The Green Bay Blizzard (10-3) make the trip down to Tulsa, OK where they will face off against the Tulsa Oilers (5-8) this Saturday, June 29th. Kickoff at the BOK Center is scheduled for 7:05 PM CST. 

Green Bay comes into this week's matchup off a loss down in Moline, IL to the Quad City Steamwheelers. The Blizzard played catch-up most of the game as they fell into a 14-point deficit in the first quarter. Green Bay was able to put points on the board in the second quarter but still trailed by 11 at the half. After the Blizzard had the only score of the third quarter, they were able to tie the game on a Max Meylor touchdown run with just over eight minutes left in the fourth quarter. Quad City would answer with a touchdown and add a field goal late to close the game out, 37-27. 

Tulsa enters this week's duel off a road win over the Iowa Barnstormers. The Oilers trailed by 14 after the first quarter but made their presence known in the second quarter. Tulsa scored four touchdowns in the second, including a 49-yard pick-six by Taylor Hawkins and a touchdown from wide receiver D'marcus Adams with just six seconds remaining in the half. After the half, the Oilers scored again within the first minute, giving them a 13-point lead. The teams traded scores the rest of the game, with Tulsa holding their edge and winning 54-48. 

This is the second matchup of the season between the Blizzard and the Oilers. Green Bay hosted Tulsa on May 11th, when the Blizzard defended their home turf with a win. The game was highlighted by three Harry Ballard III touchdowns and the Blizzard defense holding Tulsa to only three total touchdowns. Green Bay cruised to a 42-22 victory. 

For Green Bay to head north with a win and clinch a home playoff game, they first need to slow down quarterback Andre Sale. In only six starts with the Oilers, Sale has thrown for 25 touchdowns and nearly 1,000 yards. The Blizzard must also contain wide receiver and touchdown machine Alexis Rosario. In 11 games this season, Rosario has caught 17 touchdowns, including two against Iowa last week. Green Bay will have to stand tall against the Tulsa defense, which has two players in the top ten in tackles, Bennett "Tre" Harvey and Jordan Jones. Jones leads the IFL in tackles this season with 86.5, while Harvey is tenth with 63. Harvey is also a Jack-of-all-trades, as he has appeared as a wide receiver, running back, and kick returner this season.  

For Tulsa to push the Blizzard's home playoff hopes off another week and keep their own alive, they first need to neutralize quarterback Max Meylor. Meylor is having a great season, throwing for 29 touchdowns and only four interceptions, leading Green Bay to a 10-3 record. The Oilers need to learn from their mistakes and defend Harry Ballard III. Ballard erupted for three touchdowns in the previous matchup. In addition, QB Andre Sale will have to be wary of where defensive back Ravarius Rivers is on the field. Rivers is second in the IFL in tackles (78.5) and is tied for third in interceptions (six). Rivers was named Week 13 IFL Defensive Player of the Week against Massachusetts when he had 12 tackles, two interceptions, and a blocked field goal and was most recently named Blizzard Player of the Game last week.

With the Blizzard on the road this week, you can catch all the action at the official Green Bay Blizzard watch party hosted by D2 Sports Pub Stadium District (788 Armed Forces Dr, Green Bay, WI 54304), as well as on the IFL's YouTube channel linked here. 

Written By: Seth Kluck