Mark Nicolet in Quarterback Battle in Green Bay

Fox 11: WLUK-TV Green Bay

Blizzard quarterback
battle

Updated: Thursday, 07 May 2009, 6:20 PM CDT
Published : Thursday, 07 May 2009, 6:20 PM CDT

* Paige Pearson

Ashwaubenon - Mark Nicolet's first brush as the Blizzard quarterback came in winning fashion.

"Like any new rookie quarterback, he was nervous as all get out," says Blizzard head coach Bob Landsee. "Once he settled down he did a good job."

Nicolet completed nearly half of his passes for 175 yards and two touchdowns in the Blizzard win against the Milwaukee Iron last week. He made the start in replace of Gino Guidugli who suffered a groin injury in a game the week before.

"It was frustrating on Friday to sit and watch the game, but fortunately we came out with the win," says Guidugli. "Mark did his thing, so if something else happens he'll be ready to go."

As for who will start this Friday versus the Iowa Barnstormers, coach Landsee is going to wait to make a decision.

"It's one of those game day deals," says Landsee. "If he's not 100 percent, we're not going to have him out three additional games."

Right now both Guidugli and Nicolet are both preparing to start and while they're competing for the job, they're also relying on one another.

"I was asking him questions during Friday night's game. 'Hey Gino, what are you seeing?' We help each other on the field," says Nicolet.

They'd like that collaboration to help the Blizzard win games, no matter who's under center.

Editor's Note: Guidugli did end up starting Friday night in a 46-41 loss to the Iowa Barnstormers. Guidugli completed 25 of 37 passes for 326 yards with five touchdowns and no interceptions.