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IFL Lehigh Valley Steelhawks

Steelhawks Fall in Debut

February 28, 2011 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Lehigh Valley Steelhawks News Release


Bethlehem, PA: The Lehigh Valley Steelhawks took to the field for the first time in team history against the Reading Express on Saturday, but the outcome was not in their favor. After beginning the game up 13-0 within the first two minutes, the Steelhawks went on a mid-game draught for 29 minutes and couldn't make the come back on their final possession. When the final clock expired, the score said 33-26 in favor of the Reading Express.

The Steelhawks started the game off hot by returning the opening kickoff back to the Express 15 yard line. Following a short run, Quarterback AJ Roque found Quinton Lopez on the back of the endzone for a 13 yard strike and the first points in Steelhawks history. Following a stop on defense, Roque found Running back Isaiah Grier out of the backfield, and Grier took it to the house for a 45 yard Touchdown reception. The Express were then able to get their offense rolling, scoring twice in the first half to go into the locker room up 14-13.

In the second half the Steelhawks couldn't find that chemistry they had in the first few possessions. An interception in the endzone negated what looked to be a go ahead score by the away team, and then Express Quarterback Chris Malleo was able to escape the pocket often and score for the Express.

Down by 14 points near the end of the third quarter, Roque began to find his rhythm again. His favorite target being WR Irani DeAraujo Jr., who hauled in a beautiful diving catch in the back of the endzone to make it a one touchdown game. A defensive miscommunication on the Express next possession allowed the Express to again make it a two score game, as Malleo found WR Nate Romig on a 33 yard TD strike.

With time running out in the game Roque engineered a quick scoring drive, finding DeAraujo once again for a 13 yard touchdown. With only a minute and twenty seconds left and following an unsuccessful on-side kick opportunity, the Steelhawks defense would give the team one last opportunity to make a comeback from the 33-26 deficit. Defensive Lineman Chad Clark forced a fumble which was recovered by Linebacker Josh Shilko on the Steelhawks own ten yard line. Unfortunately, after a penalty and a few incomplete passes, Roque's last ditch Hail Mary to Lopez was unsuccessful.

The team will need a short memory as they travel this Saturday to Richmond, VA to take on the defending Atlantic Division Champions. The Rev's are coming off a loss this past weekend to the Bloomington Extreme. For those who wish to view the game online, please visit www.b2livetv.com and look up the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks under the "TEAMS" Section. Fans unable to watch the games live can purchase a season viewing pass. Steelhawks 2011 home games will be broadcast live on Service Electric TV2 Sports. The team's home opener is slated for 7 p.m. on March 19th inside the Stabler Arena, also against the Revolution.

Season ticket packages, starting as low as $8 per game, are still available but great seats are limited so reserve your seats close to the action and call the team's front office at 610-282-3100. Don't miss out on the fun and exciting atmosphere that is Steelhawks Professional Indoor Football!

Individual tickets are also on sale via the Steelhawks Website (www.lvsteelhawks.com), thru ticketmaster, or by visiting the Stabler Arena Box Office at 124 Goodman in Bethlehem. For further information on the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks please contact Executive Vice President Mike Clark at 610-282-3100.

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The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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