The Green Bay Blizzard (10-2) head south this Saturday, June 22nd, for their third and final matchup of the regular season against the Quad City Steamwheelers (5-6). Game time at Vibrant Arena at The MARK is scheduled for 7:05 PM CST.

The Blizzard storm into this week's matchup with a freshly clinched playoff spot thanks to their win over the Jacksonville Sharks last Friday. Jacksonville struck first, taking an early lead, but Green Bay answered by scoring three consecutive touchdowns. After another Sharks' touchdown, the Blizzard "double-dipped" by scoring just before halftime and after, which blew the game open. Green Bay took control of the rest of the game, with the defense only allowing three more scores and cruising to a convincing 63-35 victory.

The Steamwheelers come into this week after a loss at the hands of the Iowa Barnstormers. In a low-scoring game, these two teams fought right to the end; then a field goal by Iowa kicker Gabriel Rui, with just over a minute left, gave the Barnstormers the lead. Quad City made their final push but were unable to get into the endzone. They lined up for the 25-yard field goal attempt with two seconds on the clock, but the kick was missed, giving Iowa the 28-27 win.

Green Bay and Quad City have faced off twice this season, with the Blizzard being the victors of both matchups. Green Bay won the most recent tilt between these two teams in dominating fashion at home on May 31st. The game was highlighted by four EJ Burgess Jr. touchdowns. The Blizzard led by 28 points on three separate occasions during the game, including the final score of 64-36. Unlike the most recent game, the first matchup of the season was close. Green Bay traveled to Moline, IL on April 6th for the showdown. In a low-scoring affair, both teams found paydirt in the first half, and the Blizzard held a 10-point halftime lead. In the second half, the scoring went back and forth, but Green Bay held on to the lead. The Blizzard had the only score of the fourth quarter, securing the 32-24 win.  

If Green Bay wants to secure a home playoff game with a victory, they first need to have a good game plan for quarterback Judd Erickson. Erickson came in as relief for quarterback Mike Irwin two weeks ago against Frisco and led them to victory and in return, got the starting nod last week at Iowa. Also, Green Bay will need to be precise when defending wide receiver and kick returner Jarrod Harrington. Harrington has proven to be a threat on both offense and special teams, as he's scored seven receiving touchdowns along with three kick returns for touchdowns this season. The Blizzard special teams will have to pressure kicker Kyle Kaplan as much as possible on Saturday. Kaplan leads the league in field goals made (17) and is second in field goal percentage (63%) and was also named IFL Special Teams Player of the Week back in Week 10. 

For Quad City to "protect their house" and remain in the mix for a playoff spot, they will need to find an answer for Green Bay quarterback Max Meylor. Meylor has been on a tear this season, throwing for 29 touchdowns and adding 22 more rushing touchdowns. Meylor threw for over 150 yards and had six total touchdowns against Jacksonville a week ago, earning him Green Bay Blizzard Player of the Game. The Steamwheelers will have to be mistake-free to beat the Blizzard defense. A huge part of the defense is Ravarius Rivers, who has five interceptions on the season. Rivers had two of those interceptions against Massachusetts a few weeks ago, earning him Week 13 IFL Defensive Player of the Week honors. In the two games against Quad City this season, Scean Mustin and Julius Wilkerson were key components in the Green Bay victories. In the first matchup, Mustin had 4.5 tackles, all of which were tackles-for-loss, including two sacks. In the most recent game, Wilkerson had eight tackles, a forced fumble, and an interception earning him Week 12 IFL Defensive Player of the Week recognition. Neutralizing these two defenders will be a priority for the Steamwheelers. 

With the Blizzard being out of town this week, you can catch all the action on Caffeine TV and the IFL YouTube Channel. If you want to go out and watch the game, join us at D2 Sports Pub Stadium District (788 Armed Forces Dr, Green Bay, WI 54304) for the official Green Bay Blizzard Watch Party. 

Written By: Seth Kluck