Game Preview: April 18, 2026
Week 6 of the IFL is upon us, and instead of the Iowa Barnstormers (0-3) taking on the 3-1 Blizzard this week, they will battle against the Green Bay Frozen Phoenix. The Blizzard is joining forces with the local college, UW-Green Bay, for the university's first-ever football game. Green Bay came off a loss last week to Quad City and is looking to get a good bounce-back win vs. the Barnstormers. Iowa, on the other hand, has not won a game this season, and they will be fighting hard to get a win against a big-time rival.
Starting with the Barnstormers' impact players, they have a solid passing attack with QB Harry Roubidoux. He currently ranks fourth in the league in passing touchdowns with nine. Despite their record, his production has been very solid for the team. In that passing game, Kurtis Ravenel has been making an impact as well. He currently leads his team in receiving yards (119) and receiving touchdowns with four, which ranks fifth in the league. This duo has been known so far this year, but another receiver stepped up last week despite their loss. Donald McKinney racked up four catches, 59 yards, and a touchdown in a solid performance. If the Barnstormers have two effective receivers, it would be important for Green Bay's secondary to keep tabs on both guys. Shifting to the defensive side of the ball, JK Smith continues his good season, currently ranking fourth in the league in tackles for loss with four, something for Green Bay's offense to keep an eye on.
If Iowa wants to get its first win of the year, there are some impact players the Green Bay Frozen Phoenix should plan their attack around. Offensively, QB Liam Thompson and WR Draysean Hudson have been making a huge impact. Hudson is now the league's receiving yards leader (201), and Thompson is in the top five in passing yards (491) and passing touchdowns (12). A lot of news has been focused on the dynamic duo; however, someone else stepped up big time in last week's game. Wide receiver Terrell Carey had a big game, racking up 68 yards and two touchdowns; despite the loss, he played a huge role in their passing attack, and he is looking to continue this production this week against Iowa. Shifting to the defensive side of the ball, the reigning tackle for loss leader in 2025 continues to be relentless. Jonathan Ross still ranks first in the IFL in tackles for loss with seven and a half. A new face showed up last week as linebacker Brian Lee racked up nine total tackles, including a tackle for loss against the Steamwheelers. Both of these players could be an absolute nightmare for the Barnstormers offense this week.
The Blizzard is back home once again, except this time as the Green Bay Frozen Phoenix. The University of Green Bay has never had a football team, so this is its opportunity to have its first football game ever! The Blizzard will be wearing custom Frozen Phoenix uniforms and playing with a custom Frozen Phoenix ball. Be sure to show up early, as the first 1,000 fans will receive a Frozen Phoenix snow globe and a Legit frozen pizza voucher. Stop by the merch stand as well to purchase Frozen Phoenix footballs, hats, and tops. Then visit greenbayblizzard.com for the game-worn Frozen Phoenix jersey auction. The team is set to take on the Iowa Barnstormers at the Resch Center on Saturday, April 18th. The kick-off is set for 4:00 PM CST.
Written By: Tristan Wendt