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Steelhawks vs Lions in the Playoffs

June 20, 2017 - National Arena League (NAL)
Lehigh Valley Steelhawks News Release


Allentown, PA : Friday Night Lights come to the Valley this week as the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks (9-1) host the Columbus Lions (9-3) in the franchise's first ever home playoff game. This is the second time these teams will meet this season, the Steelhawks claiming a narrow victory in the final seconds back in week four. The playoff game will kick off Friday, June 23rd on Embassy Bank Field inside the PPL Center at 7:30pm; presented by BINANAT CAPITAL. The game will be broadcast live locally on Service Electric Cable TV/TV2 Sports and fans will be able to view the game through a YouTube streamed broadcast.

In this first round playoff game, the #2 seed Steelhawks host the #3 seed Lions. This will be a meeting of the league's top two scoring offenses - the Steelhawks lead the league with 61 points per game, the Lions scoring an average of 58.1 points. By the numbers, the defenses are nearly even - scoringwise: 34.4 for LV and 34.9 for Columbus. The Steelhawks have a slight edge in turnover margin, +19 compared to +17 for the Lions.

A big difference between the teams lies in HOW they've gotten to this point offensively. Columbus has had two starting Quarterbacks under center this season; their current starting QB Mason Espinosa has played in eight games this season, throwing for 23 touchdowns and 953 yards on 97-148-4 (comp-att-int). Lehigh Valley in turn has been led exclusively by Warren Smith Jr. at the helm- 61 total touchdowns (56 passing), 1,953 yds passing on 66% completion (169-256-8 comp-att-int).

It's a win or go home game scenario for the Steelhawks, who will need a complete effort from all three phases of the game for 60 minutes in order to advance to the National Arena League Championship.

In the other first round game, the #1 seed Jacksonville Sharks host the #4 Monterrey Steel on June 24th, at 7pm. The NAL Championship will be played the weekend of July 8th. The highest seed playing will host the game - as the #1 seed, if the Sharks win, the game will be on Monday, July 10th in Jacksonville.

The Steelhawks Annual Post-Season Party and awards ceremony will be the day following the first round game at Roosevelt's 21st Bethlehem. This outdoor picnic will be from 1-4pm. 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 for the home playoff contest 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.



National Arena League Stories from June 20, 2017


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