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AIF Lehigh Valley Steelhawks

Steelhawks Set for Home Opener Saturday

March 2, 2016 - American Indoor Football (AIF)
Lehigh Valley Steelhawks News Release


Allentown, PA: The Lehigh Valley Steelhawks 2016 professional arena football Home Opener inside the PPL Center on Embassy Bank Field is this Saturday, March 5th at 7:00pm. New season, new league, but some familiar faces will be on the opposing team bench when the Hawks take the field for the first time in the American Indoor Football League (AIF) against the Philadelphia Yellow Jackets.

Fans should remember a few big names from the Yellow Jackets roster; DB/KR Jesse Cooper, and QB Warren Smith. Cooper is a former Steelhawk that holds the team record for all-time interceptions. Smith spent last season in the AFL with the Spokane Shock, but the Hawks defended him when he was in the PIFL, playing for the Trenton Freedom and Richmond Raiders. Philadelphia also has several other players and coaches that spent time with the Trenton Freedom last season. That familiarity on the field and the close proximity geographically, coupled with the fact that the teams will see each other twice this season should make for an intense and exciting rivalry right from the start.

Smith and Cooper are the main weapons the Hawks need to be aware of. Defensively, keeping Smith contained in the pocket will be key. Cooper is an explosive returner so the Hawks will look to avoid having him touch the ball on any kick.

Lehigh Valley has a core of veterans that led the team during camp and rookies to the team have stepped up to fill in around them. WR Brandon Renford is the team's all-time leading receiver and has found chemistry with QB's Clay Belton and Jake Jablonski. Defensively, DL Larry Ford (LV's all-time sack leader) is joined in the front line by returning studs DL Tahir Basil and DL/LB Chris Alvarez. In the backfield, veterans Ken Walton (Nashville Venom) and John Williams (ASI Panthers), will be top defensive threats.

Head Coach Chris Thompson is excited for the first game of 2016 to be in the Valley, "The return to the PPL Center and Embassy Bank Field is finally here. We have an unbelievable first test in the new league with the Philadelphia Yellow Jackets coming to town. They have an outstanding experienced coaching staff and roster of players that have been great in this game, like Cooper and Smith. So, we are going to have to be on all cylinders Saturday night to start the season off the way we want to. I'm glad we do it at home in front of our awesome 9th man."

2016 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.

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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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