In an electrifying display of indoor football that kept fans on the edge of their seats, the Green Bay Blizzard clashed with the Massachusetts Pirates during Week 1 in a game that will be remembered for its high-octane offense, strategic defense, and nail-biting finish. The game, held in Green Bay, was a rollercoaster of emotions and big plays that kept fans locked in until the final whistle.

The first quarter was all Green Bay as Running Back E.J Burgess, Jr. ran in for the first touchdown of the year for the Blizzard at the 5:34 mark.  Then, with just 14 seconds left in the quarter, Quarterback Max Meylor ran it in to make it a 14-0 game. 

The Pirates finally got on the board in the second quarter with a rushing touchdown of their own by Quarterback Alejandro Bennifield making it 14-8 with a successful two-point conversion from Benniifield to Wide Receiver Isaac Zico with 10:43 left in the quarter. Blizzard Quarterback Max Meylor showed his dominance on the ground early, rushing for his third touchdown of the day right before the half to send the Blizzard to the locker room up at halftime 27-16.

Green Bay really looked like they were getting a comfortable lead in the third when Meylor connected with wideout Lowell Patron, Jr. for a 37-yard bomb on the first play of the drive to put them up 40-22. But Massachusetts said "we're not done yet" as Bennifield rushed in for his second touchdown of the day to make it 40-28, with the point-after being blocked by Rafiq Abdul-Wahid. 

With Green Bay having the lead, Massachusetts came out hungry in the fourth quarter and never looked back. Massachusetts would go on to score 16 unanswered points with the last score coming by a touchdown reception by Thomas Owens, putting the Pirates up 44-40 with 15 seconds remaining.  After a 28-yard kickoff return by Green Bay's Jayln Cagle to set the Blizzard up for a game-winning score, Defensive Back Matt Elam sealed the win two plays later by intercepting a Meylor pass in the end zone.

Next up for Green Bay (0-1) is a home game against the rival Iowa Barnstormers (0-0) on Saturday, March 23rd. The Blizzard celebrates their annual Youth Jersey Night, where the first 1,000 kids, 12 and younger, will receive the 2024 Blizzard youth jersey! Tickets are available here.

Massachusetts (1-0) will host the Jacksonville Sharks (0-0) on Saturday, March 23rd in a historic game for both teams. The Pirates will host the Sharks at the Tsongas Center, their new home in Lowell, MA, after moving from Worcester in the off-season.  Jacksonville plays its first game as a member of the IFL, having recently switched league affiliations.''

Written By: Casey Hibbard