Pirates Bounce Blizzard 48-30
June 12, 2022 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Massachusetts Pirates News Release
WORCESTER, MA - Quarterback Taz Wilson threw four touchdown passes and ran for two more scores as the Massachusetts Pirates defeated the Green Bay Blizzard 48-30 at Phoenix Field at the DCU Center. The Pirates shutout Green Bay (5-8) in the third quarter to break a game that was deadlocked at halftime and pulled away for their eighth victory of the season against four losses.
Green Bay scored on its opening drive as running back Tim Whitfield capped a four-play, 28- yard drive with a four-yard touchdown run for a 7-0 lead. The Pirates answered, driving 45 yards in five plays with wideout Thomas Owens making a circus catch going over the wall for his 16th receiving touchdown of the season to tie the game.
The Blizzard were not fazed as quarterback Jack Sheehan connected with Steven Newbold on a three-yard scoring pass and with 2:27 on the clock Green Bay was back out front, 14-7. On the next series, Blizzard defensive back Trevon Claybourne intercepted Wilson as the quarter came to a close. That led to a Nick Jaworski 19-yard field goal giving Green Bay a 17-7 advantage. The Pirates kept pace as Wilson put together a six-play, 41-yard drive that saw the QB diving the final yard for a touchdown. The point after by kicker Josh Gable was no good leaving the score at 17-13.
After Jaworski missed a 26-yard three-point attempt, the Pirates grabbed their first lead of the game as Owens caught his second touchdown of the night. His 31-yard TD catch was his 49th as a member of the Pirates making him the team's all-time leader in that category. The lead lasted 3:08 as Jaworski connected on a 30-yard field goal as time expired, sending the teams to halftime tied at 20.
The Third quarter belonged to the Pirates. Massachusetts took the second half kickoff and drove 30 yards in seven plays. Wilson connected with running back Deddrick Thomas on a six-yard strike to put the Pirates up by seven. Two plays later the defense contributed with a score. On second and nine from the Green Bay 23, Pirates defensive end Ivan McLennan sacked Sheehan who fumbled. The ball was recovered by Da'Sean Downey who returned it 15 yards for a touchdown and Massachusetts led 34-20.
The final quarter began with Jaworski making a 25-yard field goal cutting the deficit to 34-23. Massachusetts then took time off the clock with Wilson running the ball on six consecutive plays. He found the end zone for the second time with a short two-yard run. With 10:15 left in the game, Green Bay drove 39 yards in three plays to score its final points of the night. On first and ten from the Pirates' 14, Sheehan threw a pass in the corner of the end zone. Receiver Keshaun Taylor made a leaping catch and flew over the wall into the Pirates bench and hung on for his 17th touchdown reception of the season.
The last points of the game came on a Wilson 25-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Darren Carrington, making the final score 48-30.
The Pirates outgained the Blizzard 243 yards to 139. The Massachusetts defense held Green Bay to just 23 yards rushing and also accounted for three sacks on the night. The Pirates were also a perfect four for four in the red-zone, scoring four touchdowns.
For the Pirates, Wilson was the leading rusher in the game with 48 yards on 15 carries with two scores. Wilson was 13 of 20 passing for 184 yards with four touchdowns and one interception. His top target was Owens. Owens was the game's leading receiver with six catches for 94 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Defensively, Pirates defensive back Lukas Denis and linebacker Reggie Floyd each had eight tackles. Floyd had two tackles for a loss and a half-sack. Downey added 1.5 sacks and the 15-yard fumble return for a touchdown.
For The Blizzard, Whitfield carried seven times for 16 yards and a touchdown. Sheehan was 16 of 26 passing for 164 yards with two touchdowns. He had four receivers who each had four receptions. Shaquan Curenton had the most yards of the quartet with 48. Newbold, who had 37 yards and a touchdown also returned four kicks for a total of 95 yards giving him 132 yards of total offense for the game. Defensive back Momodou Mbye had nine tackles to lead all players in that department.
The Pirates will now enjoy a bye week before continuing the season on a three-game road trip.
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