Game Preview: Reading Express at Lehigh Valley Steelhawks

April 21, 2011 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Reading Express News Release


Reading, Pa. (April 21, 2011) - The Reading Express professional football organization ends its three game away streak this weekend by returning to Pennsylvania to play the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks at Stabler Arena in nearby Bethlehem. Kickoff is slated for 7:00 p.m. on Saturday night.

This is the third meeting between the IFL's Atlantic Division rivals. The Express have steadily proved their strength to the Steelhawks, beating them in the two previous games, both of which were at the Sovereign Center in Reading. However, this time the Express will have to take on Lehigh Valley on the Steelhawks' own turf. This Saturday's game is the first of two away games to Lehigh Valley for the Express this season.

The Express remain on top of the Atlantic Division thus far into the 2011 season. At 4-3, the Express are ahead of both the Steelhawks (1-5) and the Revolution (1-6) in the division standings. Regardless of the outcome of this week's matchup between the Express and Steelhawks, Reading is guaranteed to stay on top of the division at least for another week. However, an Express win will only widen the gap as the IFL nears the playoffs. For the Express, a win this week would certainly help boost morale after a tough loss this past week in Green Bay.

Headed into Saturday night's game the Express are coming off of a painful 62-19 loss to the Green Bay Blizzard last week. Of their last four games played the Express won three, including a victory over the Steelhawks in early April. In that Steelhawks game, the Express ousted their rival 63-58 in a game that left fans cheering until the very end. Saturday night's game should be another fan favorite with the Express aiming to leave Stabler Arena on top; a win on Saturday will leave the Express a perfect 3-0 against the Steelhawks this season.

Meanwhile, the Steelhawks have a lot to prove on Saturday. After only winning one game this year against the Richmond Revolution, Lehigh Valley could sure use another win to help them boost confidence, and at that a win against Pennsylvania rival the Express would certainly give them some bragging rights, and the opportunity to break even at 2-2 on the season with the Express. Saturday night's game will be the deciding factor, but the Express are hoping that the Steelhawk's home field advantage Saturday will not have any effect on the scoring.

Looking at the stats, here's what fans can expect.

With last week's loss and the previous week's rain-soaked affair, the Express score sheet has taken a hit, yet the team is still averaging 34.3 points per game, 116.6 passing yards, and about 14 passing completions, with 22 total passing touchdowns on the season. On defense, the Express are averaging 39.7 points against, while giving up 217.7 yards per game on the season. The team has registered 296 tackles and 12 sacks.

As for the Steelhawks, Lehigh Valley is averaging 35.5 points, 136.7 passing yards, and about 15 passing completions per game, with 16 total passing touchdowns. On the defensive side, Lehigh Valley averages 44 points against, while giving up 235 yards per game. The team has recorded 244 tackles and seven sacks.

Statistically Saturday night's game looks like it will be yet again another close one.

Road Trip: Interested in going to the game at Stabler Arena' The Railheads - the official Reading Express Fan Club - is organizing a bus trip to the event. The day includes a stop at Sands Casino in Bethlehem and then the Express-Steelhawks game. For more information, check out www.expressindoorfootball.com/fanzone/railheads.

Home Again: The Express return home to the Sovereign Center to take on the Richmond Revolution on April 30 for a 7:00 p.m. It's Heart Health Night, featuring a special silent auction to benefit The Friends of The Reading Hospital, HeartSAFE Berks County program.

The Reading Express are one of the most established franchises in indoor football. In five full seasons, the team has amassed an overall record of 64-20 with four playoff appearances, two conference titles and the 2009 AIFA National Championship. In 2011, Reading begins play as a new member of the Indoor Football League. The team plays on The Reading Hospital Medical Group Field at Sovereign Center in Reading, Pa.

Tickets are now on sale at www.expressindoorfootball.com, or you can call the Express office at 610.372.PASS (7277) or visit the Sovereign Center box office to order.



Indoor Football League Stories from April 21, 2011


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