Post by 50yardfan on Jun 8, 2011 0:07:34 GMT -5
Bethlehem, PA: The Steelhawks injury bug that has plagued them all season reared its ugly head once again in the team's 61-25 loss at the hands of the Green Bay Blizzard (10-3) last night. Not only do the Steelhawks have the largest Injured Reserve list in the IFL by double the amount of any other team, an additional three players went out early in this contest.
Standout Offensive Lineman Jonathan Mitchell fell victim to an ankle injury in pre-game and was unable to suit up. Then Quarterback Andre Sloan El, trying to play thru a rib injury he suffered last weekend against Richmond, re-aggrevated the area and was pulled at the end of the first quarter. Lastly, Running back Ryan Leafey missed significant time in the game due to being poked in the eye. In addition, defensive lineman Bryan Tarkington was ejected from the game early in the first quarter on a questionable call by the officials.
Playing with just 17 players after the first quarter did not translate to success on the field with many players having to play out of position or go both ways. The Blizzard were able to strike early and often, led by DeMaundry Woolridge who scored four rushing touchdowns from 1, 1, 2 and 1 yards out respectively. Receiver Brian Pray also hauled in two long touchdown catches for the Blizzard from 30 and 35 yards out. The Steelhawks were only able to muster three points in the first half on a Paul Stoltz Field Goal and headed into the locker room down 48-3 at half.
The Steelhawks however would not quit and vowed to win the second half battle. Reserve Quarterback A.J. Roque found Ryan Leafey for a score and Matthew Angeloni for two more highlight real touchdown catches in the second half while holding the Blizzard to only 13 second half points. The loss ends the teams three game winning streak and knocks the Steelhawks back to 4-9 on the season.
"We've been plagued all season with injuries," stated Head Coach Rich Britt. "I think we have maybe seven or eight guys on injured reserve right now, we lost Chad Clark for the season last weekend with a knee, then we lose Mitch (Jonathan Mitchell) tonight before we even took a snap, Dre' (Sloan El) re-injures the rib and couldn't be effective tonight, and Leaf misses time with his eye. We have been the walking wounded all season long, and tonight was no different. We got beat up and down that first half trying to adjust, and when we did it was a little too late. We have one more game left, and we really want to end on a high note heading into the off-season and our preparations for 2012."
The Steelhawks return to Wisconsin for their final game of the season next weekend when they travel to face the La Crosse Spartans on June 11th. Fans wishing to watch the game can log on to www.b2livetv.com to stream live.
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.
Standout Offensive Lineman Jonathan Mitchell fell victim to an ankle injury in pre-game and was unable to suit up. Then Quarterback Andre Sloan El, trying to play thru a rib injury he suffered last weekend against Richmond, re-aggrevated the area and was pulled at the end of the first quarter. Lastly, Running back Ryan Leafey missed significant time in the game due to being poked in the eye. In addition, defensive lineman Bryan Tarkington was ejected from the game early in the first quarter on a questionable call by the officials.
Playing with just 17 players after the first quarter did not translate to success on the field with many players having to play out of position or go both ways. The Blizzard were able to strike early and often, led by DeMaundry Woolridge who scored four rushing touchdowns from 1, 1, 2 and 1 yards out respectively. Receiver Brian Pray also hauled in two long touchdown catches for the Blizzard from 30 and 35 yards out. The Steelhawks were only able to muster three points in the first half on a Paul Stoltz Field Goal and headed into the locker room down 48-3 at half.
The Steelhawks however would not quit and vowed to win the second half battle. Reserve Quarterback A.J. Roque found Ryan Leafey for a score and Matthew Angeloni for two more highlight real touchdown catches in the second half while holding the Blizzard to only 13 second half points. The loss ends the teams three game winning streak and knocks the Steelhawks back to 4-9 on the season.
"We've been plagued all season with injuries," stated Head Coach Rich Britt. "I think we have maybe seven or eight guys on injured reserve right now, we lost Chad Clark for the season last weekend with a knee, then we lose Mitch (Jonathan Mitchell) tonight before we even took a snap, Dre' (Sloan El) re-injures the rib and couldn't be effective tonight, and Leaf misses time with his eye. We have been the walking wounded all season long, and tonight was no different. We got beat up and down that first half trying to adjust, and when we did it was a little too late. We have one more game left, and we really want to end on a high note heading into the off-season and our preparations for 2012."
The Steelhawks return to Wisconsin for their final game of the season next weekend when they travel to face the La Crosse Spartans on June 11th. Fans wishing to watch the game can log on to www.b2livetv.com to stream live.
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.