Blizzard hosts Chicago Friday on Local 5 Youth Jersey Night
By: Nick Goddard
Updated: April 13, 2012
The first 1,400 kids aged 14 and under who attend tonight's Blizzard game at the Resch Center will receive a replica youth jersey, courtesy of Aurora Baycare and Local 5.
Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 P.M. Here is a game preview:Blizzard Update: Green Bay wrapped up a difficult road schedule to start the 2012 season. The Blizzard had one home game in their first five games, winning four of the games. Last week, the Blizzard earned a hard fought victory in Cedar Rapids 59-46. Green Bay scored 21 unanswered points in the 4th quarter to top the Titans. Blizzard quarterback Donovan Porterie suffered an injury early in the game and was replaced by wide receiver Scott Burnoski for one series. Burnoski threw a touchdown pass to Bryan Pray on the drive. Porterie returned for the remainder of the game, but struggled with his accuracy at times. He finished a gutty performance by completing 8 of his 19 passes for 116 yards and 3 touchdowns, along with the three interceptions. Pray had four receptions for 44 yards and three touchdowns. Defensive back Aaron Moore led an opportunistic Blizzard defense with 11 tackles, an interception in the second quarter, and a forced fumble.
Slaughter Update: After winning their season opener against Bloomington, Chicago has lost five games in a row. The most recent was a 73-45 loss in Sioux Falls on Easter. The Slaughter hung close with the IFL's top team early as the halftime score was 38-38. But, the Storm opened the second half with 22 unanswered points on its way to the win. The Slaughter had only four net passing yards in the first half, but picked up 104 yards rushing. The second half didn't get much better for the Slaughter as they managed only 35 yards of total offense. Chicago running back Daniel DuFrene finished the game with 50 yards rushing and three touchdowns. Quarterback Juice Williams only completed two passes for 21 yards.
Series: The Blizzard and Slaughter have faced each other six times in the last 2 seasons. Chicago leads the series 4-2. The Blizzard won the last match-up 65-48 on June 10, 2011.
Stats: Offense: Green Bay ranks third in the IFL with 52.6 points per game, Chicago ranks eighth with 44.3 points per game. Defense: The Blizzard is second in the IFL at 40 points per game and the Slaughter is ranked 12th with 50.5 points per game. Friday's game features two of the top rushing teams in the IFL and two of the top running backs. Blizzard RB La'Ron Council is the second ranked rusher and Slaughter RB Daniel DuFrene is ranked fourth. Chicago's veteran linebacker Lenny Radtke leads the IFL with 64 total tackles.
