Post by 50yardfan on Mar 30, 2011 17:34:42 GMT -5
Game Preview: Reading Express Vs. Lehigh Valley Steelhawks
Reading, Pa. (March 30, 2011) - The Reading Express return to action this week against league rival the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks. The Express will host the Steelhawks at the Sovereign Center Friday night at 7:30 p.m. The game will be followed by a post-game concert featuring popular Christian band Building 429, which is a part of the Express' first-ever Faith and Family night.
The game between the Express and Steelhawks will be the second meeting of four between the two teams. This is the second time the two will battle on The Reading Hospital Medical Group Field at the Sovereign Center. The Express edged the Steelhawks 33-26 when they met on opening weekend.
The Express enter Friday's matchup fresh off a bye week. The enjoyed a rewarding 31-14 victory over the Arizona Adrenaline in on March 20. That win boosted their record to 2-2, keeping the Express on top of the IFL's Atlantic Division, and ahead of the Steelhawks (1-2) and the Richmond Revolution (1-3) for a coveted guaranteed spot in the IFL playoffs.
As for the Steelhawks, they head into Friday night's game 1-2. In addition to their loss in Reading on February 26, the Steelhawks split a two-game slate with the Richmond Revolution. Lehigh Valley won in Richmond 41-38, but dropped a contest 48-45 in overtime at Stabler Arena in Bethlehem Pa.
"This is a big divisional game for us and we're hoping that last week's bye week helped us to not only get healthier but to also bring in some key additions," said Chris Thompson, head coach of the Reading Express. "We are really excited for Friday night to get here and see if we made any strides this past week."
The changes Thompson is referring to include a revamped offensive line. In the first Express-Steelhawks game, Reading Express QB Chris Malleo logged 112 rushing yards, an astounding figure for indoor football. A revamped offensive line may only add to Malleo's play on the field.
Looking at the stat sheet, fans can expect a hard-fought game this Friday.
Offensively, the Express are averaging 33.3 points per game, 118 passing yards, about 15 passing completions, and have 13 total passing touchdowns on the season. The offensive trio of Malleo, WR Jeff Willis and WR Nate Romig continue to impress. Against Arizona, Malleo completed 11 of 19 passes for 75 yards and two scores, one each to Willis and Romig. With several key offensive changes, the Express hope to improve even more on offense. As for the defense, Reading is averaging 35.8 points against, while giving up 245.3 yards per game on the season with 190 tackles and five sacks registered.
Meanwhile, the Steelhawks are averaging 31.7 points per game, 130.3 passing yards, about 12.7 passing completions, with nine total passing touchdowns per game. On the defensive side, the team averages 33.3 points against, while giving up 207.7 yards per game. The team has recorded 90 tackles and two sacks.
It is critical for the Express to leave Friday's game with another win. The team heads on the road for a three-week road trip that includes stops in Richmond, Green Bay and Lehigh Valley before returning to the Sovereign Center for an April 30 contest.
Game Details: The Friday kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. EST. Tickets start at just $8. As part of Faith & Family Night, there will be a free post-game concert to all ticket-holders. Call the Reading Express office at 610.372.7277 or visit the Sovereign Center box office to get your seats to Sunday's game.
Reading, Pa. (March 30, 2011) - The Reading Express return to action this week against league rival the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks. The Express will host the Steelhawks at the Sovereign Center Friday night at 7:30 p.m. The game will be followed by a post-game concert featuring popular Christian band Building 429, which is a part of the Express' first-ever Faith and Family night.
The game between the Express and Steelhawks will be the second meeting of four between the two teams. This is the second time the two will battle on The Reading Hospital Medical Group Field at the Sovereign Center. The Express edged the Steelhawks 33-26 when they met on opening weekend.
The Express enter Friday's matchup fresh off a bye week. The enjoyed a rewarding 31-14 victory over the Arizona Adrenaline in on March 20. That win boosted their record to 2-2, keeping the Express on top of the IFL's Atlantic Division, and ahead of the Steelhawks (1-2) and the Richmond Revolution (1-3) for a coveted guaranteed spot in the IFL playoffs.
As for the Steelhawks, they head into Friday night's game 1-2. In addition to their loss in Reading on February 26, the Steelhawks split a two-game slate with the Richmond Revolution. Lehigh Valley won in Richmond 41-38, but dropped a contest 48-45 in overtime at Stabler Arena in Bethlehem Pa.
"This is a big divisional game for us and we're hoping that last week's bye week helped us to not only get healthier but to also bring in some key additions," said Chris Thompson, head coach of the Reading Express. "We are really excited for Friday night to get here and see if we made any strides this past week."
The changes Thompson is referring to include a revamped offensive line. In the first Express-Steelhawks game, Reading Express QB Chris Malleo logged 112 rushing yards, an astounding figure for indoor football. A revamped offensive line may only add to Malleo's play on the field.
Looking at the stat sheet, fans can expect a hard-fought game this Friday.
Offensively, the Express are averaging 33.3 points per game, 118 passing yards, about 15 passing completions, and have 13 total passing touchdowns on the season. The offensive trio of Malleo, WR Jeff Willis and WR Nate Romig continue to impress. Against Arizona, Malleo completed 11 of 19 passes for 75 yards and two scores, one each to Willis and Romig. With several key offensive changes, the Express hope to improve even more on offense. As for the defense, Reading is averaging 35.8 points against, while giving up 245.3 yards per game on the season with 190 tackles and five sacks registered.
Meanwhile, the Steelhawks are averaging 31.7 points per game, 130.3 passing yards, about 12.7 passing completions, with nine total passing touchdowns per game. On the defensive side, the team averages 33.3 points against, while giving up 207.7 yards per game. The team has recorded 90 tackles and two sacks.
It is critical for the Express to leave Friday's game with another win. The team heads on the road for a three-week road trip that includes stops in Richmond, Green Bay and Lehigh Valley before returning to the Sovereign Center for an April 30 contest.
Game Details: The Friday kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. EST. Tickets start at just $8. As part of Faith & Family Night, there will be a free post-game concert to all ticket-holders. Call the Reading Express office at 610.372.7277 or visit the Sovereign Center box office to get your seats to Sunday's game.