NEWS AND NOTES

The Sioux Falls Storm hit the road on Friday night for their third home road contest of the 2024 Indoor Football League season. The defending Eastern Conference Champions are off to an 0-3 start after a disapointing 56-40 home loss last Sunday to the Tulsa Oilers. It was the first loss against Tulsa in franchise history and gives the Storm thier first 0-3 start in Franchise history.

Penalties have plagued the Storm so far this season. Entering tonight's game against Green Bay, the Storm rank 1st in the IFL with 35 total penalties in 3 games played (avg. 11+ penalties per contest.). Meanwhile, Storm opponents have been penalized just 21 times this season (4th fewest in the IFL).

Storm Linebacker Jalen James will make his 2024 season debut tonight against the Green Bay Blizzard. James was a player who came on strong in the 2nd half of the 2023 season for the Storm and logged key minutes in the IFL National Championship Game.  James was tabbed to be the starting Linebacker this season, but suffered a leg laceration at the end of training camp that cost him the first three weeks of the season. Rookie Linebacker Amin Black will be inactive tonight, but Black has looked good so far this season, ranking 2nd in the IFL with 24 total tackles (19 solo).

The Sioux Falls Storm went 2-1 against the Green Bay Blizzard last season and hold a 19-2 record over the Blizzard all-time. The Storm picked up a road win over Green Bay (55-47) on April 21, 2023.

SCOUTING THE BLIZZARD

The Green Bay Blizzard finished the 2023 Indoor Football League season with a 7-8 record, finishing as the 5 seed in the Eastern Conference and just missed out on a shot at the playoffs. The Blizzard were 6-7 against Eastern Conference opponents last season, but finished with a 4-3 home record.

The Blizzard brought back QB Max Meylor after serving primarily as the back up for Ja'rome Johonson. Meylor has looked good so far this season, going 21-of-38 in the pass attack while throwing for 227 yards and four (4) touchdowns. Meylor has throw a pair of interceptions this season, but the Green Bay offense has done a terrific job of taking care of the football overall. In three games this season, the Blizzard have not recorded a fumble.

Wide Receiver Lowell Patron has been the top receiving threat for the Blizzard this season, securing nine (9) catches for 125 yards and two touchdowns.

Meylor is the top rushing threat for Green Bay. The QB has ran the ball 22 times for 76 yards and four (4) rushing touchdowns. Skler Perry has also had a good start to the season, rushing 14 times for 65 yards and two rushing TDs.

Cynte Williams has been a tough defender for Green Bay in 2024, leading his team with 18 total tackles (12 solo) and has added in four (4) pass breakups.
The Sioux Falls Storm finished the 2023 Indoor Football League season with a 11-7 record and an Eastern Conference Championship title.

SCOUTING THE STORM

The Storm offense ranked 4th in the IFL last season in touchdowns (121) and 7th in points per game (46.4).
 
QB Lorenzo Brown Jr. was the top offensive threat, finishing 3rd in the IFL in rushing touchdowns (33) and tied for 4th in passing touchdowns (48).

Former Las Vegas Knight Hawks backup Billy Hall has taken over as the organization's starting QB this season and is off to a solid start. Hall currently ranks 6th in the IFL in rushing with 152 yards on the ground. His 5 rushing touchdowns are tied for 5th in the IFL this season.

Hall is 27-for-44 in the pass attack, throwing for 330 yards and 5 touchdowns.

Running back Xavier Jackson returns for his 2nd season in a Storm uniform after scoring 14 rushing TDs and 6 receiving TD's during his rookie season.

The Storm reloaded at the Wide Receiver position with the addition of ALL-IFL receiver Kentrez Bell, who finished the year leading the IFL with 1,092 receiving yards. Carlos Thompson also returns to the Storm offense after one season in San Diego with the Strike Force.