Steelhawks' Season Ends with Last Minute Defeat

June 12, 2016 - American Indoor Football (AIF)
Lehigh Valley Steelhawks News Release

Allentown, PA: The Lehigh Valley Steelhawks' (7-3) season came to end Saturday night at the hands of the Ironmen of West Michigan (9-1). The Ironmen earned their shot at an AIF Championship in their first year of existence with a seven point victory.

In a game that was hard fought all around, the Ironmen were just a little stronger when it counted. The first quarter was indicative of how the game would go - a battle. There were missed opportunities and plays made for both teams; Lehigh Valley got the first touchdown of the game before West Michigan got two more in the first 15 minutes after defensive stops.

The second quarter was a defensive game, each offense only scoring a single touchdown a piece. The Steelhawks recorded two interceptions (DBs John Williams III and Ken Walton). The 'Hawks went into halftime with a not all too unfamiliar score, trailing by six 20-14.

The third quarter started with West Michigan working the ball down the field to extend their lead on the first possession. Lehigh Valley began their comeback with QB Warren Smith Jr. under center. They made it a one possession game when he took a flying leap over a defender on an eight yard touchdown rush. The defense forced a field goal attempt from the wall; and the offense capitalized with a 33 yard touchdown pitch and catch to WR Darius Prince, the extra point attempt giving Lehigh Valley their first lead since their first touchdown 28-27.

The game intensified in the fourth quarter. The Steelhawks defense was trying to do their part to keep the comeback in place and on fourth down, LB Lenroy Neysmith knocked a pass down to force a turnover on downs. But the Ironmen's defense wasn't giving either. They forced their own turnover on downs, but Williams III immediately got the ball back in Lehigh Valley's offense's hands with his second interception of the game. Another Smith Jr. to Prince deep touchdown gave the 'Hawk a slim eight point lead with roughly nine minutes left in the game at 35-27. West Michigan wasn't done yet however. They punched in two more touchdowns to give them the lead and the Steelhawks only sixty four seconds to attempt a tying score. Ironmen defense came up clutch when it counted though and picked the ball off in the endzone to seal the game. Final score: Lehigh Valley 35, West Michigan 42.

As the North Division champion, West Michigan will travel to the jungle of the Columbus Lions (South Division champions) for June 18th Championship tilt.

The Steelhawks would like to thank our loyal Steelhawks Nation - family, fans, and partners alike, as we would not have had the season we did without your continued support! 2017 season tickets will be available in the coming months.

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 vs. the West Michigan Ironmen

American Indoor Football Stories from June 12, 2016

• Steelhawks' Season Ends with Last Minute Defeat - Lehigh Valley Steelhawks

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