Game Preview: Kids Night April 24, 2026

Week 7 has arrived, and the Orlando Pirates (3-1) take a trip up north to face the (4-1) Green Bay Blizzard. Last week, the Blizzard had a big-time bounce-back win after defeating the Barnstormers 55-19. The Pirates, on the other hand, come off a loss to the Jacksonville Sharks. Both teams are at the top of the Eastern Conference. These teams also both happen to be top 2 in the week 6 Coaches Poll, with the Blizzard ranked #1 and the Pirates at #2. This game is shaping up to be an exciting one! 

Starting with the Pirates, they have some impact players that the Blizzard should keep an eye on. Starting with the offensive side, QB Paxton DeLaurent and wide receivers Teo Redding and Thomas Owens are a dangerous trio in the passing game. DeLaurent currently ranks 7th in passing touchdowns with 12 and 3rd in passing yards with 750. He gets a lot of help from his talented receiving corps, as both Owens and Redding rank in the top five in receiving yards. Both are tied with 221 yards. It is definitely a task for the Blizzard secondary. Shifting to the defensive side, Latavious Brini has been making some ruckus for opposing offenses. Brini currently ranks 3rd in tackles for loss with five and a half and 3rd in sacks with one and a half. He produces an impressive impact in the backfield for a corner. 

The Blizzard also have some impact players that have been making the difference early this season. Draysean Hudson's production has been excellent for the Blizzard; however, he is not the only one making an impact in the passing game. Names like Issac Ross and Trevon Alexander had an excellent game against Iowa, both finishing with 40 or more receiving yards and one or more touchdowns. Another offensive piece who ended up winning the Fan Vote Player of the Game is athlete Demilon Brown. Brown demonstrated that he is not only dangerous in the running game but the receiving game as well. He racked up a total of 110 yards and three touchdowns last week and does not look like he is slowing down any time soon.  

Shifting to the defensive side of the ball, Tevaughn Grant made his presence known last week. Grant signed with the Blizzard this offseason after playing with the Bay Area Panthers a year ago. He, along with Jonathan Ross, has been making an instantaneous impact in this pass rush. Grant added half a tackle for loss and a forced fumble, which resulted in a touchdown last week, and is looking to have the same influence this week against the Pirates. 

It's Kids Night on April 24. Kids are free with the purchase of an adult ticket in select sections. Be sure to show up early, as the 2,000 kids will receive a glow-up bracelet for the post-game laser show. The first 2,000 fans will also receive a special Cousin's Subs offer. This Friday, the 24th, two Eastern Conference leaders will clash at the Resch Center. The kick-off is set for 6:00 PM, CDT. 

Written By: Tristan Wendt