Game 4 Preview vs Green Bay

By Timothy Wallis

Following a nail-biting loss on the road last week in Orlando, the Quad City Steamwheelers will return home to the Quad Cities, where the team has a mammoth challenge ahead of them. The 1-2 Wheelers will host the rivals from up north, the 3-0 Green Bay Blizzard, in a rematch of last season's Eastern Conference Finals. 

Kick-off is at 7:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 11, at the Vibrant Arena at The Mark in Moline, IL. To watch, you can go to Overnght online or on iOS, Android, or Apple TV.

About the Steamwheelers

Last week, the Steamwheelers were unable to hold onto late leads and fell just short in a 49-46 loss, dropping to 1-2 on the season. The team jumped out to an early 14-0 lead behind a touchdown pass from Daquan Neal to Quian Williams and a pick-six by KeShaun Moore, with the defense forcing multiple early turnovers. Despite strong offensive moments, including multiple rushing touchdowns by Neal and scoring contributions from Quian Williams, Jordan Vesey, and Keyvan Rudd, missed kicks and stalled drives hurt their momentum. The Steamwheelers' defense continued to make plays throughout the game, highlighted by two interceptions from Jamon Williams and another from Moore. Neal finished with five total touchdowns, combining three through the air and two on the ground. Offensively, the Wheelers have been successful throwing the ball, with Neal being tied for first with 11 passing touchdowns so far, while also throwing for 435 yards, which is the second most out of all quarterbacks. Receiver Quian Williams leads the league in both receptions and receiving yards with 13 receptions and 190 yards, respectively. Defensively, the Wheelers have the most interceptions in the league with seven picks, thanks to separate games from Jamon Williams and Kevin Ransom, where they had multiple interceptions. 

QC - Players to Watch

Daquan Neal / QB - Despite leading the league with 11 touchdown passes so far, Neal has thrown the second-most interceptions in the league with four, and his 53.5% completion percentage is near the bottom of the league. If the Wheelers want to hold on to a lead and win this game, Neal will have to tighten up his accuracy and take good care of the football, both of which he has shown he is capable of.

Kevin Ransom Jr / DB - A former Blizzard, Ransom will go against his former team for the first time since signing with the Steamwheelers over the offseason. After having three interceptions in his first two games, the defensive back had a quiet game in Orlando, only having one tackle. Ransom will undoubtedly be on a mission against his former team and will be a player to watch for.

About the Blizzard

Last week, the Blizzard secured a 50-39 victory, improving to 3-0 for the first time in franchise history. The team jumped out to a dominant start, scoring three first-quarter touchdowns, including a rushing score from Demilon Brown and a 40-yard touchdown pass from Liam Thompson, to build a 23-0 lead. Thompson continued to lead the offense with both passing and rushing touchdowns, while the defense contributed with a key interception by Reggie Bracy II and a blocked two-point attempt by Scean Mustin. Green Bay maintained control through the game, adding more scores from Kairee Robinson, Sylvere Campbell, and Trevon Alexander to extend their lead. Despite some stalled drives and penalties, the Blizzard consistently responded with big plays to keep Iowa at a distance. Offensively, the Blizzard are a wagon again, averaging 46 points per game (fourth-most) and 81.7 rushing yards per game (second-most in the league). Defensively, they lead the league with three fumbles recovered and are second in interceptions, with only three on the year so far. However, not to overshadow their turnovers, defensive back Giovanni Waller leads the league in solo tackles with 13 and is second with 18 total tackles, so they can fly across the field.

Green Bay- Players to Watch

Liam Thompson / QB - Not only is Thompson a threat through the air, throwing eight touchdowns, which is the third most out of all quarterbacks, but he also leads the league in rushing yards with 143 yards and has the third most rushing yards per game with 47.7. Despite losing MVP Max Meylor to Arizona, Green Bay has found another great quarterback that will be a focal point for the defense.

Allen Henry / DL - A returner from last year's Eastern Conference Champion team, Henry has the second most sacks in the league with one, and follows that up with two tackles for loss, eight solo tackles and ten total tackles. On an offensive line that has struggled a bit, the Wheelers will have to keep Henry in check if they want to have success on offense.

Last Time Around….

The Steamwheelers and Blizzard last met on 8/9/25, last season's Eastern Conference Finals, when the Steamwheelers fell late, 71-64. The Wheelers responded to an early deficit with a fourth-down touchdown pass from Daquan Neal to Deion McShane and a rushing score by Jarrod Ware Jr., keeping pace in a high-scoring first half. Neal led a late drive before halftime, finding Tamorrion Terry for a touchdown to cut the score to 37-34. Coming out of halftime, Neal connected with Terry again for a go-ahead score, and the offense continued to trade touchdowns behind Neal's passing and multiple scores from Ware. After falling behind late, Neal led another quick strike drive with a touchdown to Terry, bringing the Wheelers within five points. Despite a strong offensive performance, highlighted by Neal's six passing touchdowns and contributions from Ware and Terry, the Steamwheelers fell short after a late safety ended their comeback hopes.