Post by DiamondThief on Apr 23, 2021 19:12:01 GMT -8
Bucks 41, Blizzard 35
4/23/21 --
GREEN BAY, WI - Glen Cuielette's 14-yard touchdown strike propelled the Bismarck Bucks to a 41-35 win over the Green Bay Blizzard in the 2021 Indoor Football League season opener tonight at the Resch Center.
It was the first regular season game since the 2020 season was cancelled by the IFL due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Resch Center included limited seating of fans, socially distanced in "pods."
This is the first win for the Bucks since April 28, 2019 when they defeated the Quad City Steamwheelers, 51-48, at Bismarck. The Bucks finished that season at 2-12 and missed the playoffs.
The Blizzard came out with a splash, scoring on the first play from scrimmage on an 11-yard pass from veteran quarterback Aaron Aiken to Keshaun Taylor. Henry Nell's extra point gave them a quick 7-0 lead. The Bucks came right back as they drove down the field and scored on a seven-yard run by Justin Rankin. Cody Barber's kick went wide right so the Blizzard held a 7-6 lead which they held through the end of the opening quarter.
The teams traded a pair of missed field goals before the Bucks scored on a one-yard run from Emanuel Jones. The play was challenged, but Jones' touchdown was confirmed. Barber added the point after and the Bucks enjoyed their first lead of the game at 13-7 at the 7:20 point of the second quarter. Aiken hit a 5-yard strike to Trevon Saunders to knot the game at 13-13; a score which would remain through halftime.
The third quarter belonged to Bismarck defensive back Mason Gray. The Bucks drove down the field in the second half, but Richard Stammetti was intercepted by Green Bay's Gray, giving the ball to the Blizzard at their own 11-yard line. Deion Carter then recovered a fumble as the Blizzard had been driving, giving the Bucks the ball back at their own five yard line. Bismarck made a change at quarterback, inserting Glen Cuielette for Stammetti. Cuielette's first pass was intercepted by Gray, who returned it 10 yards to the end zone. Nell once again missed the point after attempt, but the Blizzard had the lead nonetheless. On the ensuing kickoff, the Bucks were unable to handle the ball, and it was recovered by Gray in the end zone to take a 25-13 lead. The Bucks came right back and scored on a one-yard run from Jones. The Blizzard lead 25-20 at the end of the third quarter.
After the Bucks scored on an eight-yard pass from Cuiellette to Rankin to take a 27-25 lead at the beginning of the fourth quarter, the Blizzard came back with a six yard run from Taylor and the Blizzard were back up by five at 32-27 with just over 10 minutes left. Cuielette's hit J.T. Stokes on a four-yard strike on the right side of the end zone. Nell failed on the extra point attempt giving the Blizzard just a one-point lead. With just 1:18 left, Nell converted on a 38-yard field goal to give the Blizzard a 35-33 lead.
Bismarck embarked on a drive beginning at the one-minute warning, driving the ball down to the Blizzard 14-yard line. Cuielette hit Raheem Harvey for what would be the game-winning score. The Blizzard had one last chance, but Aiken's pass to the end zone was intercepted by Zuril Hendrick of the Bucks as time expired.
The Bucks had 19 first downs to the Blizzard's 12, and outgained Green Bay in total yards, 270 to 148. The big difference was in the passing game with 208 yards for the Bucks and 98 for the Blizzard. Bismarck was four of seven on third-down conversions and converted their only fourth-down attempt. Green Bay converted on two of six third-down tries and did not attempt a try on fourth down.
Both Bucks' quarterbacks threw for 105 yards, though Cuiellette finished with three touchdown passes off eight of 11 passing. Rankin gained 50 yards on 10 rushes in addition to his respective rushing and receiving touchdowns. Harvey led all receivers with seven catches for 99 yards and a score. Deion Carter paced the defense with nine total tackles, while Dillon Salva and Cameron Hunt each recorded an interception.
Aiken completed 11 of 23 passes for 109 yards with a pair of touchdowns and a pair of interceptions. He also rushed six times for 37 yards. In addition to his touchdown catch, Taylor ended with five catches for 44 yards. Cory Turner led the Blizzard in tackles with nine, while Gary had six total tackles, a pair of interceptions, and a fumble recovery in the end zone off a kickoff.
The Bucks (1-0) have a bye next week before hosting the expansion Louisville Xtreme on May 8 with kickoff at 4:05 p.m. The Blizzard (0-1) host the Massachusetts Pirates on May 2. Kickoff for that matinee contest is set for 1:05 p.m. All times listed are pacific daylight time. Click for the SCtoC 2021 Indoor Football League schedule.
4/23/21 --
GREEN BAY, WI - Glen Cuielette's 14-yard touchdown strike propelled the Bismarck Bucks to a 41-35 win over the Green Bay Blizzard in the 2021 Indoor Football League season opener tonight at the Resch Center.
It was the first regular season game since the 2020 season was cancelled by the IFL due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The Resch Center included limited seating of fans, socially distanced in "pods."
This is the first win for the Bucks since April 28, 2019 when they defeated the Quad City Steamwheelers, 51-48, at Bismarck. The Bucks finished that season at 2-12 and missed the playoffs.
The Blizzard came out with a splash, scoring on the first play from scrimmage on an 11-yard pass from veteran quarterback Aaron Aiken to Keshaun Taylor. Henry Nell's extra point gave them a quick 7-0 lead. The Bucks came right back as they drove down the field and scored on a seven-yard run by Justin Rankin. Cody Barber's kick went wide right so the Blizzard held a 7-6 lead which they held through the end of the opening quarter.
The teams traded a pair of missed field goals before the Bucks scored on a one-yard run from Emanuel Jones. The play was challenged, but Jones' touchdown was confirmed. Barber added the point after and the Bucks enjoyed their first lead of the game at 13-7 at the 7:20 point of the second quarter. Aiken hit a 5-yard strike to Trevon Saunders to knot the game at 13-13; a score which would remain through halftime.
The third quarter belonged to Bismarck defensive back Mason Gray. The Bucks drove down the field in the second half, but Richard Stammetti was intercepted by Green Bay's Gray, giving the ball to the Blizzard at their own 11-yard line. Deion Carter then recovered a fumble as the Blizzard had been driving, giving the Bucks the ball back at their own five yard line. Bismarck made a change at quarterback, inserting Glen Cuielette for Stammetti. Cuielette's first pass was intercepted by Gray, who returned it 10 yards to the end zone. Nell once again missed the point after attempt, but the Blizzard had the lead nonetheless. On the ensuing kickoff, the Bucks were unable to handle the ball, and it was recovered by Gray in the end zone to take a 25-13 lead. The Bucks came right back and scored on a one-yard run from Jones. The Blizzard lead 25-20 at the end of the third quarter.
After the Bucks scored on an eight-yard pass from Cuiellette to Rankin to take a 27-25 lead at the beginning of the fourth quarter, the Blizzard came back with a six yard run from Taylor and the Blizzard were back up by five at 32-27 with just over 10 minutes left. Cuielette's hit J.T. Stokes on a four-yard strike on the right side of the end zone. Nell failed on the extra point attempt giving the Blizzard just a one-point lead. With just 1:18 left, Nell converted on a 38-yard field goal to give the Blizzard a 35-33 lead.
Bismarck embarked on a drive beginning at the one-minute warning, driving the ball down to the Blizzard 14-yard line. Cuielette hit Raheem Harvey for what would be the game-winning score. The Blizzard had one last chance, but Aiken's pass to the end zone was intercepted by Zuril Hendrick of the Bucks as time expired.
The Bucks had 19 first downs to the Blizzard's 12, and outgained Green Bay in total yards, 270 to 148. The big difference was in the passing game with 208 yards for the Bucks and 98 for the Blizzard. Bismarck was four of seven on third-down conversions and converted their only fourth-down attempt. Green Bay converted on two of six third-down tries and did not attempt a try on fourth down.
Both Bucks' quarterbacks threw for 105 yards, though Cuiellette finished with three touchdown passes off eight of 11 passing. Rankin gained 50 yards on 10 rushes in addition to his respective rushing and receiving touchdowns. Harvey led all receivers with seven catches for 99 yards and a score. Deion Carter paced the defense with nine total tackles, while Dillon Salva and Cameron Hunt each recorded an interception.
Aiken completed 11 of 23 passes for 109 yards with a pair of touchdowns and a pair of interceptions. He also rushed six times for 37 yards. In addition to his touchdown catch, Taylor ended with five catches for 44 yards. Cory Turner led the Blizzard in tackles with nine, while Gary had six total tackles, a pair of interceptions, and a fumble recovery in the end zone off a kickoff.
The Bucks (1-0) have a bye next week before hosting the expansion Louisville Xtreme on May 8 with kickoff at 4:05 p.m. The Blizzard (0-1) host the Massachusetts Pirates on May 2. Kickoff for that matinee contest is set for 1:05 p.m. All times listed are pacific daylight time. Click for the SCtoC 2021 Indoor Football League schedule.
Both games, as well as all IFL games this season, will be streamed live on the IFL's Official YouTube Channel. SCtoC will present previews of those, and all, games this season. Those previews will be posted on the board of the home team in each game.
- ANM
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