Steelhawks Pull Out a Victory in Defensive Battle

The Lehigh Valley Steelhawks (4-3) fought hard against the Cedar Rapids Titans (2-4) in another game that came down to the last minute. In a game that ended with a final score of 25-19, it was the Steelhawk defense that sealed the victory for Lehigh Valley forcing two turnovers in the last five minutes of the game.

The Cedar Rapids Titans put the only points on the board in the first quarter after they recovered a blocked field goal attempt in the end zone.

In the second quarter the Steelhawks matched the Titans seven points off a touchdown catch by WR Irani DeAraujo from QB Bryan Randall, and a successful extra point conversion. The score would remain tied at seven going into halftime, setting an IFL record for the lowest scoring first half in the leagues history.

The Titans came out strong in the third quarter, scoring on back to back touchdowns. WR Everett Roberts scored on a long run that was the Titans only offensive touchdown of the game. DL Xzavie Jackson scored 77 seconds later off a Steelhawk fumble to put the Titans up 19-7.

The Steelhawks started their comeback on the next drive as WR Joshua Floyd caught a 39 yd pass from Randall. Floyd caught his second pass of the game for another touchdown on their next possession to give the Steelhawks their first lead of the game early in the fourth quarter, 22-19. Kicker Paul Stoltz converted a 21 yard field goal make the score 25-19 with 5:40 left in the game. Steelhawk DB Marvin Johnson forced a fumble on the next Titan possession to give the Steelhawks the ball back.

The Titans regained possession with 50 seconds left on the clock, still trailing by 6. The Steelhawk defense again came up big as they kept the Titans from scoring, forcing them to turn the ball over on downs. The Steelhawk offense was then able to run the clock out by taking a knee to end the game.

Steelhawk LB Matt Cohen had a break out performance recording 11 tackles, 1 sack, 2.5 tackles for a loss, and was on the receiving end of two point conversion. DB Jesse Cooper had 8 tackles. Randall finished the game 13 of 23 for 133 yds, 3 tds, and 1 int. WR Irani DeAraujo caught seven passes for 57 yds and a score. RB Ryan Leafey had 31 yds rushing on 3 carries.

The Steelhawks have a bye this week and will then have another home game on April 28^th against the Chicago Slaughter (1-6), in a rematch of their season opener. The game is the first annual “Health Awareness Night” and is being presented by St. Luke's Hospital Network.

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!

Lehigh University Athletics

Steelhawks Pull Out a Victory in Defensive Battle

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