FROM STEELHAWKS
Bethlehem, PA: The Lehigh Valley Steelhawks (7-5) played another exciting game that came down to the last play against the Albany Panthers (6-5), and again they came out on the winning side of things; this time by a score of 53-49. The win locks up a playoff berth as well as Lehigh Valley’s first winning season.
In a matchup that again featured the league’s number one offense (Lehigh Valley) facing the league’s number one defense (Albany), the Steelhawks offense shined. The defense also stepped up when it counted and created big stops. Just like the game a few weeks ago between these teams, the game came down to the final drives of each team.
The Steelhawks offense flourished once again behind field general QB Adam Bednarik. Up against a tough defense, he was under a lot of pressure and was constantly breaking free in the backfield to extend plays. Bednarik threw for six touchdowns on the night and rushed for another, and didn’t give up a turnover.
The win came on the back of a complete team effort – WR Torieal Gibson caught three touchdown passes, and FB Ian Simon had a solid game in the backfield and caught his first professional touchdown. Lehigh Valley’s defense stepped up when it counted as well – DB Alex Ajayi returned an interception for a touchdown to kick off the second half, changing the momentum of the game and putting the Steelhawks back in the lead. Then with time running out and the Steelhawks trailing by three, DB Chris Johnson had a huge interception (tying a team high 3 on the year) to give the Steelhawks the ball back with under two minutes. The Steelhawks marched the ball to the Albany three yard line, and on fourth down with 12 seconds left, Bednarik scrambled to his left to avoid pressure and found a wide open Gibson to give the team a four point lead. A Larry Ford sack and forced fumble sealed the Panthers last play attempt.
The Steelhawks win, combined with a Richmond Raiders’ win earlier in the night, puts the teams in a tie for 2nd in the league standings. Richmond holds the tiebreaker between the teams, giving them the second seed and setting up a third matchup between the teams, the second in Richmond. The game will be held on MONDAY, July 1st at 7 p.m. inside the Richmond Coliseum. The #1 seed Alabama Hammers will face the #4 seed Albany Panthers in the other playoff matchup.
Fans are reminded that 2014 season ticket deposits are now being accepted. You can reserve your seats by calling the Steelhawks front office at 610-282-3100.
No comments:
Post a Comment