Box Score
In a riveting showdown that resonated throughout the arena, the Green Bay Blizzard triumphed over the Iowa Barnstormers in the second week of the IFL season. This game was more than just a victory; it was a bold declaration from Green Bay as they clinched the first of three matchups this season against their rivals, the Barnstormers.

The scoring commenced in the first quarter when Iowa's quarterback, Darius-James Peterson, dashed into the End Zone for his first touchdown of the year with 6:06 remaining on the clock. However, Green Bay quickly countered, as quarterback Max Meylor found wide receiver Lowell Patron, Jr. for a 20-yard touchdown, bringing the score to a tie with 4:35 left in the quarter.

By the second quarter, with the scoreboard reading 7-7, Peterson weaved through the Blizzard defense for a remarkable 19-yard touchdown, giving the Barnstormers a 14-7 lead. Yet, the Blizzard's resilience shone brightly once more when Meylor executed a Read Option to perfection, fooling the defense for an 18-yard touchdown run, leveling the score at 14 apiece. Then, just before Halftime, Iowa's kicker, Gabriel Rui, secured a 25-yard field goal, giving the Barnstormers a 17-14 edge.

As the third quarter unfolded, Iowa initially maintained momentum with Peterson sneaking another rushing touchdown, marking his third of the day to make the score 24-14. The Blizzard, undeterred and quick to respond, saw Jalyn Cagle return the ensuing kickoff for a 42-yard score, narrowing the gap once again.

The fourth quarter signaled a turning tide as Green Bay seized control early on. With 14:56 left in the game, Harry Ballard III caught a pivotal touchdown pass, propelling the Blizzard to a 28-24 lead they would not relinquish. Subsequently, a fumbled handoff by Iowa was recovered by Blizzard defensive lineman Rafiq Abdul-Wahid. Although Green Bay didn't capitalize on this turnover with points, their next defensive stand forced Iowa into a turnover on downs. The Blizzard cemented their 35-24 victory with a rushing touchdown from Jalyn Cagle, elevating their season record to 1-1.

Looking ahead, Green Bay (1-1) enters their first bye week with momentum. They will return to action on April 6th against the Quad City Steamwheelers (1-0) in what promises to be an exciting road game, marking their first of the season.

Iowa (0-1), also heading into their bye week, will look to regroup before their next game on April 12th, when they travel to Massachusetts to take on the Pirates (2-0), aiming to bounce back from this setback.

Written By: Casey Hibbard