Stampede Can Play Spoiler Versus Rival Steelhawks
June 18, 2014 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Harrisburg Stampede News Release
HARRISBURG, PA (Jun 18, 2014) - The inaugural season in the PIFL for the Harrisburg stampede (3-7) has been a challenging one. The Stampede are all but mathematically eliminated from playoff contention, while their in-state rival the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks (5-5) are coming to town this Saturday in a must win situation to keep their postseason aspirations alive.
The Stampede lost a tough game last week to the Richmond Raiders (5-5), who completely dominated the Herd from wire to wire. In a season that has been up and down for the Stampede, last Saturday was no different. The first half was a low scoring affair, as the Raiders jumped out to an early 13-0 lead. The Herd fought back with one rushing and one passing TD by QB E.J. Nemeth (to WR Jerell Jones) and an UNO on the ensuing kickoff by K Cap Poklemba. Richmond took a slim 1-point lead into halftime at 16-15.
In the second half, the Stampede offense began to unravel, as turnovers and miscues began to mount. With very little offensive production, the Herd was outscored 30-14 over the final 30 minutes. QB E.J. Nemeth completed only 10 of 33 attempts (30%) and threw a season high 5 interceptions before being pulled from the game in the 4 th quarter in favor of backup QB Steffan Colon.
Lehigh Valley enters the week coming off a huge win versus . The Steelhawks needed a win to keep their playoff hopes alive, and squeaked out a tough win versus the Georgia Fire in OT. Lehigh jumped out to a 34-21 halftime lead, behind a 27-point second quarter.
However, the Steelhawks gave up 16 consecutive points in the 3 rd quarter to let the Fire back into the game. Late in the quarter, the Steelhawks pulled starting QB Adam Bednarik in favor of reserve Shane McSweeny. Sweeny finished the game completing 6 of 9 passes, including the game winning touchdown to WR Brandon Renford in overtime to seal the win.
This is the third and final installment of the "Keystone Classic" for 2014. The Stampede currently sit at 0-2 against the Steelhawks this season, with losses coming both at home and on the road.
Matchup to Watch :
Harrisburg Stampede QB E.J. Nemeth has played lights out at some points this season, and struggled in others. He currently ranks 3 rd in the PIFL in passing TDs (37), but also leads the league in interceptions thrown (18). Coming off a tough game last week versus Richmond, he looks to bounce back this week.
Lehigh Valley Steelhawks QB's Adam Bednarik and Shane McSweeny both played a role in last weeks overtime victory versus the Georgia Fire. They combined to complete over 68% of their passing attempts. Bednarik, a former All-PIFL performer, has been the day one starter for the Steelhawks, and ranks 5 th in the PIFL this year in total offense (194 yards/game). McSweeny entered the game last week in a reserve role, and completed 66% of his passes, including the game winner.
The parity across the league has made for an exciting playoff race that will go down to the wire. The Stampede can only play the spoiler at this point, but still look to give their fans a big win in the home finale for 2014.
Kickoff is set for 7:00pm EST from PinnacleHealth Field at Giant Center.
• Discuss this story on the Professional Indoor Football League message board...
Professional Indoor Football League Stories from June 18, 2014
- Stampede Can Play Spoiler Versus Rival Steelhawks - Harrisburg Stampede
- Fire Breath Life, Still Need Tons Of Help - Georgia Fire
- Raiders Host Venom in Home Finale - Richmond Raiders
- The OSC Interview: Trenton Freedom GM Megan Williams - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- The OSC Interview: Trenton Freedom GM Megan Williams - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- The OSC Interview: Trenton Freedom GM Megan Williams - OSC Original by Fran Stuchbury
- Steelhawks Go for Two in a Row in Final Round of the Keystone Classic - Lehigh Valley Steelhawks
- Stampede Home Season Comes to a Close on Saturday - Harrisburg Stampede
- Playoff Scenario On Community Appreciation Night - Alabama Hammers
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
