Box Score
In Week 8 of the IFL, all eyes turned to Sioux Falls as Green Bay hit the road to take on the Storm in this highly anticipated matchup. The atmosphere crackled with excitement as Sioux Falls defended their turf, putting an end to Green Bay's four-game winning streak and securing their first victory of the season. With this win, the season series between these two teams stands locked at 1-1.
The match kicked off with the Storm methodically moving down the field, ending in a 1-yard touchdown run by QB Billy Hall. Green Bay aimed to respond but instead turned the ball over on downs, handing possession back to Sioux Falls. However, their setback was short-lived, as Billy Hall's pass was intercepted by Green Bay's
Cyntell Williams. Capitalizing on this turnover, Green Bay quickly turned the tide with a 1-yard rushing touchdown from QB
Max Meylor, taking a 6-7 lead as the first quarter ended.
As the second quarter got underway, Sioux Falls reclaimed the lead with Billy Hall running in for another 1-yard touchdown. Unfortunately for the Storm, kicker Dean Sarris missed his second extra point, leaving the score at 12-7. Green Bay soon answered with a 34-yard field goal by
Andrew Mevis, narrowing the score to 12-10. The game then saw a shift when QB Lorenzo Brown Jr., a former champion, came in for Sioux Falls but threw an interception on his first pass to Green Bay's
Shawn Steele II. This gave Green Bay excellent field position, and they did not waste it as Meylor scored his second rushing touchdown, putting the Blizzard ahead 12-17.
The scoring continued as Sioux Falls' Bryson Denley countered quickly with a strong touchdown run, reclaiming the lead at 18-17. However, Green Bay was not down for long.
Andrew Mevis nailed another field goal to push the Blizzard ahead again at 18-20. The Storm surged back with Lorenzo Brown Jr. orchestrating a drive that he finished himself with a 3-yard touchdown run, taking the lead back at 24-20. With the half drawing to a close and no time left on the clock, Mevis added one more field goal for Green Bay, making the score a tight 24-23 at halftime.
The third quarter kicked off with Green Bay in possession and wasting no time.
Max Meylor notched his third rushing touchdown of the day, pushing the Blizzard ahead 24-30. When the Storm took over, Billy Hall came back on the field and led a drive that unfortunately resulted in no points, as Dean Sarris missed a field goal, keeping the score unchanged. Green Bay's drive mirrored this frustration, ending similarly with a missed field goal. As the quarter drew to a close, Lorenzo Brown Jr. ran into the end zone for another rushing touchdown, reclaiming the lead for the Storm at 31-30. The intensity continued to build as both teams fought fiercely to control the game's rhythm.
The fourth quarter was a nail-biter and kept everyone on the edge of their seats. Green Bay started things off with an unsuccessful field goal attempt. Then, Sioux Falls managed to score a field goal of their own, thanks to Sarris, increasing their lead to 34-30. But the Storm's special teams was not finished. During Green Bay's kick return, WR
Kenyon'TA Skinner was stripped, and Sioux Falls ran it back for a touchdown, extending their lead to 40-30. Green Bay fought back with a touchdown pass from Meylor to WR
Lowell Patron Jr., followed by a Deuce from Mevis. With the score at 40-38, Sioux Falls looked to push their lead out of Green Bay's reach. Veteran leader Lorenzo Brown Jr. did just that with his third rushing touchdown of the day, making it 46-38. With one last chance to tie the game, Meylor heaved one downfield, but DB Elijah Reed intercepted it, sealing the win for the Storm and marking their first victory of the season.
Next week, Green Bay (4-2) will host the Tulsa Oilers (3-3) as Green Bay and Tulsa both hope to get back in the win column after dropping their last games. This sets up an exciting Eastern Conference matchup on Saturday, May 11.
Sioux Falls (1-5) will stay at home for the second week in a row to battle with the Quad City Steamwheelers (2-3). Sioux Falls looks to continue the success they had against Green Bay by winning another inter-conference matchup.
