The Green Bay Blizzard (4-2) host the Tulsa Oilers (3-3) this Saturday, May 11th. It is the first of two matchups between the Oilers and Blizzard this season. Saturday also marks Tulsa's first trip to Green Bay in their brief history. Kickoff at the Resch Center is at 3:05 PM CST.
Green Bay is coming into this matchup highly motivated after a tough loss to the Sioux Falls Storm. It was a back-and-forth game, but the Storm rose above the challenge and took down the Blizzard for their first victory of the season, winning 46-38. Green Bay looks to get back into the win column this week against the Oilers in a pivotal Eastern Conference matchup.
Tulsa was also a victim of giving a team their first win of the season when they hosted the Jacksonville Sharks last week. The game was closely contested, but the Sharks held off the Oilers 47-44. Tulsa has found success on the road this season, winning two out of three games away from home. They aim to add another win this weekend against Green Bay and come back home with a victory.
These two teams faced off for the first time last July in Tulsa, OK. Green Bay won by a narrow margin of 58-55. Green Bay looks to defend their home turf like they have done so often this season, winning three out of the four home games thus far.
If Green Bay wants to get back into the win column, they will need to fire on all cylinders. Defensively, they will have eyes on quarterback Daniel Smith, as he is a dual threat for the Oilers' offense. Smith was named Week 7 IFL Offensive Player of the Week, completing 14 of 18 passes for 209 yards with three TDs in the air and five on the ground. Tulsa had another Player of the Week in kicker Micheal Hall. Hall received Week 5 Special Teams Player of the Week honors when he went eight for eight on XPs, two for two on FGs, and kicked a Rouge against Sioux Falls. Offensively, Green Bay will want to take advantage of the Oilers' rush defense. This season, Tulsa is 15th in the league in rushing yards allowed per game (97.5). Coming off a tough home loss, Tulsa is eager to rebound and secure a victory on the road against the Blizzard.
For the Tulsa Oilers, neutralizing Green Bay's quarterback
Max Meylor is key. Meylor has been a standout performer and the driving force behind the Blizzard offense. He has 628 passing yards with 11 TDs and 3 INTs, as well as 178 rushing yards with 12 TDs on the ground this season. Additionally, Tulsa needs to rattle kicker
Andrew Mevis, who scored 14 points last game, showcasing his range with three field goals over 40 yards and a Deuce. On the offensive side, the Oilers must be wary of Green Bay's defensive back
Cyntell Williams, who has two interceptions this season. Williams is not only a threat in the air but Green Bay's leading tackler with 37 tackles this season. Green Bay is hungry for this win; the Oilers must be ready for anything that comes their way.
Saturday is Blackout Breast Cancer Day in Green Bay. To support breast cancer awareness, the Blizzard will be wearing black uniforms with pink accents. Green Bay will also wear black helmets and use a black game ball. Fans are encouraged to wear black and/or pink to show their support, too! Make sure to stick around for halftime because there is great entertainment lined up with performances from the West De Pere Middle School drumline and Williams Taekwondo from Ashwaubenon. After the game, fans may join the players and coaches on the field for the 5th Quarter!
Written By: Casey Hibbard
