Game 8 Preview @Green Bay

By Timothy Wallis

Following a loss on the road last week in Des Moines, the Quad City Steamwheelers need a win badly, and it will not be an easy task. This week, the Wheelers will travel north to Green Bay to take on the Eastern Conference-leading Blizzard on the road. The 2-5 Wheelers look to stay in the playoff race, while the 6-1 Blizzard look to get revenge against the team that defeated them a few weeks ago.

Kick-off is at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, May 8, at the Resch Center in Green Bay, WI. To watch, you can go to Overnght online or on iOS, Android, or Apple TV.

About the Steamwheelers

Last week, the Steamwheelers jumped out to a fast start against Iowa, opening the game with a 13-yard touchdown pass from Daquan Neal to Jordan Vesey before adding a Jan Bogdan field goal and a rushing touchdown from Jarrod Ware. The Wheelers built a 23-13 halftime lead after Neal connected with Quian Williams for an 18-yard touchdown late in the second quarter. Bogdan added a deuce to open the second half, pushing the Steamwheelers' lead to 25-13. However, Quad City was unable to score again for the remainder of the game, while turnovers, missed field goals, and stalled drives shifted momentum away from the Wheelers. The loss dropped Quad City to 2-5 overall and 2-4 in conference play.

QC - Players to Watch

Daquan Neal / QB - Last week against Iowa, Neal only threw for 165 yards while also completing two touchdowns, but two interceptions as well. The Wheelers' gunslinger needs to have another clean game if the offense is gonna succeed again. 

Kevin Ransom Jr / DB - In the last matchup between these two teams, the ex-Blizzard snagged a late game interception that sealed the win for the Wheelers. Now going against his former team for the second time, Ransom will look to get even more revenge.

About the Blizzard

Last week, the Blizzard earned a key 57-46 road win over the Fishers Freight in a battle for first place, rallying after trailing early. Green Bay stayed within striking distance in the first half with touchdowns from Liam Thompson and Demilon Brown, entering halftime down just 30-23. The Blizzard took control in the second half by scoring first to tie the game at 30-30 before adding multiple touchdowns to build momentum. Jack Studer and Terrell Carey each added fourth-quarter touchdowns, while Thompson capped the win with a late rushing score to extend Green Bay's lead. The victory marked the Blizzard's second win over Fishers this season.

Green Bay- Players to Watch

Liam Thompson / QB - Last game against Fishers, Thompson was phenomenal, throwing for 209 yards, three touchdowns and no interceptions. Only throwing for 121 yards, four touchdowns and an interception last time against the Wheelers, Thompson will look to ride their momentum their team has been creating.

Franky West Jr. / DB - Though only recording four tackles and nothing else in the last matchup, West's talents returning kicks and his athleticism on defense will make him a player to watch. He will look to use his speed to force a Neal turnover. 

Last Time Around….

The Steamwheelers and Blizzard last met on 4/11/26, when the Wheelers earned a statement win over rival Green Bay, defeating the Blizzard 51-36 after exploding offensively following a slow first quarter. Daquan Neal led the way with four passing touchdowns, one rushing touchdown, and 99 rushing yards, while Jarrod Ware Jr added two rushing scores. Quad City built a 24-8 halftime lead and never gave it up, with touchdowns from Keyvan Rudd, Quian Williams, Jordan Vesey, and Neal helping extend the advantage. The Steamwheelers' defense also came up with key stops throughout the game, including a late interception by Kevin Ransom Jr to seal the victory. The win gave Quad City revenge in the rematch of last season's Eastern Conference Finals.