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Lehigh Valley Steelhawks

Game Preview: Steelhawks vs Freedom in 2014 Home Opener

April 1, 2014 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Lehigh Valley Steelhawks News Release


Bethlehem, PA: The Lehigh Valley Steelhawks (0-0) open their 2014 season PIFL season at home for the first time in franchise history. Visiting the Valley for the first time are the newly formed Trenton Freedom (1-0), who are fresh off a big win over the Richmond Raiders in their first game in team history. The 4:00pm game on Sunday, April 6th will be the first of three meeting between the two National Conference teams.

The Steelhawks will be starting an inexperienced offense behind All-PIFL and Bethlehem native QB Adam Bednarik, one of the best quarterbacks in the entire league. Last season he shattered franchise records by throwing for 2,837 yards, 53 touchdowns, and only 11 interceptions on a 70.4% completion record.

Defensively the Steelhawks front five includes four All-PIFL players. DL Larry Ford (17 tackles, 7.5 sacks, 7 tackles for a loss, 3 forced fumbles) returns to the Valley for a second season after being named to the All-PIFL 2nd team in 2013. DL Brandon Sutton joins the team this year after playing in Richmond last season. He had 33 tackles, and 9 sacks in 2013, earning him a spot on the All-PIFL 2nd team. DL Justin Wells (2nd Team All-PIFL in 2013) completes Lehigh Valley's defensive line. Last season Wells played in Knoxville, tallying 29 tackles and 5 sacks. Michael Woodhouse comes off a brief hiatus from football. He brings a dual threat as he can lineup as a linebacker or as a defensive end. Woodhouse played in Richmond during the 2012 season and earned 1st team All-PIFL honors.

The Steelhawks backfield is young but brings back multiple players that played in the Valley briefly last season before injuries ended their season prematurely; DBs Terrence Osborne, Stefaun Whitehead, and Devin Duggan.

The Freedom will be bringing some familiar faces with them as they journey to the Lehigh Valley. Head Coach Kevin O'Hanlon is former Steelhawks defensive coordinator. Trenton's Defensive Coordinator Bob Kohler was also a former member of Lehigh Valley's coaching staff. Starting DB John Kennedy returns to play in the Valley too, this time as a member of the opposing team.

Trenton is led by former Richmond Raider, QB Warren Smith. Last week he threw for 171 yards, an impressive 85% completion rating, threw for 4 touchdowns, rushed for 2 touchdowns including one 40 yarder.

This year's home opener is presented by KALCO Resources/Powerhouse Sports, who will giving the first 1,000 fans through the door a FREE Steelhawks 2014 schedule t-shirt. There will be multiple fan giveaways and contests throughout the game. $1 dollar hot dogs are also available! Once again this season, Boscov's Travel will be giving away a Free Vacation to one lucky season ticket holder. For every Steelhawks touchdown scored at home games, one season ticket holder will be entered into a drawing at the last home contest.

Following this weekends game the Steelhawks next contest is on the road, taking on the Harrisburg Stampede (April 11th, 7:30pm). The team returns to Stabler Arena for their next home game on April 26th, 7:00pm kickoff; that game is deemed "Friends and Family Night" presented by ESSA Bank & Trust. A special drawstring backpack will be given away to the first 1,000 fans through the door.

Keep checking for the latest news and events from the Steelhawks! 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!

Flex season ticket packages will be on sale after the home opener. It's not too late to get discounted tickets to every 2014 Lehigh Valley Steelhawks game. You can reserve your seats by calling the Steelhawks front office at 610-282-3100. Individual game tickets for each home game are now available as well!

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