Extreme Defeat Blizzard in Nail-Biter, 24-20

March 13, 2010 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Bloomington Extreme News Release


BLOOMINGTON (Ill.) - With two seconds remaining in the game and the Blizzard at the two- yard line, a Jake Phillips pass was broken up by a diving Vincent Joseph, thus solidifying Bloomington's first victory of the season, 24-20 in front of 4,018 at the U.S. Cellular Coliseum Saturday night.

The Extreme were led by quarterback Luke Drone who was 13-27 for 134 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He also led the team with 26 yards rushing and one touchdown. Wide receiver Johnny Gray caught five passes for 72 yards and what turned out to be the game- winning touchdown with 17 seconds remaining in the game.

Phillips led the Blizzard offensive attack as he went 21-32 for 221 yards and two touchdowns on the ground. His favorite target was Lawrence Brady who caught nine passes for 80 yards.

The Extreme wasted no time getting on the board as they started the game using a seven play, 42 yard drive which was capped off by a one yard touchdown run by Drone. The Blizzard immediately responded as their quarterback, Jake Phillips, took it in from seven yards out to tie the game, 7-7.

In the second quarter, after a missed 37-yard field goal by Extreme kicker, Peter Christofilakos, Blizzard kicker, Tino Amancio, booted one in from 20-yards out as Green Bay took a 10-7 lead. Bloomington would battle back as Drone found Lewis on fourth and two from the 22-yard line for a 21-yard completion to the one-yard line. Two plays later, running back Bernard Payton pounded it in from the one yard out as Bloomington recaptured the lead, 14-10.

Green Bay was driving late in the quarter, but the Extreme defense held on fourth and one and reclaimed possession with 50 seconds remaining in the half. Christofilakos had a chance to redeem himself as he nailed a 25-yard field goal as time expired. Bloomington took a 17-10 lead into the locker room.

After a scoreless third quarter, Green Bay used a six play, 45 yard drive midway through the fourth quarter to tie the game, 17-17. Phillips ran in his second touchdown of the game, this time from three yards out. On their ensuing drive, the Extreme were driving but a Drone pass intended for wide receiver Harry Lewis was picked off by Blizzard defensive back B.J. Hill in the end zone with 3:02 remaining in the game.

On their ensuing drive, the Blizzard marched down the field for five plays, 25 yards capped off by a 35-yard field goal by Amanico with 46 seconds left as Green Bay took a 20-17 lead. Forty-six seconds was plenty of time for the Extreme as Drone found Gray for a 12-yard touchdown pass with 17 seconds left on the clock, to regain the lead 24-20.

The Extreme will travel to Hoffman Estates, Ill., to take on in-state rival Chicago Slaughter. The game will be held at the Sears Centre Arena with kick-off set for 7:00 p.m. Saturday.

Tickets as low as $7 per game, every game! Call 309.434.2679 or visit www.bloomingtonextreme.com.



Indoor Football League Stories from March 13, 2010


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