Post by 50yardfan on Apr 11, 2011 17:46:08 GMT -5
Bethlehem, PA: Despite a promising first quarter, the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks fell in their second home game of the 2011 IFL season. With a final score of 30-16, the Bloomington Extreme, now 5-1 on the season, left Stabler Arena victorious Saturday night. The loss leaves the Steelhawks at 1-4 on the season. With a Richmond loss as well, they still stand in 2nd place in the Atlantic Division.
In the first quarter, it was a clear defensive struggle. The Extreme struck first with a 30-yard field goal by Pete Christofilakos. However, the Steelhawks quickly responded with a 14-yard field by Paul Stoltz. Beyond that, disciplined defensive performances from both teams dictated the low score at the end of one quarter.
In the second quarter, the speed of RB Andre Raymond ignited the Extreme's offensive assault. His 20-yard touchdown run capped off a 13-play Bloomington drive, giving them a seven-point lead early in the second quarter. After several failed possessions on both sides, Bloomington added to their score with a 27-yard field by my Pete Christofilakos, his second of three field goals in the contest. The resilient Steelhawks responded right back with as Theo Hall, their talented return specialist, recharged the home team with a 50-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Unfortunately, the Steelhawks were unable to hold Bloomington's lead to three points going into half time as QB Rocky Hinds connected with WR James Walton for a 8-yard touch down pass. The Extreme went into the locker room as half time with a 20-10 lead.
In the third quarter, the Steelhawks got back on the scoreboard first as Stoltz drilled his second of three field goals on the night. However, the athletic Bloomington QB Rocky Hinds called his own number, rushing for a 45-yard touchdown and extending their lead to fourteen over the Steelhawks.
In the final quarter, Stoltz, the backbone of the Steelhawks limited offense Saturday night, responded with a 24-yard field, shaving the deficit to eleven. But just as they had the entire game, the Extreme again responded with a 29-yard field goal of their own, pushing their lead back to fourteen. Ultimately, the failed 4th & goal rushing attempt by Steelhawks QB Joe DeLuise gave Bloomington the ball and their fifth victory on the season.
"Our offense, which was on point in the first four contests, did not come to play today," stated Head Coach Rich Britt. "Not having Zeke (Running back Isaiah Grier), and Irani (DeAraujo) who are two of the top five players at their positions really hurt us, but that is no excuse. We were beat tonight. Our defense put us in position to win this game against one of the league's best teams, and we just couldn't execute."
The Steelhawks are still home for the next two weeks, as they try to right the ship against the Chicago Slaughter on Saturday, April 16th at 7 p.m. Individual tickets are available online at www.LVSteelhawks.com or by calling the Stabler Arena Box Office at 610-758-6611. For flex pack season tickets for the remaining home games call the Steelhawks Home Office at 610-282-3100.
Season ticket flex packages, starting as low as $8 per game, are still available but great seats are limited, 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.
In the first quarter, it was a clear defensive struggle. The Extreme struck first with a 30-yard field goal by Pete Christofilakos. However, the Steelhawks quickly responded with a 14-yard field by Paul Stoltz. Beyond that, disciplined defensive performances from both teams dictated the low score at the end of one quarter.
In the second quarter, the speed of RB Andre Raymond ignited the Extreme's offensive assault. His 20-yard touchdown run capped off a 13-play Bloomington drive, giving them a seven-point lead early in the second quarter. After several failed possessions on both sides, Bloomington added to their score with a 27-yard field by my Pete Christofilakos, his second of three field goals in the contest. The resilient Steelhawks responded right back with as Theo Hall, their talented return specialist, recharged the home team with a 50-yard kickoff return for a touchdown. Unfortunately, the Steelhawks were unable to hold Bloomington's lead to three points going into half time as QB Rocky Hinds connected with WR James Walton for a 8-yard touch down pass. The Extreme went into the locker room as half time with a 20-10 lead.
In the third quarter, the Steelhawks got back on the scoreboard first as Stoltz drilled his second of three field goals on the night. However, the athletic Bloomington QB Rocky Hinds called his own number, rushing for a 45-yard touchdown and extending their lead to fourteen over the Steelhawks.
In the final quarter, Stoltz, the backbone of the Steelhawks limited offense Saturday night, responded with a 24-yard field, shaving the deficit to eleven. But just as they had the entire game, the Extreme again responded with a 29-yard field goal of their own, pushing their lead back to fourteen. Ultimately, the failed 4th & goal rushing attempt by Steelhawks QB Joe DeLuise gave Bloomington the ball and their fifth victory on the season.
"Our offense, which was on point in the first four contests, did not come to play today," stated Head Coach Rich Britt. "Not having Zeke (Running back Isaiah Grier), and Irani (DeAraujo) who are two of the top five players at their positions really hurt us, but that is no excuse. We were beat tonight. Our defense put us in position to win this game against one of the league's best teams, and we just couldn't execute."
The Steelhawks are still home for the next two weeks, as they try to right the ship against the Chicago Slaughter on Saturday, April 16th at 7 p.m. Individual tickets are available online at www.LVSteelhawks.com or by calling the Stabler Arena Box Office at 610-758-6611. For flex pack season tickets for the remaining home games call the Steelhawks Home Office at 610-282-3100.
Season ticket flex packages, starting as low as $8 per game, are still available but great seats are limited, 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.