PIFL Lehigh Valley Steelhawks

Steelhawks Lose Battle to Raiders

Published on April 15, 2013 under Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Lehigh Valley Steelhawks News Release


Bethlehem, PA: Following a two week layoff of bye weeks, the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks (2-2) returned to action, taking on the Richmond Raiders (3-1). In a tough, penalty filled game it was the Raiders that came out on the winning side.

The Steelhawks fell behind early in the quarter, 9-0 after a series of plays put points on the Richmond scoreboard. The first was Richmond K T.C. Stevens hitting an uno on the opening kickoff, next a Steelhawk K George Pierson long field goal was blocked resulting in a safety, and then Richmond scored a touchdown on their next possession. The Steelhawks fought back and scored their own touchdown when FB EJ Webb broke the plane of the goal line, but still trailed 16-6 at the end of the quarter.

Richmond started the second quarter off with a quick touchdown, followed by their second uno of the night to extend their lead to 24-6. QB Adam Bednarik (6 tds, 314 yds) answered with a Steelhawk touchdown completion to WR Tom Gilson (12 catches, 3 tds). Lehigh Valley got the ball back as time wound down and Bednarik attempted a last minute touchdown drive. He was able to put more points on the board as he hit WR Tyrone Collins (11 catches, 112 yds, 2 tds) for a 15 yard touchdown. But the Steelhawks left 18 seconds left on the clock and it was enough for the Raiders to score their own long touchdown keeping the score differential at 17; Richmond 38, Steelhawks 21 at the half.

The second half started off better for the Steelhawks as the defense recorded their first sack of the game on the very first play from scrimmage of the half. They then held the Raiders to only three points on the possession. On Lehigh Valley's following possession, Bednarik found Gilson in the endzone for the second time of the night. The Raiders would not be held without a touchdown for long as on their next play, they threw a long pass over the top that resulted in another touchdown making the score 48-27. With a little over a minute left in the quarter, Steelhawk LB Brandon Roundtree (3.5 total tackles) intercepted Richmond QB Warren Smith giving Lehigh Valley the ball back as the quarter drew to a close. The score remained 48-27 Richmond.

Richmond scored a touchdown to start the quarter, lengthening their lead to 55-27. The rest of the quarter saw the Steelhawks mount a comeback scoring 18 unanswered points to cut the lead to 12 with under four minutes to play. Unfortunately, it was a little too late as the Raiders were able to score a touchdown after winding the clock down to 56 seconds, putting the game out of reach as they led by 17. The Bednarik-Gilson duo was able to add a last touchdown to the effort to make the final score 62-51 Richmond.

Bednarik's 314 total passing yards on the night moved him into 2nd in Steelhawks All-Time Passing Leaders.

The Steelhawks will be returning home next week for their first of a three game home stand. The game next week against the Alabama Hammers on April 20th is Team X Eastern Lehigh Valley Youth Sports Night and will feature the 2nd Annual Team X East Lehigh/ Steelhawks Spring Kick-Off Classic Inter League Tournament (9-11 yr old) Championship Game during halftime of the Steelhawks game.

The Steelhawks have been working hard, both on and off the field, filling their roster with a ton of talent and adding great partners to the Steelhawk family. The Steelhawks' 2013 PIFL schedule is now available online and individual and season tickets are available. Get your season ticket flex plans now and you will get a FREE Steelhawk 9th Man jersey, and be entered to win a FREE vacation from Boscov's Travel! For further information please call Lehigh Valley Steelhawks Executive Vice President and General Manager Mike Clark at (610) 282-3100, or visit our website at www.LVSteelhawks.com for the latest Steelhawks news!

Fans are reminded that 2013 season ticket flex plans are available. You can reserve your seats by calling the Steelhawks front office at 610-282-3100. Ticket packages start as low as $40!

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Professional Indoor Football League Stories from April 15, 2013


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