Steelhawks Run Wild in Road Victory

April 3, 2016 - American Indoor Football (AIF)
Lehigh Valley Steelhawks News Release

Winston, NC: Lehigh Valley Steelhawks (3-0) took down the Winston Wildcats (0-3) their third consecutive road victory on the season. While it wasn't always pretty, the 'Hawks defense remained staunch and the offense got the job done to get the win in the jungle, 43-18.

Lehigh Valley used some trickery on their first possession to get to the endzone. On fourth down, they pulled off a fake field goal to pick up the first down. WR Brandon Renford (6 catches for 66 yds, 3 tds) would then catch a 14 yard touchdown pass from QB Jake Jablonski (127 yds, 2 tds, 10 of 17 passing, rushing td) to finish the drive. However, the PAT would be blocked and returned for two points by the Wildcats. Winston would take the lead on their next possession, their first and only lead of the game, off a 24 yard touchdown pass. But the Steelhawks would march right back down the field, this time WR Darius Prince (5 catches for 49 yds, td) would complete the drive, with a 21 yard touchdown catch. The 'Hawks led by five at the end of the first quarter.

Winston would close the gap to two on a 25 yard field goal, but the Steelhawks would go on a 16 point run to end the half - starting with a Jablonski keeper from three yards out after a 21 yard Prince reception, K Spencer Hotaling (3/5 pats, 0/1 fgs, deuce) would connect on the subsequent PAT and deuce; then a pick six by DB John Williams III (2 ints, 3.5 tackles, pbu) would move the score to 29-11 at the half.

The third quarter featured an extended possession by Winston. They had the ball all the way until 35 seconds remaining in the quarter when a bad snap resulted in a fumble that was recovered by DL Larry Ford (1.5 sacks, fumble recovery) to give the Steelhawks the ball on Winston's 15 yard line.

As the fourth quarter got underway, Clay Belton was under center for Lehigh Valley due to an injury to Jablonski. After the initial drive stalled out; Winston would get their final touchdown of the night on a 44 yard pass and catch. Belton (27 yds on 5 of 8 passing, 2 tds) would then find Renford for 20 yard scoring toss and catch, Prince would then be on the receiving end of the two point conversion attempt. A DL Justin Waltzer blocked field goal would then give Lehigh Valley the ball back with one last chance to score. The Steelhawks would drive down to the four yard line where Belton would find Renford again for the touchdown just before the clock expired. The score would be final at: Lehigh Valley 43, Winston 18.

The defense continued to impress, creating three turnovers (2 ints, fumble) and recording 3.5 sacks (Ford 1.5, Bryant 1.5, Hume .5); and Williams III, James Pitts, Ken Walton, and EJ Frain are proving to be dangerous ball Hawks in the Steelhawks secondary. Renford returned to action this week after missing the last game with a shoulder injury and looked to be in good form as he led receivers with six catches for 66 yards and three touchdowns. Prince had another quality game as well recording five catches for 49 yards and a touchdown.

The Steelhawks are finally back on Embassy Bank Field inside the PPL Center this week for a Friday night matchup against the Winston Wildcats. Kickoff for that game will be at 7:30pm. It's not too late to get 2016 flex packs either. Both they 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.

Lehigh Valley Steelhawks take on the Winston Wildcats

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• Steelhawks Run Wild in Road Victory - Lehigh Valley Steelhawks

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