Following a crazy schedule to start the season that included four of the first five games being on the road and two byes in three weeks, the Blizzard will play its first home game in a month on Friday. It will also be the first at the familiar confines of the Resch Center since the home opener was at the Brown County Arena.
Also, listen to a new episode of FrostBite which incluces an interview with Blizzard coach Robert Fuller.
Here’s the cliff notes version about what to look for on Friday when the Blizzard (4-1) plays host to the Chicago Slaughter (1-5).
-Green Bay quarterback Donovan Porterie’s status
He sustained a pulled groin on the first drive last week at Cedar Rapids and played through it, completing 9-of-18 passes for 116 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions, which were returned for scores. The pick-sixes were in part due to Porterie’s inability to step into his throws, but he showed a lot of toughness, especially during a quarterback sneak for a score in the fourth quarter. Receiver Scott Burnoski came in briefly during the first quarter and completed two passes, including a TD. As of this moment, the Blizzard doesn’t have a backup quarterback on the roster.
-Chicago’s running game
The Slaughter has a new receiving core this season and has been relying heavily on the ground game. In a 73-45 loss to the defending champion Sioux Falls Storm last Sunday, Chicago rushed for an astounding 132 yards on 38 carries. The ground game is led by former Illinois running back Daniel DuFrene, who in his second season with the team has 237 rushing yards and 11 TDs.
Quarterback Juice Williams, another former Illini player, also is a dangerous weapon as a runner under center. Williams splits time with Perry Patterson. The two combined last week to complete a dreadful 2-of-13 passes for 21 yards and three interceptions.
-Familiar with Fuller?
Chicago has a pair of players who Blizzard coach Robert Fuller coached in Fairbanks last season in running back Dre Gibbs and receiver Tony Taylor. However, both have been inactive the past two games (Won’t find out why until Friday). Gibbs was the leading rusher in the IFL last season.
-Don’t look at the Slaughter’s 1-5 record
Since both teams joined the IFL in 2010, Chicago is 4-2 against the Blizzard. Slaughter head coach and former Bear Steve McMichael does a good job of getting his team to play its best against Green Bay. Chicago has lost five straight since winning its season opener against Bloomington. However, its five losses came against teams that are a combined 15-7, and other than its last loss against the Storm, each defeat has been within single digits. Meanwhile, the Blizzard’s four straight victories have come against teams that are a combined 4-11.
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