Blizzard Moves One Step Closer to Midwest Division Lead With Blowout Victory

Friday June 22, 2007

The Green Bay Blizzard extended their home winning streak to 8 games at U.S. Cellular Field at the Resch Center with their 54-28 victory over the Fort Wayne Fusion in front of 5,233 fans.  The Blizzard home winning streak dates back to July 28, 2006 when the Blizzard defeated the Louisville Fire, 54-53 to capture the Eastern Division crown in 2006.

The first quarter was a struggle for both teams offensively as neither Fort Wayne nor Green Bay could get close to their opponents’ endzone. The defenses dominated for both teams for the first 19 minutes of the game.

Midway through the second quarter, the Fusion were the first to get on the board as FB Joey Johnsonbaugh hauled in a 14 yard touchdown pass from QB Blayne Baggett. The Blizzard offense then went on a tear, scoring 3 consecutive touchdowns to round out the quarter. The first score came on a 40 yard strike from QB Gino Guidugli to WR Scott Burnoski. On the ensuing kickoff, WR Kellen Allen recovered a fumble in the Fusion’s endzone, and in only two plays the Blizzard took the lead, 14-7.  Allen then caught an 11 yard scoring pass, and at the half, the Blizzard led, 21-7.

Green Bay then struck gold on their first possession of the second half with WR Nate Hardwick’s 8 yard touchdown reception. The Fusion struck back quickly on the following kickoff, as DB Morris Virgil went 56 yards on the touchdown return. The Blizzard offense continued their onslaught however, as QB Gino Guidugli nailed WR Nate Hardwick again, this time on a 40 yard touchdown strike. At the end of the third, Green Bay led 35-14.

The Blizzard scored on their next two possessions in the fourth quarter to extend their lead to 48-14. The first score came on a WR Kellen Allen 21 yard touchdown grab while the second was a 2 yard rushing score by FB Antonio Ficklin. The Fusion managed two late scores, but WR Kellen Allen put the game away with his 35 yard scoring reception

The win improves Green Bay’s season record to 6-5 and brings them one step closer to the Midwest Division lead after Quad City’s loss to Wilks-Barre/Scranton, 62-55. Green Bay now trails the Steamwheelers by only half-a-game for first place. Next Friday, the Blizzard faces the Steamwheelers at The MARK of the Quad Cities in Moline, Illinois. Kickoff is scheduled for 7:30 p.m. CST.

Statistics

Passing:
FW QB Blayne Baggett: 16-27 passing, 159 yards, 1 TD, 2 INTs
GB QB Gino Guidugli: 19-31 passing, 298 yards, 6 TDs, 2 INTs

Rushing:
FW FB Joey Johnsonbaugh: 2 rushes, -1 yard
GB FB Antonio Ficklin: 5 rushes, 2 yards, 1 TD

Receiving:
FW WR Cesare Manning: 11 receptions, 122 yards, 1 TD
GB WR Nate Hardwick: 8 receptions, 110 yards, 2 TDs

Game Awards

Schutt Offensive Player of the Game: GB QB Gino Guidugli
ADT Defensive Player of the Game: GB DB Stephen Cason
U.S. Army Ironman of the Game: GB FB/LB Antonio Ficklin
Cutter’s Catch of the Game: GB WR Scott Burnoski