Last-second field goal sinks the Massachusetts Pirates, 36-33

LOWELL — 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 during Indoor Football League action.

Jimmie Robinson stood out with an impressive 113 rushing yards, 35 receiving yards, and a touchdown for the Pirates. 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 for Green Bay.

Tied 33-33, 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. Andrew 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.

The Pirates got the ball to start the game and promptly focused on 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 end zone, 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.