Steelhawks Take Second of Three Meetings with Grizzlies
May 22, 2017 - National Arena League (NAL)
Lehigh Valley Steelhawks News Release
The Lehigh Valley Steelhawks (7-1) controlled the game from the start of their game against the High Country Grizzlies in Boone, North Carolina, building momentum behind their defense. When the final whistle sounded, the Steelhawks had claimed their seventh victory on the year, the second over High Country (3-4), and are officially playoff bound!
The first quarter opened with the Steelhawks receiving the kickoff and driving down the field for points. But it was only three coming off an 18 yard Spencer Hotaling field goal. The defense started things off right as they kept the Grizzlies from picking up a first down on fourth and one. The offense capitalized and shortly thereafter got their first touchdown of the game when a QB Warren Smith Jr. (6 td passes, 68% completion) and WR Darius Prince (3 tds) pass and catch found the endzone. High Country would get on the board with a field goal of their own just before the end of the quarter.
The second quarter was more of the same, as the Steelhawks defense making things difficult on the Grizzlies and the offense scoring on all their possessions. Prince added another score and WR Warren Oliver Jr. had two, one coming as time ran out in the quarter. At halftime, the Steelhawks led 29-10.
The second half saw even more Steelhawk defensive dominance. On third and long for the Grizzlies, DL Dante Holmes recorded a sack and then on fourth down, DB Rodney Hall Jr. snagged an interception which he took to the house for a score.
High Country continued to fight in the fourth quarter and ended up outscoring themselves from the first three quarters (15 points) but it wasn't enough. Lehigh Valley's defense tallied two more sacks on third downs and the offense ran out the clock. Final score: Lehigh Valley Steelhawks 56, High Country Grizzlies 28.
The defense held High Country to just two of eight third down conversions while the offense converted four of seven and two of two on fourth down; and LV tallied three sacks to the Grizzlies zero. The defense also held High Country to limited rush yards, especially in the endzone, something that up until tonight, High County had had success with.
The Steelhawks have completed part one of their chase for a Championship in securing a playoff spot. Should the Steelhawks win one of their last two games they will have clinched the #2 seed and will host a first round game on Friday, June 23rd at 7:30 pm inside the PPL Center.
The Steelhawks have also completed the Domino's 50 Point Challenge. For the next three days, fans can get 50% off menu priced pizzas at participating Lehigh Valley locations. Use the code SH50 online, or mention the Steelhawks 50 point challenge.
The Steelhawks face the Grizzlies again in their next matchup, a home game on June 3rd on Embassy Bank Field inside the PPL Center. Kickoff will be at 7:00pm on Embassy Bank Field inside the PPL Center. This will be the third meeting between the two teams.
2017 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.
Stay up to date with the Steelhawks by visiting the team website at www.LVSteelhawks.com or following them on Facebook: Lehigh Valley Steelhawks.
National Arena League Stories from May 22, 2017
- Steelhawks Take Second of Three Meetings with Grizzlies - Lehigh Valley Steelhawks
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