Game Recap: Green Bay Blizzard vs Orlando Pirates | April 24, 2026

Inside and under the Friday Night Lights for a week 7 matchup between the visiting Orlando Pirates and the Green Bay Blizzard on April 24th. The Pirates came into tonight's game after a lopsided loss last week to the Jacksonville Sharks. Meanwhile, the Blizzard entered the week after a lopsided victory against the Iowa Barnstormers. This game featured quite a large amount of scoring, so buckle up, grab a snack, and sit back as we unpack the action!

The Pirates opened the action on their first drive with a quick passing touchdown from Paxton DeLaurent to WR Thomas Owens. Attempting to go for an early extra possession, Orlando K Axel Perez opted for a line drive kickoff that struck Blizzard WR Terrell Carey, who quickly bounced on the ball and set up the Blizzard offense in a goal-to-go situation. Quarterback Liam Thompson would connect on a pass to WR Draysean Hudson to even the score. The following sequence for the Pirates would result in a three-and-out and Perez would drill a field goal. Orlando would again attempt a squib kickoff that zigged and zagged its way into the Blizzard endzone. Defensive back Najel Snyder retreated into his own endzone to finally field the ball and was in danger of being tackled for a rouge, but he juked out not one, not two, but three Pirate defenders and sprinted up the sideline for a 25 yard return. This excited the home crowd who played a pivotal role throughout the matchup. The Blizzard in one play would score on a 24-yard pass from Thompson to Hudson for their second hookup already in the game. However, the Pirates offense was unphased as they scored on their next possession with a pass from DeLaurent to WR Teo Redding. The scoring for the first quarter would conclude there, Orlando would lead 17-14, but the Blizzard offense was on the field again.

The Blizzard offense would start the second quarter off by converting on a 3rd and long situation on a big catch by WR Jack Studer. A few plays later, RB Demilon Brown would carry the ball across the goal line. Orlando would respond with a rushing touchdown of their own as RB Pooka Williams scampered into the endzone. Green Bay fired back with a response of their own on yet another single snap drive. This time Thompson connected with WR Isaac Ross for six points, and K Andrew Mevis would add the extra point. The following sequence would result in just three points, in part thanks to a sack by Blizzard LB Brian Lee Jr on a second down play where DeLaurent appeared to have a scrambling lane into the endzone. With just over three minutes to go in the first half, the Blizzard put together a methodical drive that not only saw them run eight plays and finalize on a Thompson rushing touchdown but it also saw them chew almost all of the remaining clock. Orlando would receive the kickoff, and to the chagrin of the fans, would be gifted one tick on the clock. Perez trotted out for his 3rd field goal attempt, but this kick would be blocked by DL Allen Henry and recovered by Green Bay. The score at the break was Green Bay 35, Orlando 27.

The Blizzard would begin the second half with the ball and would culminate in Thompson finding Carey for another Blizzard touchdown. The Pirates had another dynamic kickoff return that set them up in plus territory, and their drive would also end with six as DeLaurent pushed his way into the endzone. The Green Bay offense did not see the field to respond as a dynamic kickoff return of their own, powered by excellent special teams blocking and a quick move by Isaac Ross to shake the kicker would result in a touchdown. Orlando's next sequence was assisted not once, but twice by Blizzard fouls as Pooka Williams would cross the plane in an eventual touchdown. The scoring for the third frame would conclude there, but the Blizzard were driving once again. The score was 48-41, in favor of Green Bay.

The fourth quarter quickly exploded with a Blizz score as Thompson would find Carey for their second passing touchdown connection of the night. The Pirates special teams return game continued to have success as Williams had a house call of his own. The Pirates would again opt for an onside kick needing to keep up with the Blizzard offensive touchdown machines. The onside attempt would fail, and Green Bay would score in three plays on a pass from Thompson to Demilon Brown. Needing to keep pace with Green Bay, Orlando would fire back with another scoring drive, this time on a carry from WR Nyqwan Murray. The Pirates were successful on a two-point try. The score now sat at 62-55, still favoring Green Bay. Needing one extra possession, the Pirates attempted an onside kick again, which the Blizzard had no trouble recovering. Running back Brown would trot his way into the endzone to extend the Blizz lead. As time began fleeting on Orlando, they needed to score quickly, and they did indeed, on a one play drive of their own. DeLaurent would connect with Owens for another score. The following possession for Green Bay was another clock chewing masterpiece, however, the drive would end on a Mevis made field goal. With only a few seconds remaining, Orlando needed everything to go right, and it almost did. The Pirates did score a touchdown on a DeLaurent pass to Murray, but time had expired before they could complete the comeback. The final score was Green Bay 71, Orlando 68.

Orlando drops to 3-2 and are now on a two-game losing streak. They head into a bye week and look to get their season back on track on May 9th when they host the Fishers Freight. The Blizzard continue their winning ways, capturing their 5th win of the season as they improve to 5-1. The Blizzard hit the road as they take on the Fishers Freight on Saturday, May 2nd with a 4 PM CDT kickoff. Join the Blizzard staff for a unique watch party at The Ashwaubenon Bowling Alley (2929 Allied St. Green Bay, WI. 54304). The game will be broadcast along the back wall to give the perception of bowling into the game! Register HERE to reserve a spot at the watch party and all proceeds will go to Ribbon of Hope.

Written By: Tyler Klackner