Steelhawks Travel to Trenton to Face Rival

April 22, 2015 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL)
Lehigh Valley Steelhawks News Release

Bethlehem, PA: The Lehigh Valley Steelhawks (3-1) will make the short trip over the PA/NJ border to face their rival, the Trenton Freedom (2-2), in a rematch of last year's conference championship. Last season the Steelhawks took three of the four games they played against Freedom; including the conference championship played in Trenton, becoming the first team in PIFL history to win a playoff game on the road. The Steelhawks will be heading back to Trenton for this week's game; kickoff will be Saturday, April 25th at 7:00pm.

Lehigh Valley comes into this rivalry game after twice beating the other PA team, the Erie Explosion. The Hawks got a solid team performance from both the offense and defense in their victory last weekend. The defense recorded four interceptions and six sacks. On the other side of the ball, the offense didn't allow a sack while allowing QB Shane McSweeny to throw for 179 yards on 18 of 29 passes. His three passing touchdowns were spread out between three different receivers - Mack Ogletree, Brandon Renford, and Denzell Jones. McSweeny also ran for 75 yards and three touchdowns.

Trenton is coming off a tough game in which they fell to the Richmond Raiders, 52-50; after failing to complete the two point conversion that would have tied the game. They are led offensively by quarterback Steve Panasuk (587 yds on a 73.8% completion rate and 14 tds). His top three receivers are veterans Roger Jackson (24 catches for 319 yds, 8 tds), Antoine Rivera (22 catches, 308 yds, 6 tds), and former Steelhawk Richie Martin (14 catches for 211 yds, 4 tds). Their red zone threat lies in FB Melik Brown, who has six touchdowns on the year.

This week will be a matchup of the league's best scoring defense, with the Steelhawks only giving up 42.2 points per game; versus the league's best scoring offense, as the Freedom has been putting up 56.5 points per game. The teams' are also ranked one-two in the league in rushing - Lehigh Valley has 230 yards and 12 touchdowns (57.5 yds/game), while Trenton has 158 yards and 8 tds (39.5 yds/game).

The Steelhawks 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 water bottles will be given out.

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!

Season ticket packages are currently on sale for the exciting Steelhawks action inside the PPL Cneter where the team will be playing on their new EMBASSY BANK FIELD. It's not too late to get your to every 2015 Lehigh Valley Steelhawks game. You can reserve your seats by calling the Steelhawks front office at 610-282-3100. Individual game tickets for each home game are now available as well!

Lehigh Valley Steelhawks QB Shane McSweeny

Professional Indoor Football League Stories from April 22, 2015

• Steelhawks Travel to Trenton to Face Rival - Lehigh Valley Steelhawks
• Lions Offering Special Ticket Price for Military this Weekend - Columbus Lions
• Venom's Jolly Named Week 5 Offensive Player of the Week - Nashville Venom

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