Steelhawks and Slaughter Rematch
Posted: 04/25/2012
The Lehigh Valley Steelhawks will take on the Chicago Slaughter for the second time this season in a rematch of the Steelhawks season opener. This time around, the Slaughter come to the Steelhawks, who will be looking to continue their recent winning streak. This is a big game for the Steelhawks as they vie for a playoff spot and hope to maintain their winning record.
In their first meeting this season, the Steelhawks beat the Slaughter 30-28. More recently, Chicago (2-6) is coming off a big upset win over the Green Bay Blizzard in last week’s game. The Steelhawk defense will need to watch QB Perry Patterson (1083 yds, 21 tds, 8 ints) as he leads the offense. WR Ernest Jackson (355 yds, 9 tds) and RB Daniel DeFrene (276 yds, 11 tds) are also threats for the Slaughter.
Lehigh Valley (4-3) had a bye week this last weekend, but picked up a big win in a tough defensive game against Cedar Rapids in week eight. The Steelhawks key offensive threats lie in their receivers who are led by Irani DeAraujo (41 catches, 387 yds, 7 tds). Ryan Leafey continues to lead all IFL running backs in yards per carry (5.5 yds) and is second in the league in rushing yards. DB Marvin Johnson continues to lead the defense with 54 tackles and 3 interceptions. A strong Chicago rushing game will be up against the IFL’s leading defense (only giving up 37.9 pts per game) and a 2nd ranked rushing defense (giving up 39.3 rushing yds per game).
This week’s Steelhawk game has been deemed Health Awareness Night and is presented by St. Luke’s University Health Network. Halftime will feature a special performance by Lehigh Valley Jazzercise. The Precious Metal dance team will also be holding a Dance Clinic earlier in the day and all the participants will be performing with the Precious Metals in their half time show. As always, fans are invited to come out and tailgate as the Birds of Prey provide live music starting at 4pm, and doors open at 6pm.
Kick off will be at 7:05pm this Saturday night. The game will be broadcast on Service Electric TV2 Sports. They will be broadcasting all Steelhawk home games again this season. For those fans that are out of the area and wish to view the game online, please visit www.b2livetv.com and look up the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks under the “TEAMS” Section. Fans unable to watch the games live or on Service Electric can purchase a season viewing pass.
The Steelhawks schedule for the next couple weeks features a short trip to Reading to face the Express for the third time this season, a trip to Green Bay, and then returning to the Valley for three home games in a row beginning May 19th against Omaha, Reading, and Green Bay.
Steelhawks tickets can be purchased by visiting the Stabler Arena Box Office at 124 Goodman Drive in Bethlehem or online at www.lehightickets.com. Don’t miss out on the fun and exciting atmosphere that is Steelhawks Professional Indoor Football!