Lowell, MA — The Massachusetts Pirates were defeated by the top-seeded Green Bay Blizzard with a score of 36-33 in a thrilling Saturday afternoon clash at the Tsongas Center. 

Jimmie Robinson stood out with an impressive 113 rushing yards, 35 receiving yards, and a touchdown. Quincy Patterson contributed three rushing touchdowns. However, despite their efforts, they couldn't overcome Max Meylor's stellar performance, who amassed 157 yards with a remarkable 153.6 passer rating.

The Pirates got the ball to start the game and promptly focused on Jimmie Robinson, who carried the ball three times and made a catch, gaining a total of 20 yards. Advancing to the nine-yard line, they encountered a critical fourth-and-one scenario. Connor Degenhardt and Thomas Owens swiftly connected on a short pass, maintaining the drive. Shortly after, Degenhardt stepped up in the pocket and delivered a bullet pass to Isaac Zico in the back of the endzone, giving the Pirates an early 7-0 lead in the first quarter. 

As the Blizzard advanced down the field, they managed to enter the red zone. However, upon reaching it, the Pirates defense intensified its efforts, topping EJ Burgess twice while Devin Hafford broke up Meylor's endzone attempt. Consequently, Green Bay opted for a field goal on fourth and goal. Andrew Mevis successfully converted the kick, narrowing the score to 7-3 with 3:49 remaining in the first quarter.

The Pirates offensive series kicked off with a promising 17-yard throw to Isaac Zico, yet this gain was negated by a personal foul attributed to Zico. Subsequently, the drive started to lose momentum, and during a second-and-five play, Degenhardt attempted a deep pass to Owens, only for Ravarius Rivers to intercept it, marking his third interception of the season.

Guy Thomas came through for Degenhardt, delivering a sack on Meylor for a loss of four yards on the first play of the Blizzards drive, resulting in a safety that extended the lead to 9-3 and allowed the Pirates to regain possession of the ball.

At the start of the second quarter, the Pirates gained momentum with a nine-yard reception by Owens, which also marked Owens surpassing 3,500 career all-purpose yards. However, the drive faltered when Robinson encountered two tackles for losses, and a pass from Degenhardt was deflected by Julius Wilkerson, resulting in a turnover on downs.

Green Bay attempted three consecutive passes to the endzone without success. Subsequently, the Blizzard opted for another field goal attempt by Mevis, but it sailed wide right, resulting in a turnover on downs.

The subsequent drive by Massachusetts progressed steadily but was hindered by a penalty from Owens, pushing the Pirates back 19 yards. However, Degenhardt managed to connect with Isaac Zico on a deep pass for a 42-yard gain. In the ensuing play, Robinson dashed into the endzone, bringing the score to 15-3. Nevertheless, Calum Sutherland's extra point attempt was blocked, leaving the score unchanged. During the kickoff, Andre Williams returned the ball 53 yards for a touchdown, swiftly reducing the Massachusetts lead to 15-10.

The Pirates initiated their drive with a long pass aimed at Owens, yet Rivers intercepted it for the second time that evening, granting possession to the Blizzard with just under three minutes remaining in the second quarter. Following several short yardage gains by the Blizzard and with only 14 seconds remaining, Green Bay decided to attempt a field goal. Mevis successfully converted, granting the Blizzard their first lead of the night, 17-15.

Isaac Zico returned the kickoff 25 yards, positioning Sutherland at midfield for Massachusetts to try a field goal with four seconds remaining in the first half. Nonetheless, Rivers blocked the field goal attempt just as time expired.

At the start of the second half, Green Bay took possession and quickly secured two consecutive substantial gains. Initially, Meylor located Demetrius Moore for an 18-yard advance, followed by a 23-yard connection with Harry Ballard. Immediately afterward, Burgess rushed for a three-yard touchdown, extending the Green Bay lead to 23-15. However, Mevis failed to convert the point after attempt, leaving the score unchanged.

Subsequently, the Pirates embarked on a sustained drive, methodically advancing down the field. Benefiting from three illegal defense penalties against the Blizzard during the drive, they steadily progressed to the two-yard line. On first and goal, Quincy Patterson entered the game at quarterback and rushed for a touchdown. Despite attempting a two-point conversion, the Pirates were unsuccessful, leaving the score at 23-21, with the Pirates still trailing.

Green Bay commenced the drive with a seven-yard pass to Ballard, yet Guy Thomas made pivotal plays on the subsequent downs. Initially, Thomas tackled Burgess behind the line of scrimmage for a loss of two yards, and then he successfully tackled Meylor for another loss. With fourth and six looming, the Blizzard attempted a 56-yard field goal, but it collided with the scoreboard, resulting in a dead ball and a turnover on downs to Massachusetts.

Starting their drive near midfield, Robinson showcased his prowess with two significant runs, gaining eight and 16 yards respectively, swiftly propelling the Pirates to the three-yard line. Once more, Patterson was entrusted with the ball, and he didn't disappoint, securing a three-yard rushing touchdown that propelled the Pirates back into the lead at 27-23 with just 17 seconds remaining in the third quarter.

The Green Bay drive started with Israel Antwine sacking Max Meylor for a loss of two yards. However, on the next play, Meylor rebounded, finding Ballard for a 27-yard touchdown pass, propelling the Blizzard back into the lead at 30-27.

The Pirates kicked off their drive with a strong 27-yard catch and run by Jimmie Robinson, setting the stage for Quincy Patterson to score his third rushing touchdown of the game. With this play, the Pirates surged back into the lead at 33-30.

Green Bay made a strong push down the field, but their momentum was halted once they approached the red zone. Despite Burgess gaining three yards on a rush, Eugene Ford managed to break up the following pass in the endzone. Then, on third and goal, Jaiden Woodbey tackled Meylor for a loss of one yard. Faced with this defensive pressure, Green Bay settled for a field goal, leveling the game at 33-33 with just 5:47 remaining in the fourth quarter.

The Pirates aimed to eat up as much time as possible but fell short in the red zone despite multiple rushing attempts and a rare passing play from Quincy Patterson that ended incomplete. Unable to find the endzone, they surrendered possession on the three-yard line with just 1:17 left on the clock.

Green Bay kept looking to Lowell Patron, and it paid off with gains of 17 and nine yards. That set the stage for a field goal attempt with just six seconds left. Mevis nailed it from 34 yards out, putting the Blizzard ahead 36-33. Robinson had a chance to return the kickoff with only three seconds remaining, but he couldn't get past the Blizzard defense, sealing their victory. 

About the Massachusetts Pirates:
The 2021 United Bowl Champions; Massachusetts Pirates are members of the Indoor Football League (IFL) and play their home games at the Tsongas Center at UMass Lowell. For more information on the Massachusetts Pirates please call (508)452-MASS (6277), email contact@masspiratesfootball.com or visit http://www.masspiratesfootball.com. Follow the Pirates on Facebook via Facebook.com/MAPirates, Instagram @mass.pirates, and Twitter @mass_pirates.