af2 Green Bay Blizzard

Defense shines as Blizzard secures first ever playoff berth

Published on June 25, 2005 under arenafootball2 (af2)
Green Bay Blizzard News Release


The phrase "Green Bay is going to the playoffs" has been heard around these parts quite often over the past decade or so, but never before in reference to the Green Bay Blizzard. But after last night's 69-41 win over the Birmingham Steeldogs, it means exactly that: the Blizzard is going to the playoffs!

As time expired, DS Ryan Bowers scored on a 25-yard interception return for a touchdown to put the exclamation point on the Blizzard's first-ever franchise playoff berth, and it served as notice to the rest of the af2 that Blizzard is still around and playing solid football.

The Blizzard defense returned to early-season form, intercepting four passes and recovering two fumbles. In addition, the Blizzard returned three kickoffs for touchdowns, two from OS Brent Holmes and one from WR/DB Lance Taylor.

Taylor added a receiving touchdown and a fumble recovery and was named U.S. Army Ironman of the Game. Holmes had 113 yards on two kickoff returns and added 54 yards over seven catches on way to being voted Offensive Player of the Game.

DS David Crocker, named ADT Defensive Player of the Game, tied for the lead with 6.5 tackles, posted two interceptions and 43 yards in returns. His biggest play of the game came early on, when he forced and recovered a fumble while bringing down a Birmingham receiver just short of the goal line after a long reception. Crocker, who had been beaten on the play, recovered beautifully and simply muscled the ball out of the arms of the ball carrier, then scooped it up and fell on it as the trailing players closed in. Had the Steeldogs scored on that possession, the score would have been tied and the game would have taken on a completely different complexion.

The Blizzard defense added three sacks and three tackles for losses, as they harassed Steeldogs QBs Roger Linn and Thomas Ricks all night long.

Green Bay started the scoring with a 22-yard field goal by K Henrik Juul-Nielsen and increased their lead with a 6-yard touchdown pass from QB Johnny Turman to OS Gerald Harris. Birmingham then jumped onto the scoreboard with a 20-yard field goal by K Alex Walls. WR/LB Dre Fulgham followed with a 24-yard touchdown pass from Linn to tie the game at 10.

WR/DB Devlon Holmes caught a 36-yard touchdown pass to bring the Steeldogs within 4 at 24-20. Holmes answered with his first kickoff return for a touchdown near the end of the first half as the Blizzard made their move to victory.

Turman completed 24-of-37 passes for 233 yards and four touchdowns, while throwing an interception. QB Jatavis Sanders added a 1-for-1 night of his own, with his one completion being a touchdown to OL/DL Nick Anderson.

The victory assured the Blizzard of playing in the postseason, but the sites of the playoff games will not be decided until the end of the season. The Blizzard currently holds the 3rd seed in the American Conference, behind East Division rival the Manchester Wolves (10-2) and the South Division Champion Florida Firecats (9-2 going into Saturday night's game against the 5-6 Macon Knights). As Division winners, the Firecats have already locked up a first-round bye.

The af2 playoff format allows 6 teams from each conference - 2 Division winners and 4 Wild Cards - with the top 2 seeds getting a bye week. As it stands, the Blizzard would host a playoff game, and then if they won they would travel for the second-round game. If the Blizzard does indeed host a playoff game, tickets would go on sale one week before the game. Current season ticket holders have first rights to playoff tickets, and after their presale, tickets will be available to the general public.

The last home game of the regular season will be Saturday, July 23rd vs. the Florida Firecats in what could be a second-round playoff match-up. Tickets are still available, so to get your Blizzard tickets, visit the Resch Center box office or contact Ticket Star at (920) 494-3401.

For more information, contact the Blizzard office at (920) 405-1264.

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