Post by 50yardfan on May 29, 2011 20:25:28 GMT -5
Bethlehem, PA: In their final home game of the season, the Steelhawks (4-8) defeated division opponent, the Richmond Revolution 46-38. The win marks Lehigh Valley's 3rd straight victory, while it pushes Richmond back to 2-10 on the season. In a game where their offense scored 31 first half points, their defense recorded nine sacks, and K Paul Stoltz converted a 50-yard field goal, the Steelhawks put on a show for their home crowd well beyond the price of admission.
On their first offensive play, the Steelhawks QB Andre Sloan EL (84 yards, 2 Int., 3 TD) launched a stunning 22-yard touchdown throw to WR Andre Higgins (50 yards, 1 TD) giving them the early lead. Their success continued with a 15-yard touchdown catch-and-run from QB Sloan El to RB Ryan Leafy (18 total yards, 1 TD) on their next possession. Following an interception by Steelhawks DB Isaiah Allen, the home-team converted their third touchdown of the game on an impressive 18-yard touchdown catch in the corner of the end zone by WR Quintin Lopez (18 yards 1 TD). Steelhawks fans jumped to their feet as their team took a 21-6 lead into the second quarter.
On defense, despite four Richmond possessions in the second quarter, the Steelhawks kept the Revolution out of the end zone the entire first half. On a late fourth down, Steelhawks DL Chris Medina blocked a Richmond field goal attempt, leading to OL/DL Kyle Johnson's successful recovery of the loose ball in the end zone for the home team's fourth touchdown of the game. After electrifying the fans with a spectacular first half performance, the Steelhawks marched into the locker room at halftime with a commanding 31-12 lead.
The Steelhawks came out determined to run the ball in the second half. In just four plays, the Steelhawks were back in the end zone, complements of a decisive 16-yard touchdown run by RB Isaiah Grier (57 yards, 1 TD). On defense, the home team kept Richmond in check, maintaining a 14-point lead going into their final quarter at home this season.
After a late-game offensive surge from the Revolution, the away team was down only 44-38 and had the ball with under 1:00 remaining in the game. Despite Richmond's best efforts, the Steelhawk's powerful defense prevailed as LB Adrian McLeod (3 sacks, 13 tackles) recorded the team's 9th sack of the game in the form of a game-winning safety.
"This team won't give up," stated Head Coach Rich Britt. "Even with the knowledge of not clinching a playoff birth this season, we all sat down and said, how do we want to finish this season' Each one of these guys stated they wanted to show the IFL that the Steelhawks will be a team you can't ever sleep on. I am very proud of the way they have shown up and played these last few weeks. It's exciting that we have something so positive to build on for the rest of the season and heading into next year."
In their first IFL season, the Steelhawks look to continue their spectacular late-season turn around with two games remaining. Lehigh Valley travels to Wisconsin this week to take on the 9-3 Green Bay Blizzard on Saturday, June 4th.
Season ticket packages for next season go on sale shortly, starting as low as $8 per game, so reserve your seats close to the action and call the team's front office at 610-282-3100. Don't miss out on the fun and exciting atmosphere that is Steelhawks Professional Indoor Football! For further information on the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks please contact Executive Vice President Mike Clark at 610-282-3100.
On their first offensive play, the Steelhawks QB Andre Sloan EL (84 yards, 2 Int., 3 TD) launched a stunning 22-yard touchdown throw to WR Andre Higgins (50 yards, 1 TD) giving them the early lead. Their success continued with a 15-yard touchdown catch-and-run from QB Sloan El to RB Ryan Leafy (18 total yards, 1 TD) on their next possession. Following an interception by Steelhawks DB Isaiah Allen, the home-team converted their third touchdown of the game on an impressive 18-yard touchdown catch in the corner of the end zone by WR Quintin Lopez (18 yards 1 TD). Steelhawks fans jumped to their feet as their team took a 21-6 lead into the second quarter.
On defense, despite four Richmond possessions in the second quarter, the Steelhawks kept the Revolution out of the end zone the entire first half. On a late fourth down, Steelhawks DL Chris Medina blocked a Richmond field goal attempt, leading to OL/DL Kyle Johnson's successful recovery of the loose ball in the end zone for the home team's fourth touchdown of the game. After electrifying the fans with a spectacular first half performance, the Steelhawks marched into the locker room at halftime with a commanding 31-12 lead.
The Steelhawks came out determined to run the ball in the second half. In just four plays, the Steelhawks were back in the end zone, complements of a decisive 16-yard touchdown run by RB Isaiah Grier (57 yards, 1 TD). On defense, the home team kept Richmond in check, maintaining a 14-point lead going into their final quarter at home this season.
After a late-game offensive surge from the Revolution, the away team was down only 44-38 and had the ball with under 1:00 remaining in the game. Despite Richmond's best efforts, the Steelhawk's powerful defense prevailed as LB Adrian McLeod (3 sacks, 13 tackles) recorded the team's 9th sack of the game in the form of a game-winning safety.
"This team won't give up," stated Head Coach Rich Britt. "Even with the knowledge of not clinching a playoff birth this season, we all sat down and said, how do we want to finish this season' Each one of these guys stated they wanted to show the IFL that the Steelhawks will be a team you can't ever sleep on. I am very proud of the way they have shown up and played these last few weeks. It's exciting that we have something so positive to build on for the rest of the season and heading into next year."
In their first IFL season, the Steelhawks look to continue their spectacular late-season turn around with two games remaining. Lehigh Valley travels to Wisconsin this week to take on the 9-3 Green Bay Blizzard on Saturday, June 4th.
Season ticket packages for next season go on sale shortly, starting as low as $8 per game, so reserve your seats close to the action and call the team's front office at 610-282-3100. Don't miss out on the fun and exciting atmosphere that is Steelhawks Professional Indoor Football! For further information on the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks please contact Executive Vice President Mike Clark at 610-282-3100.