Steelhawks Take Flight in Home Victory

April 20, 2015 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Lehigh Valley Steelhawks News Release

Allentown, PA: The Lehigh Valley Steelhawks (3-1, 2-1 PIFL) turned in a solid team performance to take down the Erie Explosion (0-3) in the second matchup of the PA Classic. The Hawks put together a decisive winning performance in which they never trailed. At the end of the game, the score stood: Steelhawks 59, Explosion 33.

Once again, things started slow for both teams, with only a combined 17 points on the board at the end of the first quarter. WR Brandon Renford (3 catches for 50 yds,1 td) got things started for Lehigh Valley on a nine yard catch from QB Shane McSweeny (18 of 29, 179 yds, 3 tds). K Pat Clarke added a field goal before the Erie would get on the board with WR Alfonso Hoggard rushing touchdown.

It took until the last four minutes of the first half for more points to be put on the board. McSweeny (75 yds rushing, 3 tds) would run it in from four yards out to give the Hawks a 16-7 lead. Hoggard added another touchdown, this time a receiving score, a seven yard touchdown catch from QB Mason Espinosa (30 of 45, 331 yds, 3 tds, 3 ints). Hawks WR Denzell Jones (2 catches, 18yds, 1 td) would catch his first touchdown of the year with 13 seconds left in the second quarter to give Lehigh Valley a 26-19 lead.

Erie would come out firing in the third quarter, Espinosa would find Hoggard for his third of four total touchdowns; this one a 25 yard deep ball. Clarke would add four more points in the quarter for the hawks, one field goal and one uno. WR Mack Ogletree (5 catches for 44 yds, 1 td) would add a 24 yard scoring reception, while DB Jesse Cooper (13.5 tackles, 1 int, 3 pbu's) would add six points from defense on a pick six. The Steelhawks held a 15 point lead heading in the fourth.

Lehigh Valley would take that lead and run with it, only allowing Erie eight points in the fourth, and those coming on their first possession of the quarter. McSweeny would add two more rushing touchdowns, and DB Joe Powell (8 tackles, 2 ints) would seal the game on 52 yard interception return for a touchdown after recording his second interception of the night.

Both the offensive and defensive lines had great performances on the night. The o-line provided great protection and did not give up a sack. The d-line turned in another outstanding show, tallying six sacks and six tackles for a loss on the night.

The Steelhawks have dominated the turnover margin so far this season; having given up only one fumble and recording 15 take aways so far. With his interception against Erie, Cooper broke the Steelhawks All-Time Interception record; he now has 11 in his Lehigh Valley career.

The Steelhawks are on the road to nearby rival Trenton next week. They will be back on Embassy Bank field inside the PPL Center on Saturday, May 2nd when they face the Columbus Lions. The game is sponsored by Capital Blue Cross and is deemed the "Capital Blue Cross Live Fearless Night," and 1,500 free water bottles will be given out.

Tickets to individual Steelhawks games are now available, and now you can pick your exact seat when purchasing online! And season tickets are still available. We hope to everyone inside the PPL Center this season for the Steelhawks 5th season! 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! 2015 Season Ticket packages are now on sale! Reserve your seat now by calling the Steelhawks office at 610-282-3100.

Lehigh Valley Steelhawks vs. Erie Explosion

Lehigh Valley Steelhawks vs. Erie Explosion

Lehigh Valley Steelhawks vs. Erie Explosion

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Professional Indoor Football League Stories from April 20, 2015

• Steelhawks Take Flight in Home Victory - Lehigh Valley Steelhawks

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