The Green Bay Blizzard (8-2) head east to Lowell, MA this Saturday, June 8th, where they will face off against the Massachusetts Pirates (6-4) for the second time this season. Kickoff at the Tsongas Center is scheduled for 12:05 PM CST.
The Blizzard are on a roll coming into this week's matchup, winning their last four games, including last week's victory over the Quad City Steamwheelers. Green Bay took an early lead over Quad City and never looked back, steamrolling the Steamwheelers 64-36.
The Pirates come into this week's battle off a tough road loss at the hands of the Frisco Fighters. Frisco and Massachusetts exchanged back-and-forth scores throughout the game, with neither team able to pull away. When the final horn sounded, it was the Fighters who snuck away with the win, 52-48.
Green Bay and Massachusetts squared off in Week 1 when the Pirates went west to Green Bay. The Blizzard led for the first three quarters and most of the fourth but could not put the game out of reach. Massachusetts used the opportunity to stage a comeback and took the lead with just 15 seconds remaining. The momentum was too much for Green Bay to overcome, and the Pirates squeaked out the victory, 44-40.
This Saturday's matchup marks the fourth time the Blizzard have made the trip to Massachusetts, still seeking their first road win against the Pirates. Green Bay has won twice at home while dropping two, leaving the all-time series at 5-2 in Massachusetts' favor.
If Green Bay wants to secure their first win in Massachusetts, they must stop quarterback Alejandro Bennifield. Bennifield is a very accurate passer, having thrown for 21 touchdowns and only four interceptions. In Week 1 action, Bennifield earned IFL Offensive Player of the Week for his performance against the Blizzard, throwing for 111 yards and recording six total touchdowns. The Pirates also have 2023 IFL Offensive Rookie of the Year, running back Jimmie Robinson III. Robinson has continued where he left off last season, averaging over four yards per carry and recording 15 rushing touchdowns this season. Additionally, Robinson has established himself as a kick return threat, gaining 533 yards on 27 returns through nine games. Navigating the Massachusetts defense will be key in securing a victory for Green Bay as well. A staple on the Pirates' defense is linebacker Calvin Bundage. Bundage has recorded 52 tackles, 4.5 sacks, and recovered a fumble this season. Minimizing his impact on the game should steer the Blizzard toward a win.
For Massachusetts to defend their home turf, they need to limit Green Bay running back EJ Burgess Jr. Burgess tallied four rushing touchdowns in a dominating victory against Quad City last week. The Pirates should also prepare for the wide receiver duo of Harry Ballard III and Lowell Patron Jr. They have combined for 15 touchdowns this season and have had game-changing performances, earning each a Green Bay Blizzard Player of the Game honor this season. Massachusetts will also have to be efficient against the Blizzard defense, as they allow the least amount of points per game to opposing teams in 2024 (34.2). A new face, but a large part of the Green Bay defense, is linebacker Julius Wilkerson. Wilkerson joined the team two games ago and has recorded 13 tackles, a sack, an interception, and forced a fumble. His performance against Quad City earned him both IFL Defensive Player of the Week and Green Bay Blizzard Player of the Game honors.
Even though the Blizzard are on the road this week, it does not mean you have to miss out on the action! Join us at Replay Sports Bar and Grill (1731 Ft Howard Ave, De Pere, WI 54115) for the official Blizzard watch party! Festivities start at 11:30 AM, a half hour before kickoff. If you cannot join us at the watch party, you can always stream the game on Caffeine TV or the IFL YouTube channel.
Written By: Seth Kluck
