Category Archives: Steel Hawks

Bethlehem, PA: The Lehigh Valley Steelhawks, intent on setting a new tone in 2012, did just that in their season opener yesterday in the Windy City as they defeated the Chicago Slaughter by a score of 30-28. The victory gives the Steelhawks the franchise’s first winning record in team history at 1-0 and sets the tone for the rest of the 2012 season.

The Slaughter came into the game at 1-0 after defeating the Bloomington Edge 54-30 in the IFL’s kickoff classic last weekend, and hoped to once again put the first points of the game on the board. The Steelhawks Defense had other plans, as Chris Medina exploded up the middle on a field goal attempt by Chicago’s Chris Nendick and blocked the kick. Former Oregon Duck Marvin Johnson was there to then scoop up the loose ball and race into the endzone for the game’s first score.

Chicago was able to answer back on a Perry Patterson to Ernest Jackson touchdown to know the score at seven a piece. The Steelhawks regained the lead on the following possession courtesy of a John Halman 33 yard field goal.

A second Ernest Jackson Tocuhdown gave the Slaughter their first lead 14-10, but new Steelhawks Quarterback Dixie Wooten was able to march the team right back down the field, culminating in a passing touchdown to Wide Receiver Aaron Higdon to start off the second quarter. On the Slaughter’s next possession, Cornerback and Lehigh University product John Kennedy III intercepted a Perry Patterson pass in the endzone and returned it 39 yards to set up excellent field position with a minute remaining in the half. Wooten was able to once again capitalize, hitting WR Jeff Willis for a score to go up 24-14. Patterson responded quickly before the half on a TD to Daniel Dufrene to make the score 24-21.

“It was an exciting, back and forth battle in that first half,” stated Head Coach Chris Thompson. “We made some mistakes and were able to shake some of the jitters inside the locker room. I can’t say enough about how our guys all rallied around each other. We have a tight knit group here.”

Coming out of the half, the Steelhawks were able to force yet another turnover as Linebacker Sam Maxwell stripped Tony Taylor after a ten yard gain, which was recovered by Marvin Johnson. The ‘hawks then went back to the running game with Veteran Ryan Leafey. On 4th and 2 from the Steelhawks own 13 yard line, Leafey found a gaping hole and took it to the house for a 37 yard touchdown. He finished the evening with 68 yards rushing on ten carries for an average of 6.8 yard per attempt.

The Steelhawks defense took over the rest of the game, often causing the Slaughter to go three and out on three possessions. A late Jackson touchdown score allowed them to get within two points with under one minute to play, but the Slaughter were unsuccessful on an onsides kick attempt and the Steelhawks were able to run out the clock to seal their first victory.

The team will return to the Lehigh Valley for a few days of practice before heading out to face the Cedar Rapids Titans next Saturday, March 3rd, in Iowa. Kickoff is slated for 7:05 p.m. (CST). For those who wish to view the game online, please visit http://www.b2livetv.com and look up the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks under the “TEAMS” Section. Fans unable to watch the games live can purchase a season viewing pass. Steelhawks 2012 home games will be broadcast live on Service Electric TV2 Sports.

The Steelhawks return to the Lehigh Valley for their Home Opener, on Sunday, March 11th at 4 p.m. to square off against the Bloomington Edge. Tickets for the game are still available and can be purchased by calling the Steelhawks front office at 610-282-3100, via the Steelhawks Website (www.lvsteelhawks.com), or by visiting the Stabler Arena Box Office at 124 Goodman in Bethlehem. For further information on the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks please contact Executive Vice President Mike Clark at 610-282-3100.

Season ticket packages, starting as low as $8 per game, are still available but great seats are limited so reserve your seats close to the action and call the team’s front office at 610-282-3100. Don’t miss out on the fun and exciting atmosphere that is Steelhawks Professional Indoor Football!

Our Steelhawks made a statement to the league tonight defeating the Chicago Slaughter by a final score of 31-28!

I was able to watch the game online (with a lot of help from Ron) and the team looked great. More details to come tomorrow…

With the season opener coming up this weekend, the Steelhawks are holding their Kickoff party tonight at Roosevelt’s in Bethlehem at 6:00pm!

More on the season opener from the Steelhawks:

Bethlehem, PA: The Lehigh Valley Steelhawks head to the Mid-West to take on the Chicago Slaughter in the team’s 2012 IFL Season Opener. The new look Steelhawks, coming off a 4-10 record in 2011, have high hopes after a strong training camp, and are excited to finally hit the field for a meaningful game. The Slaughter upended the Steelhawks in a closely contested battle in 2011, and seek to extend a little revenge in the rematch. It will be the first of three times the two franchise’s face off against each other this season.

The Slaughter (1-0) are fresh off an impressive 54-30 victory against the Bloomington Edge last Sunday in the IFL’s Kickoff Classic. The one-two Quarterback punch of Perry Patterson and Juice Williams led the offense with three passing scores and one touchdown via the ground. Veteran Wide Receiver Tony Taylor will have to be monitored at all times by the Steelhawks secondary do to his impressive speed.

The Steelhawks (0-0) are trying to set a new tone for the 2012 season and don’t mind being a team that is under the radar heading into their opener. They return seven veterans from last season’s team, highlighted by Linebacker Adrian McLeod from Western Carolina University. In just 11 games last season, McLeod was among the top five in many defensive categories including total tackles (110), safeties (2), and sacks (6) from the linebacker position. Offensively, key trades to acquire All-IFL Offensive Lineman Chris Nunn, WR Jeff Willis, and Quarterback Dixie Wooten will help the Steelhawks to be a high powered offense right out of the gate.

Kickoff is slated for 7:35 p.m. (CST) with doors opening at 6:00 p.m. For those who 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 can purchase a season viewing pass. Steelhawks 2012 home games will be broadcast live on Service Electric TV2 Sports.

The Steelhawks return to the Lehigh Valley for their Home Opener, on Sunday, March 11th at 4 p.m. to square off against the Bloomington Edge.

The LV Steelhawks held an open inter-squad scrimmage this afternoon for season ticket holders and families.

The 2012 Lehigh Valley Steelhawks

I stopped by and I really liked what I saw. Smiling faces were abundant. This team works well together and seems to have fun with the game. Coach Thompson was drilling them in “pre-game” warm ups and I’d say close to 100 people showed up to watch.

General Manager Mike Clark told me there were still a few players competing for a spot and the finalized roster will be set prior to next week’s opener in Chicago.

These guys looked good. Come out to a game and check them out.

Home opener on Sunday March 11th.

A few weeks back we saw wide receiver Terrell Owens sign with a team in the Steelhawk’s own IFL and now we’re hearing reports that the Steelhawk’s rival Chicago Slaughter have made an offer to wide receiver Randy Moss.

From ESPN:

“Seeing the splash that T.O. made going to the Allen, Texas, team, it would be a coup for us to get Randy,” Slaughter coach and former Chicago Bears defensive tackle Steve McMichael said by phone Thursday.

The Steelhawks face the Slaughter in Chicago on their season opener on February 24th and again at home, at Stabler Arena, on April 28th.

TO signed a deal… will Moss?

The Steelhawks have done it again!

The Lehigh Valley Steelhawks are proud to have landed veteran QB Dixie Wooten to their 2012 training camp roster. The Steelhawks acquired Wooten’s rights from the IFL’s Nebraska Danger.

Wooten, a 6’3 quarterback had another stellar year with the Danger last season. He passed for 1,937 yards and 36 tds, accumulating a 95.7 qb rating. Wooten is a perennial IFL MVP candidate and a great veteran leader who brings a lot of experience to the squad. He was selected as the IFL’s Man of the Year in 2010, an award that recognizes players not only for their success on the field, but also for their contributions off the field and in their communities. The teams new Gunslinger played his collegiate ball at the University of Texas-El Paso. The Steelhawks are excited to have a player with his abilities and character in the Lehigh Valley.

“We are extremely excited to sign Dixie and bring him here to the Lehigh Valley area,” stated Head Coach Chris Thompson. “He not only will be a great role model for our community but is also a seasoned vet when it comes to the IFL style of football. This is another reason that our fans, performance partners, season ticket holders, and LV noise nation have something to be excited about for this upcoming 2012 season.”