Blizzard Opens Season With Record Crowd; Falls To Albany

Saturday April 1, 2006

The Green Bay Blizzard opened their 2006 season in front of a record crowd of 7,256, but it was not enough to beat the Albany Conquest. Despite a last-second INT by DS David Crocker, the Blizzard fell to their division rivals 48-40.

The Blizzard started off strong with OS Randall Lane scoring on 2 TD passes from QB James MacPherson. The Conquest fired right back on a 3-yd TD run by QB Ryan Vena, his first of 3 on the night. The Conquest pulled ahead in the 2nd quarter, scoring 3 TDs, the final coming with no time left on the clock. At the end of the half the Conquest led 28-20.

The second half was a back-and-forth battle, with both teams scoring several times. Blizzard WR/LB Robert "Superman" Garth scored on a 26-yard pass from QB Ronnie Gordon to go along with another TD from Randall Lane. Conquest QB Ryan Vena also added his third TD run.

Lane (6-65, 4 TDs) and Garth (5-88, 1 TD) led the Blizzard in receiving. Starting QB MacPherson finished the game completing 12-of-17 passes for 147 yards and 4TDs with 1 INT).

WR/DB Jim Jones led Albany’s receivers with 6 catches for 84 yards. QB Ryan Vena finished 18-for-31 for 183 yards and 5 TDs (3 rushing), with 2 INTs.

Game Awards:
Schutt Offensive Player of the Game: QB Ryan Vena (ALB)
U.S. Army Ironman of the Game: FB/LB Peter Lazare (GBB)
ADT Defensive Player of the Game: Edward Kwaku (GBB)

The Blizzard hits the road next week for an April 7th tilt with the Manchester Wolves and an April 15th game in Quad City. They will return home on Friday, April 21st to take on the Oklahoma City Yard Dawgz. For more information, or to get your Green Bay Blizzard season tickets and merchandise, contact the Blizzard office at (920) 405-1264.