Steelhawks' playoff hopes end in last home game

http://www.mcall.com/sports/football/mc-steelhawks-blizzard-football-0602-20120602,0,1604813,full.story FROM THE MORNING CALL In their second year of existence, the Steelhawks were making major strides at the midway point of the Indoor Football League season. They appeared on their way to a first playoff berth. But any momentum the franchise was gaining on the field completely sputtered in the season's second half. Saturday night's 41-33 setback to the Green Bay Blizzard — who will never be confused with the Green Bay Packers — abruptly ended the Steelhawks' playoff hopes. An announced crowd of 2,013 at Stabler Arena saw the team's collapse in its final home game. Like it did during the season, Lehigh Valley started strong and led 26-14 at halftime. But the Blizzard blew away their opponents in the second half, 27-7, to easily pull away. The Steelhawks will enter Friday night's season-finale in Chicago against the Slaughter with a 5-8 record. They have dropped five of six since a 4-3 start. Green Bay, at 9-3, has already clinched a playoff berth. "It's been frustrating," said Steelhawks first-year coach Chris Thompson. "We've lost players to the AFL and the CFL, and those opportunities for players to move up are what you want. But it's difficult for the team. That, and we've had some quarterback and special teams issues. "But to be in the playoff hunt with two games to go in our second season as a franchise, I think the fans will see we're heading in the right direction." The Steelhawks built an advantage with two quick touchdowns in the final minute of the first half. Quarterback Chris Malleo, who came on to replace starter Aubrey Norris, threw consecutive scoring strikes — the first, a 35-yarder to running back Ryan Leafey; the second, a 10-yarder to Irani DeAraujo. Leafey's touchdown included an exciting run after the short reception. He zig-zapped along the out-of-bounds boards, dodging several would-be tacklers along the way. Both TDs were set up by Jesse Cooper interceptions. (He had three picks in the first half.) Lehigh Valley took control after the teams traded scores in a 14-14 first quarter. Cooper's end zone-to-end zone kickoff return for a touchdown highlighted the 28-point first period. "Our first half was excellent," Thompson said. "We made a bunch of plays in all three phases." Green Bay seized momentum immediately in the third quarter with a touchdown drive and another score after a crucial Steelhawks' turnover. Wideout Jeff Willis was nearing the goal line on a long pass play when he fumbled into the end zone. Blizzard defender B.J. Hill scooped up the loose ball and returned it 25 yards. Two plays later, Andrew Verboncouer rumbled in for a four-yard TD and kicker Adrian Trevino's extra point broke the 27-all tie. The Blizzard added to their lead on the first play of the fourth period as Donovan Porterie kept on a 1-yard quarterback sneak. "They drove down and scored to start the third quarter. OK," Thompson said. "But then we're driving for a score but we turn it over there and instead of us scoring to go back up two touchdowns, they score off our mistake and take the lead. In reality, we gave them the game." The Steelhawks closed within 41-33 with 1:07 remaining but Green Bay recovered the ensuing onside kick to end it. The night's promotional highlight came at halftime when Stroudsburg rising-senior Jordon Ellison won a kicking contest. Ellison beat out high school placekickers from Emmaus, Fleetwood, Mahanoy Area and Nazareth. He made each of his five attempts on the turf field, including a 30-yarder to clinch it. "It was like practice but it was cool because it was in front of the crowd," said Ellison, who kicked for the Mountaineers' Mountain Valley Conference championship team in 2011. "The goal posts are skinnier and those stickers are slippery in the middle of the field. It's not real easy. I give those guys [the professionals] their props." Ellison received a Steelhawks' Prize Pack that included a knapsack, a visor and a watch for his winning effort. BLIZZARD 41, STEELHAWKS 33 Green Bay 14 0 13 14 – 41 Lehigh Valley 14 12 0 7 – 33 First quarter LV – Isaac West 21 pass from Aubrey Norris (Paul Stoltz kick), 13:12 GB – Bryan Pray 31 pass from Donovan Porterie (Adrian Trevino kick), 6:28 LV – Jesse Cooper 52 kickoff return (Stoltz kick), 6:18 GB – LaRon Council 8 run (Trevino kick), 2:43 Second quarter LV – Ryan Leafey 35 pass from Chris Malleo (run failed), :46 LV – Irani DeAraujo 10 pass from Malleo (pass failed), :12 Third quarter GB – Council 2 run (kick failed), 12:44 GB – Andrew Verboncouer 4 run (Trevino kick), 10:33 Fourth quarter GB – Porterie 1 run (Trevino kick), 14:56 GB – Council 13 run (Trevino kick), 8:09 LV – Leafey 1 run (Stoltz kick), 1:07