Express start a Streak Picking up Second Win Against the Steelhawks
Reading, PA—May 5, 2012 The Reading Express picked up its second win of the season tonight at the Sovereign Center on Savage 61 Dodge Field against the Lehigh Valley Steelhawks, 37-34.
Marcus Sargeant proved to be a game maker with six tackles and picking off three passes, one with just 1:20 left in the fourth to solidify the win against this cross-town rival.
“We did this as a team, and we couldn’t have done it without the defensive line and the linebackers. Things really came together for us tonight,” Sargeant said, “The offense was able to pick the defense up with they were down and the defense was able to do the same for the offense.”
Another major playmaker was Elliott White who rushed for 102 yards and picked up two touchdowns. The Steelhawk defense had a hard time shutting down White’s rushing game since often times it would take a pack of Steelhawks to bring him down.
“My offensive line really opened the holes for me and allowed me to get to that third level,” White said.
Despite outgaining the Express in total yardage, 209-194, the Steelhawks had 5 turnovers, 3 interceptions and 2 lost fumbles, which were major setbacks.
The Express’s Keith Stokes scored twice tonight, once on a 52-yard kickoff return and another on a 19-yard pass from Tim Bailey that put the Express ahead with 3:33 left in the game.
Starting off the fourth quarter, the Steelhawks were on their own 9 yard-line and quarterback Dale Fink found himself sacked in the backfield by the Express’ Michael Thompson who also stripped the ball to force a fumble that was recovered in the end zone by Mike Dell for an Express touchdown.
Keeping it a close game for the Steelhawks was Aaron Higdon who Fink found down field three times for Steelhawks touchdowns. Higdon had 6 receptions for 102 yards and Fink threw for 171 yards and four touchdowns on the night.
Also scoring for the Steelhawks was Irani DeAraujo with a 6-yard reception and Ryan Leafy with a 3-yard run.
The three-point difference in the game ultimately was a result of a Michael Barnard 37-yard field goal in the third quarter.
When thinking about the weeks to come on the road the Express is going to hold on to the momentum they have gained off these past two wins.
“We are on the right page right now, and things are going to carry over these next couple weeks.” White said.
By: Rachel Zaccarelli
