Steelhawks Fly High Over Firebirds

April 16, 2017 - National Arena League (NAL)
Lehigh Valley Steelhawks News Release

Allentown, PA: The Lehigh Valley Steelhawks (4-1) claimed victory over the Georgia Firebirds (1-4) Saturday night inside the PPL Center. In a game that started out slow, but one in which the Steelhawks never trailed, Lehigh Valley earned a 56-31 victory over the visiting Firebirds.

The first quarter was uneventful as the only points put on the board were off a 38 yard Spencer Hotaling field goal with under a minute remaining. The second quarter picked up as the Steelhawks put up four touchdowns - QB Warren Smith Jr. (17 yds rushing) ran one in, Brandon Renford returned a kickoff 55 yards to the house, Matt Tralli caught a 23 yard td pass, and Warren Oliver Jr. (4 catches for 58 yds, 2 tds) grabbed a three yard catch in the endzone. Georgia's Isaiah Jupiter (8 catches for 101 yds, 3 tds) caught his first (of three) touchdown of the day in the quarter. At halftime, the 'Hawks led, 30-10.

Second half action was more equal; Oliver Jr. snagged a 36 yard touchdown catch to open things up. Jupiter would answer with another scoring catch from QB Percy Turner (20 for 41 passing, 215 yds, 4 tds, 2 ints). OL Brett Piekarski caught his second touchdown of the season on a tight end delay. DB Rodney Hall Jr. (5 tackles) would steal his second interception of the game, which Georgia would match on the ensuing drive, and that would wrap up the quarter's scoring. Each team would trade touchdowns in the fourth, leaving the final score: Lehigh Valley 56, Georgia 31.

The Steelhawks defense had themselves a game. In facing a team with multiple receiving weapons, they legitimately shut down the league's leading receiver in Terrence Ebagua, holding him to just 47 yards on five catches. The offense maintained their efficiency; Smith Jr. completed 58% of his passes for 215 yards and six touchdowns, to five different players. The offense put points on the board each of the six times they got in the redzone; and converted six of seven third down conversions.

The Steelhawks completed the Domino's 50 Point Challenge for the second week in a row. For the next three days, fans can get 50% off menu priced pizzas at participating Lehigh Valley locations. Use the code SH50 online, or mention the Steelhawks 50 point challenge.

The 'Hawks have a bye week this coming week, but return to the PPL Center their third of a four game home stand on Embassy Bank Field in the PPL Center on Saturday, April 29th when they face the Corpus Christi Rage. Kickoff will be at 7pm.

2017 season ticket and individual game packages to watch the Steelhawks play inside the PPL Center are on sale now. Keep checking for the latest news and events from the Steelhawks. For further information please call Lehigh Valley Steelhawks Executive Vice President and General Manager Mike Clark at (610) 282-3100, or visit our website at www.LVSteelhawks.com for the latest Steelhawks news. Reserve your seat now by calling the Steelhawks office at 610-282-3100. The Steelhawks play all of their home games on Embassy Bank Field inside the PPL Center.

Stay up to date with the Steelhawks by visiting the team website at www.LVSteelhawks.com or following them on Facebook: Lehigh Valley Steelhawks.

Steelhawks Fly High over Firebirds...

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