Story & Photographs by Diane Fleischman
Friday night marked the end of the season for The Steel Hawks in their play-off game against the Columbus Lions. Score early, and score often, was one of the patterns we’ve seen at their home games this year, and as the Hawks held true to form as they scored their first touchdown on the first play of the game. The Lions surprised us with a strong offense, and won the game, 52-50.
The PPL arena filled nicely, which may have been the largest attendance of their home games this season. The excitement, the anticipation, could be felt in the air, with the hope that The Steel Hawks would become the season champions.
The Steel Hawks dominated the first half, leaving the Lions almost scoreless at 21-0. It was apparent that the Hawks just wanted to keep their hands on the ball. But then, with a little over a minute on the clock, the Lions got lucky with a touchdown, field goal, and a deuce as the second quarter closed 21-9.
The third quarter was full of action, deuces became the ongoing theme. The Hawks scored three touchdowns in this quarter, which rallied the Lions to keep up. With minutes remaining, the Lions grabbed another touchdown, with the Hawks still in the lead with 43-29.
With almost seven minutes remaining in the game, the Lions scored and took the lead by one point. Then by the final minute of the game, the Lions scored another touchdown. The Hawks, aggressively ran the ball for their final touchdown with 44 seconds left.
It was a great season for The Steel Hawks. As they entered playoff games this year, it could mean that they will take it much further next year. Here’s to looking ahead, Go Hawks!
