great entertainment.
With the season half-over and the Blizzard looking at rotating home-and-away games the rest of the season, the team has every reason to start planning for a playoff push. How will the Blizzard top everything that went on Friday night? If history has shown anything, it's that the Blizzard will always find a way.
Game Awards:
Schutt Offensive Player of the Game: OS Brent Holmes (GBB)
ADT Defensive Player of the Game: DS David Crocker (GBB)
U.S. Army Ironman of the Game: FB/LB Peter Lazare (GBB)
Cutters Catch of the Game: FB/LB Jermaine Petty (INT) (GBB)
The Blizzard hits the road next week for a rematch of the season opener with the Albany Conquest on Saturday, May 27th. After a bye the weekend of June 2nd, they will return home to take on the expansion Stockton Lightning on Saturday, June 10th. It will be Great Wolf Lodge/Blue Harbor Resort "Fanbana Night," and fans will receive a Blizzard Fanbana as they enter the arena.
For more information, contact the Blizzard office at (920) 405-1264.
• Discuss this story on the arenafootball2 message board...
arenafootball2 Stories from May 20, 2006
- Memphis defeats Bossier-Shreveport - Memphis Xplorers
- Vipers rally to beat Steeldogs - Alabama Vipers
- Wolves Win 79-62, Stop Firecats five-game win streak - Manchester Wolves
- âPartners in Pyro' Light it Up! - Louisville Fire
- Blount, Williams and Alexander Assigned to Stockton - Stockton Lightning
- Blizzard Rocks the House and the Steamwheelers - Green Bay Blizzard
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
