IFL Lehigh Valley Steelhawks

Steelhawks on Wrong End of Back and Forth Battle

April 2, 2011 - Indoor Football League (IFL)
Lehigh Valley Steelhawks News Release


Bethlehem, PA: For the fourth time in four games on the young 2011 IFL season, the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks engaged in a contest that came down to the last play of the game. But unfortunately the Steelhawks (1-3) were unable to get on top and sustain a lead against the Atlantic Division leading Reading Express (3-2) in a game that saw twelve lead changes including a final blow by the Express to take the victory 63-58.

Both offenses were on fire early and often, trading shots. The Express opened up the scoring on a Chris Malleo TD pass to Jeff Willis, which was quickly answered by the Steelhawks when Quarterback AJ Roque ran in from seven yards out to tie the score. After another Malleo scoring strike, this time to Collin Taylor, Lehigh Valley once again answered back on an electrifying 50 yard kickoff return by speedster Theo Hall.

Heading into the half, another Roque Touchdown run, a 33 yard receiving score by Irani DeAraujo and a rushing score by Running back Isaiah Grier to go a long with another Malleo score and two field goals by the Express saw the score knotted up 34-34 at the break.

"At the half, the guys were confident and we truly felt we had the momentum to take it to them in the second half," stated Head Coach Rich Britt. "We traded some more blows back and forth in the third and fourth quarter, but we just didn't have that late game magic to secure the win. What pleases me is that we did a lot of good things in this game, however we have to put it all together at the right times and capitalize when we have the opportunity to go up for good in games."

The Receiving trio of DeAraujo (4 catches, 108 yards, 1 TD), Quintin Lopez (4 catches, 70 yards, 2 TD), and Dom Stewart (6 catches, 74 yards) were a bright spot for the Steelhawks in this contest. Roque was able to find them often in the second half giving the team a 58-54 lead with 6:34 left in the game. However and Elliot White Kickoff return for a score and an Erik Rockhold Field goal allowed the Express to take a 63-58 lead with one minute left. But the Steelhawks were unable to provide that end of game magic the saw in Richmond a few weeks ago as Roque was hit hard on the final play from the Express 20 yard line and had his pass intercepted on the final play of the game. He finished the night completing 15 of 28 passes for 254 yards and three touchdowns. He also ran for 29 yards and three scores.

The team now returns home for three straight weeks, starting next Saturday against the Bloomington Extreme for MARCH OF DIMES NIGHT. Special events throughout the night will go towards this great organization who together with the Steelhawks are working towards stronger, healthier babies. The game is scheduled for 7:00 p.m. at the Stabler Arena. Individual tickets are available online at www.LVSteelhawks.com or by calling the Stabler Arena Box Office at 610-758-6611. For flex pack season tickets for the remaining home games call the Steelhawks Home Office at 610-282-3100

Season ticket flex 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!



Indoor Football League Stories from April 2, 2011


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