In Week 9 of the IFL season, the Green Bay Blizzard hosted the Tulsa Oilers in a newly-developing rivalry. It was the first time the Oilers made the trip up to Green Bay, and they hoped to make the journey back as victors, but the Blizzard had other plans. Green Bay defended their house, getting back into the win column, and sending Tulsa home with their second straight loss. The Blizzard improved their all-time record against the Oilers to 2-0 with the victory, with another matchup in Tulsa later this season.

After the National Anthem was sung and the coin was flipped, it was the Oilers that started with the ball. Tulsa marched down the field, seeming to do it with ease, and ended the drive with a fumble by Quarterback Daniel Smith, which was recovered by Bennett Harvey in the endzone for the Oilers score. Green Bay looked to respond and did, with Max Meylor finding Harry Ballard III for a 27-yard touchdown. Tulsa looked to regain their lead, but the Blizzard defense dug in and forced the Oilers to attempt a field goal, which was blocked by Ravarius Rivers. Green Bay began their drive deep in Tulsa territory when the first quarter came to a close, with the score deadlocked at 7. 

In the beginning seconds of the second quarter, the Blizzard continued where they left off, punching the ball in on a Max Meylor touchdown run, bringing the score to 14-7 after a successful Andrew Mevis extra point. The Oilers looked to even the score, driving towards the end zone, but the Green Bay defense stepped up once again and forced a 42-yard field goal attempt, which was missed by Tulsa kicker Michael Hall. The Blizzard took advantage of the turnover, scoring on a 4-yard touchdown run by Jalyn Cagle. After the extra point, Green Bay led 21-7. The Oilers tried to navigate the Blizzard defense but once again had to settle for a 25-yard field goal attempt, which was good, bringing the score to 21-10. With only 34 seconds remaining before halftime, Green Bay sliced apart the Oilers defense and scored on another Harry Ballard III touchdown reception with only 12 ticks left on the clock, bringing the score to 28-10 going into halftime. 

Green Bay began the third quarter by methodically picking apart Tulsa's defense, and after burning almost 7 minutes off the clock, Max Meylor finished the drive with a 2-yard touchdown run, giving Green Bay the 35-10 lead. Trying not to let the game get out of hand, the Oilers responded quickly, scoring on a 24-yard touchdown catch by Travelle Calvin. After an unsuccessful two-point try, the score was 35-16. The clock ticked out on the third quarter, with the Blizzard boasting a 19-point lead. 

With less than a minute into the fourth quarter, Tulsa was deep in Green Bay territory and looking to start their comeback. Daniel Smith rushed into the endzone for the 3-yard score, and after another unsuccessful 2-point try, the score was 35-22. With the lead down to 13, the Blizzard struck paydirt, with Harry Ballard III scoring his third touchdown of the game. Mevis split the uprights on the extra point and made the score 42-22. The rest of the fourth was all Green Bay's defense, recording two sacks and a fourth down goalline stop. As the final horn sounded, the score was Green Bay 42, Tulsa 22. 

Next week, Green Bay (5-2) hosts the Frisco Fighters (6-1) in a clash of Eastern Conference foes. This sets up to be an exciting battle between two of the top teams in the Eastern Conference on Saturday, May 18th at 3:05 PM CST. 

Tulsa (3-4) will be on the road next week when they face off against the San Antonio Gunslingers (2-4). The Oilers will look to get back into the win column next Saturday, May 18th, after back-to-back losses.

Written By: Seth Kluck