Quad City Steamwheelers Lose Heartbreaker to Green Bay Blizzard 39-34.
August 3, 2007, (Moline, Ill.) – The Quad City Steamwheelers controlled the first 29 minutes of opening
round of the ArenaCup Playoffs storming out to a 21-0 lead at the i wireless Center on Friday, August 3rd. However, a Gerald
Harris 56-yard missed field goal return with no time remaining in the second quarter and a 56-yard kickoff return to open
the second half sparked a 39-34 Green Bay Blizzard come from behind victory. With the ‘Wheelers dominating the game
and holding a 21-0 advantage heading into the final seconds of the first half the two scores gave the Blizzard new life as
it went on to win the game 39-34 in front of 2,562 fans.
An interception by the Blizzard’s Ronnie Amadi setup a seven play, four minute and 50 second drive
that pulled the Blizzard to within one at 21-20 with just 4:55 remaining in the third frame. Two plays later ‘Wheelers
wide receiver Jack Walker Jr., hauled in his second touchdown catch of the night, a 41-yard strike, to give Quad City an eight
point lead.
In the fourth quarter, Green Bay quarterback, Zeke Dixon, found Scott Burnoski for a 13-yard pass to pull
within six at 28-26. Antonio Ficklin forced and recovered a fumble with just over 10 minutes remaining in the game giving
the Blizzard a chance for its first lead of the night. Five plays later Green Bay took the lead on a Dixon to Nathan Hardwick
19-yard pass with 5:06 remaining in the contest. The ‘Wheelers wasted little time regaining the lead as Kris Peters
capped a two-play drive with a 30-yard touchdown catch from J.J. Raterink.
The Blizzard did everything right in the final three minutes as it controlled the clock and ate 2:16 off
of the 2:36 remaining before Burnoski scored on a six-yard pass. The ‘Wheelers had a chance with 20 seconds remaining
in the game, but were unable to come up with the needed touchdown.
The Steamwheelers finished with 224 total yards, while Raterink threw for 235-yards and four touchdowns
on 19-completion, while adding a two-yard rushing touchdown. Walker Jr., finished with 94-yards and two touchdowns on eight
catches, while Tom Anthony registered 83-yards and one touchdown on seven catches. Sidney Lewis led the ‘Wheelers defense
with six total tackles.
For the Blizzard, Dixon finished with 223 yards and three touchdowns on 26 completions. Burnoski had 90
yards and two touchdowns on a game-high 10 catches. Stephen Cason finished with a team-high 5.5 tackles for the Blizzard.
Team
1st 2nd
3rd 4th
Final
Green Bay Blizzard
0 7
13 19
39
Quad City Steamwheelers
14 7
7 6
34
Schutt Offensive Player of the Game: Gerald Harris (GBB)
ADT Defensive Player of the Game: Gustavus Tyson (GBB)
U.S. Army Ironman of the Game: Jack Walker Jr. (QCS)
Cutter’s Catch of the Game: Kris Peters - 3:10 4th Qtr – (QCS)
Attendance: 2,562
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The Quad City Steamwheelers is the official, af2 professional football club of the Quad Cities. The Steamwheelers
play home at the i wireless Center in Moline, IL. For ticket information, please call (563) 324-4888.
The Quad City Steamwheelers, af2 and Arena Football are licensed properties of Arenafootball2, all
rights reserved. Look us up online at www.steamwheelers.com or www.af2.com. Information for die-hard Steamwheeler fans can be found on the official, Quad City Steamwheelers Fan Club web
site: www.SteamwheelerFans.com.
Chuck Massarolo
Bawden & Lareau Public Relations
The New Ventures Center
331 West Third Street
Suite 110
Davenport, IA 52801
563.359.8423 p
563.324.0842 f
