Steelhawks drop home opener after an early lead
Posted: 03/22/2011
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Bethlehem, PA: The Lehigh Valley Steelhawks (1-2) fell 48-45 in the first overtime of their home opener at Stabler Arena. Defending divisional champs, Richmond Revolution, found a way to come-from-behind and finish the game as the clock ran down.
The Steelhawks began the game leading 15-0 with two touchdowns from running back Isaiah Greer, and a last second touchdown pass from Quintin Lopez right before halftime put the Steelhawks up 25-14.
In the third quarter, the Revolution, led by strong efforts from quarterback Dennis Brown and running back Bernard Payton, pulled ahead 42-39 with 1:30 left in the game.
Steelhawks quarterback AJ Roque gave kicker Paul Stoltz a chance to send the game into overtime. From midfield, Stoltz successfully nailed a deep-field goal to extend the game. IFL rules allow both teams to have a possession in overtime. Stotlz nailed his field goal attempt in extra time, however, Brown and Payton once again broke through the Steelhawks’ defensive line and found a touchdown, ending the game 48-45.
"This one is a tough one to swallow," stated Head Coach Rich Britt. "The crowd was rocking, and not one of them left until the end of the game. We really wanted to bring home a victory in front of our 9th man and had plenty of opportunities to put this game away. I truly want to thank all the fans for their support tonight. The coaches will break down this film and we’ll learn from our mistakes. We’ll get this turned around."
The Steelhawks now receive a week of rest before taking on Reading Express on Friday, April 1st in the Sovereign Center, Reading, PA. Kick-off is set for 7:30 p.m. April 9th will mark the first of three straight home games for the Steelhawks, against Bloomington Extreme. Tickets for these games, plus flex pack season tickets for the remaining home games are available by ordering online at www.LVSteelhawks.com or by calling the Stabler Arena Box Office at (610) 758-6611.