Spartans Frozen By Blizzard
Published on March 20, 2010 under Indoor Football League (IFL)
La Crosse Spartans News Release
Green Bay, WI: No matter the talent level on the field, sometimes experience can have an overwhelming factor on the outcome of a game. The La Crosse Spartans, playing in just their second game in franchise history, could not keep up with the former AF2 Green Bay Blizzard. It was a back and forth battle through the first half, but offensive woes continued to plague the Spartans and they eventually fell 48-12.
The game began with the Blizzard attempting an on-sides kick that found its way out of bounds. Even with excellent field position, the Spartans couldn't put the ball in the endzone and had their field goal attempt blocked. It was a prelude to how the rest of the game would go. Green Bay scored on their first possession as Quarterback Jake Phillips converted a two yard pass to Derek Deardorff to get them on the board. Ben Chester, starting his first game at Quarterback for the injured Jimmy Sangster, couldn't seem to find a rhythm with his offensive line and wide receivers for the Spartans and went three and out on his next series.
The Spartans defense and special teams unit seemed to give them a glimmer of hope in the second quarter as Defensive back Paul Simpson intercepted a Phillips pass on his own goal line and raced 50 yards for their first score. A failed extra point attempt made the game 7-6. After the Blizzard marched down the field on their next possession for a score, Antonio Overstreet took the ensuing kickoff 53 yards for a score. An unsuccessful two point conversion attempt got the Spartans to within 14-12, however that would be as close as they got the rest of the game. Green Bay rattled off 34 unanswered points from the end of the second quarter and into the second half and stymied Chester and the La Crosse offense.
"We'll get this thing going soon, believe me," stated Spartans Co-Owner and General Manager Chris Kokalis. "We've seen some positive things thus far and will eventually put all the pieces together to make a run this season."
The Spartans get back to work next Sunday when they visit the Sioux Falls Storm of the Central West Division. Game time is scheduled for 3:05 p.m. Fans who wish to watch the game can purchase a season or individual game pass on www.b2livetv.com
. The team comes home on April 3rd for their first ever home contest against the Omaha Beef. Tickets are still available and can be purchased via the La Crosse Spartans website, www.lacrossespartans.com, or at the La Crosse Center box office. It will be the first of five home games in the month of April in a 27 day period.
Game Notes: Spartans DB Walner Belleus, last year's CIFL interception leader, picked off two Jake Phillips passes on the night...Overstreet's kickoff return for a touchdown was the first in Spartans team history...Phillips completed 18 of 33 passes for 159 yards and 5 touchdowns...WR James Finley caught three passes, all for touchdowns for the Blizzard.
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