Game 11 Preview vs Green Bay

Steamwheelers look to right the Ship against the Ice Cold Blizzard

By Timothy Wallis

Following a blowout loss last week to the defending champion Vegas Knight Hawks on the road, the 3-7 Quad City Steamwheelers are looking to go on a run to avoid missing the playoffs as the season winds down. Though the team finally returns home, they have a tall task. They will once again host their rivals from up north, the 9-1 and current one-seed Green Bay Blizzard

Kick-off is at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 6, at the Wheelhouse at the Vibrant Arena at The Mark in Moline, IL. To watch, you can go to Overnight online or on iOS, Android, or Apple TV.

About the Steamwheelers

Last week, the Steamwheelers fell flat in the second half at Vegas and were defeated 61-28 on the road. The Wheelers jumped out to an early lead when Daquan Neal connected with Keyvan Rudd for a 39-yard touchdown, and the defense followed with a goal-line stand. Neal later found Jazeric Peterson for a 50-yard score, while Quian Williams added a 50-yard kickoff return touchdown to help keep Quad City in front during a back-and-forth first half. The Steamwheelers trailed 30-22 at halftime before Neal scored on a one-yard rushing touchdown in the third quarter to cut the deficit to 38-28. Quad City could not generate any more points after that, as Vegas controlled the remainder of the game. The loss dropped the Steamwheelers to 3-7 on the season and 2-5 in conference play. Primarily, the Wheelers' offense is driven by the passing game, averaging 173 passing yards per game, which is the fifth most in the league, but the rushing game has cratered, only averaging 61.2 rushing yards per game. 

QC - Players to Watch

The Offensive Line / OL - In the loss at Green Bay a few weeks ago, the Wheelers only mustered up 48 yards rushing, but in the win earlier at the Wheelhouse, the Wheelers combined for 170 total rushing yards. While it is more than the offensive line's responsibility, their play and ability to hold and push the Green Bay defensive line back are crucial to the offense's success.

Kevin Ransom Jr / DB - Though I am repeating myself like a broken record, the ex-Blizzard Ransom is the player to watch against his former team due to his ability to force turnovers against his former team. In both previous matchups against Green Bay, Ransom snagged an interception in both games, and now more than ever, the Wheelers will need a turnover or two to go their way.

About the Blizzard

Last week, the Blizzard overcame an early deficit behind a balanced offense and a defense that forced multiple turnovers in a 62-28 victory over the San Antonio Gunslingers. Liam Thompson threw touchdown passes to Trevon Alexander and Sylvere Campbell while Kairee Robinson powered the ground game with four rushing touchdowns and added a receiving score. Green Bay took control in the second quarter and never looked back, building a 25-21 halftime lead before outscoring the Gunslingers 37-7 in the second half. Defensively, the Blizzard forced a fumble and recorded interceptions by Najei Snyder and Franky West Jr., helping set up several scoring drives. The performance improved Green Bay's momentum as both the offense and defense delivered throughout the night, as they look to repeat as Eastern Conference champs. Sitting at 9-1, Green Bay is in a perfect position to clinch the number one seed in the conference and is led by their once-again-amazing offense, which scores the second-most points per game at 52.5. Despite only passing 152.7 yards per game, their 85.9 rushing yards per game are the fourth most in the league.

Green Bay- Players to Watch

Demilon Brown / RB - The shifty running back had a great game against the Steamwheelers last time out, rushing for 41 yards and two touchdowns, while also catching another score in their win. Whether it is through checkdown passes or on the ground, the Wheelers' defense will have to allocate resources to make sure Brown doesn't gash through the defense again.

Franky West Jr / DB - A threat on defense and on kick returns, West is a dynamic athlete who was another player that had a great game last time in this matchup. West had eight tackles but also plucked an interception for seven yards. Neal will have to be wary of West as he lurks on the defensive side of the field.

Last Time Around….

The Steamwheelers and Blizzard last met on 5/8/26, when the Blizzard got their revenge and defeated the Wheelers 65-40. Quad City fell behind 16-0 early before mounting a second-quarter comeback behind Neal, who threw a touchdown pass to Rudd and added a rushing score to help cut the deficit to one point. Quad City trailed 30-18 at halftime but continued to battle, with Neal scoring another rushing touchdown and later finding Jarrod Ware for two touchdown receptions. The Steamwheelers also forced multiple turnovers, including interceptions by Nicholas Harris and Kevin Ransom Jr. Despite the offensive production, several costly turnovers and short fields allowed Green Bay to pull away in the second half. Neal finished with five total touchdowns, while Rudd and Ware combined for three receiving scores in the loss.