Stampede Hang on in Home Finale Versus Rival Steelhawks
June 22, 2014 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Harrisburg Stampede News Release
HARRISBURG, PA (Jun 22, 2014) - Round three of the Keystone Classic turned out to be just as exciting as the first two matchups between the Stampede (4-7) and Steelhawks (5-6) this season. The Stampede aimed to close out their Saturday night home finale with a victory, as Lehigh Valley traveled to Hershey looking to complete the season sweep against the Herd.
The game began as a seesaw battle, with both offenses clicking early. The Steelhawks offense struck first to take the lead, but minutes later the Stampede answered with a short TD run by QB E.J. Nemeth.
After another Steelhawks score to respond, Nemeth began the next drive finding a wide-open Victor Sesay who advanced the ball all the way to the 1-yard line. Shortly after, Nemeth tossed his second passing TD of the night on a short connection.
The second quarter saw the Stampede catch fire, as Nemeth found three different Stampede weapons for passing scores (Bacon, Jones, Shine). Just as the Herd looked poised to pull away, a mishandled snap led to a safety against the Stampede, and the teams went to the locker rooms at halftime with the Stampede hanging on to a 35-29 lead.
As the back and forth action continued into the second half, the third quarter took on more of a defensive identity. Each defense turned the intensity up, as the offenses slowed down considerably. Stout defensive stops and turnovers led to a combined 14-point quarter (7-7 tie in the quarter).
The first Steelhawk drive of the fourth quarter was cut short by an interception from Stampede DB Armar Watson. It was a pivotal forced turnover, especially coming off the heels of another Nemeth to Collis Martin connection that extended the Stampede lead.
As the fourth quarter continued to be extremely competitive, one particular sequence of plays turned out to be the difference in the game. With Harrisburg leading 48-42, and facing a 4th and 6 at Lehigh Valley 19 with 4:32 to go, and Nemeth fired an incomplete pass, turning the ball over on downs to the Steelhawks.
One minute later, with Lehigh Valley driving for the go ahead touchdown, Stampede DL Amara Kamara was able to force a fumble that was recovered by Harrisburg's Daniel Orlebar. One play later, Nemeth drilled a 20-yard TD pass to Martin and the Stampede went ahead 55-45.
Steelhawks DB Dewayne Hollis returned the ensuing kickoff for a TD, bringing the score to 55-52. An unsuccessful onside kick attempt by Lehigh Valley, was recovered by Stampede QB Steffan Colon, who effectively ending the scoring for the night.
EJ Nemeth threw a total of five touchdown passes, completing 19 of 31 passing attempts, and also added three rushing TDs. The Stampede defense came up with a pair of interceptions and a key fumble recovery on Saturday night in the Stampede's exciting 55-52 over the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks in the Giant Center.
Lehigh Valley slipped to 5-6 overall, but the Steelhawks are still alive for a playoff spot. Lehigh Valley hosts Richmond next Saturday; the winner makes the playoffs and the loser is done.
Professional Indoor Football League Stories from June 22, 2014
- Stampede Hang on in Home Finale Versus Rival Steelhawks - Harrisburg Stampede
- Steelhawks Fall Late in Final Round of Keystone Classic - Lehigh Valley Steelhawks
- Hammers Mauled By Lions, Playoff Hopes Dashed - Alabama Hammers
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