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Erie Explosion to Host Lehigh Valley in PIFL Home Opener Sunday, March 29th

March 24, 2015 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Erie Explosion News Release


(Erie, PA) The Erie Explosion will make their debut in the Professional Indoor Football League Sunday March 29th when they host the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks at 2:00pm at the Erie Insurance Arena. The Keystone rivalry begins as these two successful franchises battle for state bragging rights and look to get off to a fast start in the highly competitive PIFL. Lehigh Valley enters the 2015 season as one of the pre-season favorites in the PIFL after appearing in the 2014 League Championship game and feature the return of dynamic quarterback Shane McSweeney. Lehigh Valley are entering their fifth season as a franchise and boast an overall record of (24-31) with three consecutive playoff berths. The Steelhawks return quarterback Shane McSweeney who accounted for 23 touchdowns and averaged over 4 yards per rush in 2014. Leading receiver Brandon Renford returns for the Steelhawks after accumulating 567 yards and 13 touchdowns in 2014. The Lehigh Valley defense figures to be one of the most dominant in the PIFL as they currently have three First Team All-PIFL defensive players on their current roster.

The Steelhawks got off to a fast start in 2014 winning their first four games, but will face a tough task at the Erie Insurance Arena where the team is (35-5) under Head Coach Shawn Liotta. The Explosion have a current home winning streak that dates back to the 2012 season. The Explosion will start several rookies on both sides of the ball in 2015 including at the quarterback position. The Explosion offensive unit will see an almost complete overhaul from the 2014 season, and will have to replace two year starter Aaron Smetanka at quarterback who was the 2014 League Offensive MVP. The quarterback battle between Mason Espinosa and Jeff Sinclair has been one of the highlights of Explosion training camp with both players competing to lead an Explosion offense that has led the league in total offense for five consecutive seasons. The Explosion offensive line has been completely revamped with three rookies expected to start alongside several newcomers at the wide receiver position. Dynamic receiver Alfonso Hoggard returns with Terry Jackson competing for spots in deep Erie receiving corp. Veteran players Bob Hammer (FB/DL), Jon D'Angleo (LB), Jayson Nickson (DB), Brandon Clarke (DB), Evan Twombly (LB/WR), DaJuan Smith (DL), Serge Augustin (DL), and Tim Green (DL) return on the defensive side of the ball for the Explosion.

"We look forward to the challenge of playing the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks in our first game in the PIFL. Lehigh Valley is considered one of the favorites in the league after making it to the championship game last season and this will be a great test for our young team right out of the gate. We have a great mix of veterans and rookies who have been quick learners in picking up our system in training camp. Lehigh Valley has an excellent organization, coaching staff, and the fact that it is a Keystone Rivalry game makes this one even more fun. We look forward to taking the first step towards capturing the 2015 PIFL Championship on Sunday in-front of the best fans in all of indoor football at the Erie Insurance Arena," commented Erie Explosion Head Coach Shawn Liotta.

The Erie Explosion are proud members of the Professional Indoor Football League. The Explosion enter 2015 after capturing back to back league titles over the past two seasons in the CIFL. For more information on the Erie Explosion visit erieexplosion.com.



Professional Indoor Football League Stories from March 24, 2015


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