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PIFL Lehigh Valley Steelhawks

Back at Home, It's Win and We're In

June 24, 2014 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Lehigh Valley Steelhawks News Release


Bethlehem, PA: The Lehigh Valley Steelhawks (5-6) and the Richmond Raiders (5-6) face off once again in a win or go home situation. The two teams have clashed four times (3 regular season and 1 playoff game) in the past two seasons; each game has been a battle that ended up in the favor of the Raiders. When the teams meet this Saturday inside Stabler Arena it will be another playoff situation; the winning team will claim second place and the final playoff spot in the National Conference.

Lehigh Valley has a different look for this game. QB Shane McSweeny will be under center, bringing a new type of attack. In limited offensive series this year, he has already rushed for six touchdowns and 124 yards. He has thrown for 14 touchdowns while recording a league best 71% completion rate and a 113.5 efficiency rating. McSweeny has shown his athleticism on multiple plays this season, using both his legs and his arm. He has found reliable targets in receivers Brandon Renford (41 catches for 485 yds, 13 tds), Richie Martin (43 catches for 481 yds, 10 tds), and Chris Schubert (16 catches for 160 yds, 3 tds), all of whom have contributed to the two highest scoring outputs so far this season.

The Steelhawks need their defense to continue to be on their game and make plays. They have come up clutch throughout the season, creating take aways or forcing turnovers. The defense is led by Team MVP DB Dwayne Hollis (league leading 61 tackles, 8 ints, 12 pbus) who is also a dangerous special teams weapon, having four return touchdowns (3 fg returns, 1 kick return).

Richmond had their own special teams' weapon in K T.C. Stevens (13-33 fgs, 42-50 pats). In the teams' first matchup this year Stevens' hit three unos, one with 11 seconds left to give the Raiders the lead. The Raiders offense is controlled by QB Phil Konopka (147-249, 1,578 yds, 29 tds, 9 ints) whose favorite target is WR Herb Jones (66 catches for 623 yds, 11 tds).

Their defense has been making things difficult for opposing offenses, leading the league in sacks (38), DL Devin Jones has 12.5 of those. DB Malik Cromartie has been a presence in the backfield as well, tallying 57.5 tackles, 6 interceptions, and 14 pass break ups.

This weekend's game is Saturday night at 7:00pm EST. It is also Fan Appreciation Night. There will be lots of giveaways and 1,000 team photos will be given out to fans. The winner of the game will take on the Trenton Freedom July 5th in the first round of the PIFL playoffs in Trenton.

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! Tickets for the last regular season home game are available! Reserve your seat now by calling the Steelhawks office at 610-282-310.

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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.

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