April 6, 2014 - Professional Indoor Football League (PIFL) Lehigh Valley Steelhawks Bethlehem, PA: After a hard fought see-saw match up between the Trenton Freedom, the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks came out on top in an exhilarating home opener. The win puts the Steelhawks at 1-0 and atop the National Conference standings as the only undefeated team in their division early on in the 2014 season.

An exciting first quarter from Stabler Arena with two touchdowns within 2 minutes of the start of the game. The Trenton Freedom jumped out to an early 6-0 lead after scoring on the very first play of the game with a 35-yard touchdown pass from QB Warren Smith to Antoine Rivera. The Steelhawks answered back quickly with an 8-yard touchdown run by Brandon Renford (6 rec, 83 yards, 3 td) on their second play. After a successful PAT and uno by Steelhawks kicker Michael Barnard, Lehigh Valley took an 8-6 lead. The Freedom's offense drove down the field, leading to a touchdown pass from Jaquan Bryant to Roger Jackson. Following a successful two-point conversion, Trenton held a 14-8 lead half way through the opening quarter. The Steelhawks were quick to answer once again with a strong drive ending in a touchdown pass from QB Adam Bednarik (16-27, 182 yds) to Brandon Renford. An even match after one quarter with the game being tied 14-14.

The Freedom started the second quarter deep inside Steelhawk territory, scoring immediately with a 7-yard touchdown pass from Smith to Bryant to take a 20-14 lead. After an out of bounds scrimmage kick from Trenton, the Steelhawks were awarded the ball in good position on the Freedom 20-yard line. Bednarik quickly found WR Scott Pillar in the end zone for a touchdown, and after a successful PAT, Lehigh Valley led 21-20. On the Freedom's next possession, Steelhawks DB Dwayne Hollis (10 tackles, 2 int) intercepted Warren Smith's pass giving the Steelhawks their first interception of the season and solid field position. This led to Bednarik throwing his third touchdown pass of the game, connecting once again with Renford, giving him his third touchdown as well (one rushing, two receiving). The Steelhawks held a 28-20 lead until Freedom QB Warren Smith scurried into the end zone for an 8-yard touchdown run, shortening the deficit to only two points. The Freedom quickly regained possession after a missed field goal attempt by the Steelhawks, but were stopped deep in Steelhawk territory to end the half. Steelhawks lead 28-26 at the midway point of the game.

Lehigh Valley started the second half off with a long possession, resulting in a second consecutive missed field goal by kicker Michael Barnard. On the ensuing possession, the Freedom pushed the ball down field resulting in a powerful touchdown run by FB Melik Brown. Following the PAT, the Freedom held a 33-28 lead. Lehigh Valley quickly answered back as Bednarik found Pillar for the second time in the back corner of the end zone to regain the lead late into the third quarter. After three quarters of play, the Steelhawks held a 35-33 lead.

Trenton once again started the quarter in great field position, resulting in a touchdown pass from Smith to Jackson on the first play to take a 40-35 lead. The Freedom defense held the Steelhawks to minimum yardage on their next possession, resulting in a third missed field goal by Barnard. With momentum on their side, the Freedom worked their way down field for another touchdown pass from Smith to Rivera. This touchdown and PAT gave them the largest lead of the game at 47-35, halfway through the final quarter. On the following drive the Steelhawks moved the ball down field as Bednarik connected with OL Darryl Kurtz for his fifth touchdown pass cutting the Freedom lead to six with 2:43 remaining in the game. A Steelhawks defensive stand gave the offense one last chance at the time of the one-minute warning. One chance was all they needed as Bednarik found Renford once again for his fourth touchdown of the game, followed by a made PAT giving the Steelhawks a 48-47 lead with 33 seconds remaining. After a strong defensive effort and a game ending end zone interception the Steelhawks found themselves victorious after the intense season opening match up.

Tonight's Offensive player of the game is awarded to Brandon Renford having a total of three touchdowns, including the go ahead score with 33 seconds left, and 113 total all-purpose yards. The Special Teams and Defensive award goes to Dwayne Hollis for his consistent efforts on the return team as well as a dominant defensive effort recording 10 tackles and two interceptions.

Steelhawks next contest is on the road, taking on the Harrisburg Stampede (April 11th, 7:30pm). The team returns to Stabler Arena for their next home game on April 26th, 7:00pm kickoff; that game is deemed "Friends and Family Night" presented by ESSA Bank & Trust. A special drawstring backpack will be given away to the first 1,000 fans through the door.

Keep checking for the latest news and events from the Steelhawks! For further information please call Lehigh Valley Steelhawks Executive Vice President and General Manager Mike Clark at (610) 282-3100, or visit our website at http://www.LVSteelhawks.com for the latest Steelhawks news!

Flex season ticket packages will be on sale after the home opener. It's not too late to get discounted tickets to every 2014 Lehigh Valley Steelhawks game. You can reserve your seats by calling the Steelhawks front office at 610-282-3100. Individual game tickets for each home game are now available as well!

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Steelhawks Win Exciting Home Opener over Freedom