Steelhawks expect a tougher battle in second…
Steelhawks expect a tougher battle in second home game
CHRIS SHIPLEY, The Morning Call
By Keith Groller | kgroller@mcall.com | The Morning Call
PUBLISHED: April 18, 2015 at 2:24 a.m. | UPDATED: June 16, 2018 at 12:51 a.m.
It couldn't have been more perfect.
The Lehigh Valley Steelhawks made their long-awaited debut at the PPL Center a roaring success on Sunday.
Accompanying all the bells and whistles, and yes, even fireworks, in the arena was an 85-38 win over the Marion Blue Racers.
The Steelhawks scored so much that super fan Jim Talianek, the guy who runs around the arena waving a big flag after every touchdown, was slowing down and out of breath by day's end.
While the team would love a repeat performance at 7 p.m. Saturday, April 18 when the Erie Explosion comes to downtown Allentown for a Professional Indoor Football League game, Steelhawks coach Chris Thompson knows it's probably going to be much tougher this time around.
Lehigh Valley pulled out a 50-43 win at Erie on March 29 and expects another tight battle..
"We were very pleased with everything that happened. … the atmosphere, the crowd, the performance of our team," Thompson said. "But Erie is a good football team that's very well coached. They were back-to-back champions in their former league [the Continental Indoor Football League]. We had our hands full with them the first time and we can expect more of the same."
What made things easier against Marion was eight turnovers, including three that were returned for scores.
Jesse Cooper ran both a fumble and an interception back for scores.
Thompson said the takeaways are not an accident.
"We not only want to stop them but we also want them to turn it over," he said. "It starts by getting pressure on their quarterback and then being in position to make plays. That was a big on Sunday. We want to see more consistency with our offense."
Despite the lopsided score, Lehigh Valley was outgained by Marion, 370 yards to 288, although part of that was having fewer possessions because of the touchdowns off turnovers.
Quarterbacks Shane McSweeny and Zach Zulli combined for 218 yards passing and five touchdowns and also ran for four scores.
Lehigh Valley didn't have a turnover last week and also won the turnover battle against Erie in Week 1, getting four takeaways.
"That's an important part of the game," Thompson said.
Lehigh Valley will miss linebacker Gerard Bryant, who is out with an injury. He will be replaced by Chidozie Oparanozie, who was a three-year starter at Duquesne,
"We're looking forward to getting a look at him," Thompson said of Oparanozie.
As good as the crowd was last Sunday — 3,700 paid, nearly to 3,100 in the building — Thompson said the organization is looking forward to more big attendance nights.
He pointed out that Sunday's gorgeous weather might have prevented a few people from going to the game.
Those who did were entertained.
"We had an awesome response," Thompson said. "All of the feedback was positive. … from emails to phone calls to text messages. We got what we were hoping for from our first-time fans, season ticket holders and our sponsorship partners. Everything exceeded our expectations, which was great, knowing how much work we put into it.
"But now we're on to our second home game and our first Saturday night game. We want to build on what we did on Sunday from every standpoint."
While there are no indoor fireworks planned, the halftime entertainment will include a performance by the East Stroudsburg University band.
The Steelhawks are billing this Friends & Family Night presented by ESSA Bank & Trust. The first 1,000 fans will get a free water bottle.
Keith Groller | Reporter
Keith Groller has covered sports at The Morning Call full-time since 1982.
kgroller@mcall.com
Follow Keith Groller @KeithGroller
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