Steelhawks Sting Yellow Jackets

April 25, 2016 - American Indoor Football (AIF)
Lehigh Valley Steelhawks News Release

Allentown, PA: Lehigh Valley Steelhawks (5-0) won the Battle of the Unbeatens, taking sole possession of the North Division lead in the American Indoor Football League, taking down the Philadelphia Yellow Jackets (3-1) by a score of 52-33. It was the 'Hawks defense that again kept them in control for most of the game.

The first quarter lacked a ton of action with each team only having one possession of the rock, and it was the Yellow Jackets striking first on a 15 yard strike from QB Warren Smith (25 of 38, 258 yds, 4 tds, 1 int) to WR Emery Sammons (15 catches for 172 yds, 3 tds). The Steelhawks would answer with a QB Jake Jablonski (21 of 32, 197 yds, 5 tds, 1 int) to WR Jerrell Young (6 catches for 69 yds, td) touchdown. At the end of the first quarter, the scoreboard difference on the score board was a made PAT in favor of LV.

Lehigh Valley controlled the second and third quarters, outscoring Philadelphia 32-6. After a turnover on downs forced by the Steelhawks defense, Jablonski got in on a keeper (20 yds rushing, 2 tds) - followed by a K Spencer Hotaling deuce, then Jablonski would find WR Brandon Renford (7 catches for 52 yds, 2 tds) for another six points. Sammons would record another touchdown for Philadelphia and then Hotaling would add a field goal just before halftime. The score stood 25-12 in favor of the Steelhawks at intermission.

The third quarter was all 'Hawks... Jablonski had another keeper, DB Ken Walton (3 tackles, 1 pbu, 1 int) would get the Steelhawks the only interception on the night after a series of so-closes, DL Larry Ford (3 tackles, 2 tfl, sack) would get a Cantelmi Hardware Hard Hit of the Game worthy sack to create another turnover on downs, and then WR Darius Prince (5 catches, 59 yds, 1 td) would get his touchdown grab of the day to end the quarter.

The Yellow Jackets would stage a comeback late in the fourth quarter, but it was short-lived. Smith would get six with his legs; OL Jeff Braun would answer for Lehigh Valley with a tight end release for touchdown; and then Philadelphia would score fourteen straight points to start to make things interesting with 3:06 left in the game, having made it a 12 point game. However, a failed onsides kick on the ensuing kickoff would put Lehigh Valley in a prime location to seal the game; which they did with 1:33 left on the clock when Renford snagged a laser in the corner of the endzone. After a successful PAT, the score stood - Lehigh Valley 52, Philadelphia 33.

Once again, the Steelhawks defense proved to be the difference after forcing two turnovers on downs, and only allowing three third down conversions on eight attempts. Philadelphia held longer possessions, but were unable to capitalize on many of their long drives. The difference offensively was the arsenal of receivers the 'Hawks had in Renford, Young, Prince, and Edwards compared to the one weapon Smith had in E. Sammons. While controlling their own destiny, Lehigh Valley needs to continue to develop offensively while the defense needs to stay healthy.

By scoring 52 points in today's contest, the Steelhawks have completed the Domino's 50 Point Challenge. Fans can now get 50% off menu-priced pizzas at all participating Lehigh Valley locations for the next three days, simply use the code SH50 when ordering.

The Steelhawks have another home game next weekend before a bye week and then two more home games to finish out the regular season. Next Saturday's game is at 7:00pm and welcomes the Central Penn Capitals to the PPL Center. Presented by Lehigh Valley Health Network, it's Health Awareness Night and the first 2,000 fans get a Black Rally Towel to support the 'Hawks. 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 vs. the Philadelphia Yellow Jackets

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