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Fire-Blizzard Rivalry Renewed

June 13, 2008 - arenafootball2 (af2)
Louisville Fire News Release


Louisville, KY- The Fire return to the Ville for this week's Midwest division match-up with the Green Bay Blizzard. The teams are set to meet on Saturday, June 14 at 7:00 P.M. in Freedom Hall. This will be the first of two games scheduled for the 2008 season, Louisville heads to Wisconsin July 18.

This week's contest is a highly anticipated showdown between the two American conference powerhouses. Fire Head Coach Tommy Johnson feels turnovers will make or break his team. "Turnovers are the biggest thing; we have to not turn over the football. We have to play well in the secondary and have good defense, said Coach Johnson.

Green Bay currently leads the division with a 7-3 overall record, only dropping one division contest to Lexington earlier this year. Louisville is a close second posting a 6-4 overall and 4-3 division record.

Saturday's game marks the 12th meeting between the two teams. The Blizzard leads the series 6-5. The last time out Green Bay defeated the Fire 37-27 during an intense second round playoff performance in Wisconsin.

Louisville is coming off a disappointing loss to the Peoria Pirates last Saturday in Illinois. Fire veteran Demetrius Forney led the Louisville offense with five carries for 24 yards and a touchdown. He also reeled in a 19-yard reception from Aaron Marshall for a touchdown early in the third quarter. On defense he contributed two assisted tackles and a tackle for loss. Forney was named the JLS Ironman of the game for his offensive and defensive efforts. Fire newcomer Randall Lane led all receivers with eight receptions for 108 yards and three touchdowns. Lane spent his collegiate career at Purdue University. Zachariah Babington-Johnson led the Louisville defense with six total tackles and a fumble recovery. Louisville vet Matt Forbes contributed his usual as he recovered a fumble and returned it 30 yards for a score during the second quarter.

The Blizzard earned revenge on the Iowa Barnstormers last week with a 46-40 home victory. Green Bay quarterback Colin Drafts finished the game 31 of 15 with two interceptions and two touchdowns. The Blizzard's lead receiver Scott Burnoski ended the contest with eight carries for 97 yards and a score. Green Bay has won their last five of six games.

In addition to the heated rivalry between the Fire and the Blizzard but it will also see the return of two former Fire players to Louisville. Blizzard defensive backs Nate Green and Rusty Midlam will return to Louisville for the first time since playing for the Fire in 2007.

Louisville fell one spot on this week's af2 coach's poll, taking up the ninth spot, while Green Bay moved up one from last week to sixth place. The winner of this week's game will claim a control of the Midwest division. Visit www.louisvillefirefootball.com and click on the Nifty TV link to watch the game on-line.

GAME FACTS- Louisville Fire (6-4) vs. Green Bay Blizzard (7-3)

Date: Saturday, June 14

Time: 7:00

Site: Freedom Hall

Online Broadcast: Game will be streamed online at www.louisvillefirefootball.com

Radio: The Ticket (93.9 FM) with Zach McCrite (play-by-play)

Series History: Blizzard leads 6-5

Last Meeting: Louisville 27, Green Bay 37 (August 10, 2007- Resch Center, Ashwaubenon, WI)

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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.

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