Stampede Comeback Attempt Falls Short
Published on May 3, 2014 under Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Harrisburg Stampede News Release
HARRISBURG, PA - The Harrisburg Stampede traveled to Lehigh Valley to take on the Steelhawks on Saturday night in the second Keystone Classic. In the battle of two tough National Division rivals, it went down to the wire for a second time.
The Stampede put together a late 4th quarter rally that culminated in a blocked Lehigh Valley field goal attempt with under one minute remaining, and the Herd recovered the ball past midfield trailing 36-30.
Four consecutive EJ Nemeth pass attempts ensued, including a controversial flag for pass interference against thrown against the Steelhawks that was later overturned to turn the ball over on downs with :09 left on the clock.
The Stampede got off to a quick start with a great opening drive resulting in a QB keeper touchdown by EJ Nemeth. The Steelhawks would answer with a touchdown of their own tying the score at 7-7. An UNO on the ensuing kickoff by Steelhawks expanded the lead. The defensive battle continued into the second quarter with both teams scoring a touchdown each,
The 3rd quarter was dominated by the Steelhawks, as they scored two offensive touchdowns, while keeping the Stampede offense out of the end zone the entire quarter. A field goal by Cap Poklemba provided the only scoring for the Stampede in the 3rd quarter, as the Herd trailed 27-18 entering the 4th quarter.
The Stampede caught some momentum in the final quarter, showcasing an up-tempo offense that helped EJ Nemeth to catch rhythm. In the quarter, he connected on two touchdown passes, one to Chris Schubert the other to Jerrel Jones. After a key defensive stop and some crafty clock management, the Stampede team had positioned themselves with a chance to complete the comeback as they forced the Steelhawks into a long field goal attempt. The kick was blocked by DL Daniel Orlebar, and recovered by the Stampede.
After several incompletions, Nemeth threw a jump ball to WR Scorpio Brown into the end zone on 4th down. Initially, a flag for pass interference was called on the play, which would have given the Stampede the ball 1st and goal from the 1-yd line with :09 left on the clock. However, the flag was picked up, effectively ending the game in a tough 36-30 defeat for the Stampede.
The Stampede now sit at 2-3 (1-2 in the National Division) on the season and will travel for another important divisional game versus the Trenton Freedom (3-2) next weekend in hopes of getting back on track.
Professional Indoor Football League Stories from May 3, 2014
- Defense Lights Fire To 49-42 Win Over Venom - Georgia Fire
- Stampede Comeback Attempt Falls Short - Harrisburg Stampede
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