Spartans Back Home, Face Blizzard
May 25, 2011 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
La Crosse Spartans News Release
La Crosse, WI: With just three weeks remaining in the 2011 season, the La Crosse Spartans (4-7) are still working hard to improve as a team both on and off the field and will do so at home this week with a number of public appearances and a big divisional game against the Green Bay Blizzard (8-3). It will be the Spartans' first home game in nearly one month.
Green Bay comes into this Friday's game with a playoff berth already clinched but is still fighting for the Great Plains division championship. The Spartans can play the role of spoiler this weekend as the Blizzard is just ½ game up on Bloomington and Chicago. Bloomington has also clinched a playoff spot for the fifth-straight season, while Chicago needs just one more win or a loss by Omaha to clinch a spot. La Crosse will face Bloomington next weekend in Illinois.
Friday's game comes with much emotion. During the two teams' matchup on May 7, six players were ejected for fighting. Two Spartans players and four Blizzard players were ejected following a behind-the-bench altercation in the second half of a 44-21 Blizzard victory. Both teams have taken necessary action and most players have been released or suspended by the IFL but the emotions will still be running high as the Spartans look for their first divisional win of the season.
In addition, it will be the return of former Spartan Bryan Pray to the La Crosse Center. Pray was traded to Green Bay a few weeks ago in exchange for Bernard Faithful and Aaron Rhea. The Spartans are also looking to sign former Blizzard kicker Rubio Radamez to a contract for this weekend's game as well. Radamez kicked for the Blizzard earlier this year and has worked out for the team this week.
Team Plans Meet & Greets
The entire La Crosse Spartans team will be available for autographs at two meet & greets this weekend. On Thursday, the team will be at the Candlewood Suites Open House at 56 Copeland Ave. in La Crosse from 11:00 a.m.-2:00 p.m. They will also be at Cousins Subs Open House on Saturday from 12:00 p.m.-1:30 p.m. in Crossing Meadows Plaza in Onalaska. All players will be available for autographs and photos.
Group ticket packages and special family four-pack offers are also available by calling the Spartans ticket office at 608-782-4461. To purchase single-game tickets, stop by the La Crosse Center box office or visit www.ticketmaster.com.
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