Harrisburg Drops Second Straight Tough Contest
Published on April 12, 2014 under Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Harrisburg Stampede News Release
HARRISBURG, PA - The Stampede (1-2) returned home Friday night in hopes of getting back on a winning track. The Lehigh Valley Steelhawks (2-0) came to town following a dramatic win in their opener versus Trenton last week. The inaugural matchup in what has been unofficially dubbed the "Keystone Classic" proved to be a tough physical battle between National Division foes.
The Stampede opened up scoring early with a short EJ Nemeth touchdown run. The ensuing PAT was blocked by the Steelhawks and returned for two points, bringing the score to 6-2. In a sign of how the night would go, the first quarter ended without another score.
The Stampede defense continued to play strong, led by DB Armar Watson's two interceptions (including a spectacular one handed INT), through most of the second quarter holding the Steelhawks offense in check. The early lead was extended by a great play call that eventually led to a Jerrel Jones touchdown pass to Collis Martin on a double pass, putting the Stampede up 13-2. The Steelhawks would immediately answer with a Adam Bednarik passing touchdown (blocked PAT), pulling the Steelhawks closer. Near the end of the second quarter, E.J. Nemeth found Chris Schubert in the back on the end zone to extend the Stampede lead. Even in a first half marred with costly penalties (two negating Stampede touchdowns) Harrisburg took a comfortable 20-8 into halftime.
In what became a tale of two halves, the Stampede's strong first half lead was quickly dissolved to start the 3rd quarter. Lehigh Valley took the opening possession of the 3rd quarter, and turned it into quick points, marching down the field for a touchdown. After holding the Stampede offense to a long field goal attempt the next possession, the Steelhawks specials teams changed the momentum of the game. Stampede K Cap Poklemba missed the FG attempt (both kickers went a combined 0-6 on the night), and it was returned for a Steelhawks touchdown that proved to be the turning point of the game as Lehigh Valley went up 21-20 and never looked back.
The Stampede offense was not able to overcome the deficit, despite a late E.J. Nemeth touchdown connection with WR Scorpio Brown with 4:38 left in the game. The Stampede drove late in the game, trailing by 8 points, with a chance to potentially tie the game with a score and 2 -point conversion. However, the game ended with fourth E.J. Nemeth interception, sealing the fate of the Stampede.
Harrisburg makes the trip to Richmond next week in hopes of getting their first National Division win vs. the Richmond Raiders on Saturday April 18th.
Professional Indoor Football League Stories from April 12, 2014
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- Harrisburg Drops Second Straight Tough Contest - Harrisburg Stampede
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