The Packers and Cardinals game was as tight a game as ever seen.
The teams battled up and down the field with no one scoring until the last 10 seconds. The Cards had mounted a drive that was stopped on 4th down with just under 2 minutes left. The Packers took over on their 25, tied 0-0.
A “tough man” catch in traffic by last week’s hero Nate Bussani from a QB Ryan Allen pass in the middle of the field accounted for 30 yards and got the final drive going. A 12 yard catch by QB Allen to Joey Martin put the ball on the Cardinals 10 yard line with 23 seconds left. The TD came on a great ball fake from Allen and another pass to Martin, this time for the TD. The conversion run was stopped just short.
Ryan Allen was 6 of 7 for 70 yards and a TD pass. He also returned a punt for 27 yards. Joey Martin had 2 catches for 22 yards and the TD. The Offensive line of Zach Hill, Alex Ott, Travis Chubb, Chad Martin, and David Becker gave Ryan Allen plenty of time to throw. RB Jon Marsh had 15 yards rushing and 3 pass catches for 20 yards. Hawk Becker had 5 rushes for 30 yards, a punt return for 20 yards, and a nice pass catch. Christopher Frambes-Wheeler laid people out as fullback throughout the game.
On Defense the Packers were led by Cameron Blonigan, who had 16 tackles, blocked a punt, and caused a fumble with a blitz headed straight towards the QB. Cody Shields was the on field coach and was flying all over the field making 13 tackles himself. Rich Wevil punted 3 times and averaged 25 yards.
The Defensive Line of Steven Gordon (7 tackles), Costa Triggas, Gabe Martinez, and Rich Wevill shut down the Cardinals inside game. Nick Gaither had another stellar game with 7 tackles. The Defensive Ends Spencer Webb (7tackles, pass deflect) and Dylan Gubersky (3 tackles, sack) limited the outside game. Austin Hamilton, who lined up all over the field, had 7 tackles and 2 sacks from the MLB position. Blane Infald shut down his side of the field at DB early and chipped in with 2 solid “don’t go my way tackles.”
The Packers record stands at 1-0-1 with a big game coming next week against the Texans.
–Mark Hamilton
