Post by fwp on Mar 18, 2010 8:54:41 GMT -5
www.greenbaypressgazette.com/article/20100318/GPG0211/3180660/1225/GPG02
New league
In switching from arenafootball2 to the Indoor Football League, Blizzard fans will notice a few differences about the style of play.
Some of the more notable differences between the two leagues are that two offensive players can go in forward motion before the snap instead of one, there are no rebound nets and linebackers are free to roam in pass coverage outside the box.
"We have a true running back," Blizzard coach Rik Richards said. "We don't have a big 280-pound fullback like the af2 used. They used to run the ball 10 to 15 times a game mostly in the red zone. We run the ball 10 to 15 times a game, but it's all over the field for much bigger chunks of yardage."
New rivals
The Blizzard will play in the IFL's Central North Division along with the Bloomington Extreme, the Chicago Slaughter and the La Crosse Spartans.
The Spartans are an expansion team coached by former Green Bay Packer defensive tackle Gilbert Brown. The Blizzard won an exhibition game 14-11 at La Crosse on Feb. 21.
The Slaughter, who plays its home games at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, Ill., joined the IFL following an undefeated season in the Continental Indoor Football League last year.
Former Chicago Bear defensive lineman Steve McMichael is the head coach, former Bear and Packer quarterback Jim McMahon is a co-owner and Jarrett Payton, the son of hall of fame running back Walter Payton, plays for the team and wears No. 34.
Bloomington is coached by Kenton Carr, a friend of Richards.
"He's somebody that brings out the best in me in terms of coaching," Richards said. "Sometimes you get him, sometimes he gets you."
New roster
Only one player – offensive lineman LeRoy Auguste – returns from last year' s team that went 10-6 and advanced to the American Conference championship of af2.
Players with local ties include receiver Jeremy Gezella, who was St. Norbert's leading receiver in 2009 and is from Ashwaubenon; defensive back Josh Kraemer from Ripon College; and defensive end Darius Jones, a former Wisconsin Badger originally from Beloit.
Robert Garth, who has played in more games than any other player in franchise history, returns as an assistant coach after retiring at the end of last season.
— Andrew Pekarek, Press-Gazette correspondent
New league
In switching from arenafootball2 to the Indoor Football League, Blizzard fans will notice a few differences about the style of play.
Some of the more notable differences between the two leagues are that two offensive players can go in forward motion before the snap instead of one, there are no rebound nets and linebackers are free to roam in pass coverage outside the box.
"We have a true running back," Blizzard coach Rik Richards said. "We don't have a big 280-pound fullback like the af2 used. They used to run the ball 10 to 15 times a game mostly in the red zone. We run the ball 10 to 15 times a game, but it's all over the field for much bigger chunks of yardage."
New rivals
The Blizzard will play in the IFL's Central North Division along with the Bloomington Extreme, the Chicago Slaughter and the La Crosse Spartans.
The Spartans are an expansion team coached by former Green Bay Packer defensive tackle Gilbert Brown. The Blizzard won an exhibition game 14-11 at La Crosse on Feb. 21.
The Slaughter, who plays its home games at the Sears Centre in Hoffman Estates, Ill., joined the IFL following an undefeated season in the Continental Indoor Football League last year.
Former Chicago Bear defensive lineman Steve McMichael is the head coach, former Bear and Packer quarterback Jim McMahon is a co-owner and Jarrett Payton, the son of hall of fame running back Walter Payton, plays for the team and wears No. 34.
Bloomington is coached by Kenton Carr, a friend of Richards.
"He's somebody that brings out the best in me in terms of coaching," Richards said. "Sometimes you get him, sometimes he gets you."
New roster
Only one player – offensive lineman LeRoy Auguste – returns from last year' s team that went 10-6 and advanced to the American Conference championship of af2.
Players with local ties include receiver Jeremy Gezella, who was St. Norbert's leading receiver in 2009 and is from Ashwaubenon; defensive back Josh Kraemer from Ripon College; and defensive end Darius Jones, a former Wisconsin Badger originally from Beloit.
Robert Garth, who has played in more games than any other player in franchise history, returns as an assistant coach after retiring at the end of last season.
— Andrew Pekarek, Press-Gazette correspondent