Game #3: Steelers vs. Lions [ 14 - 6 ]

Game 3:

Steelers vs. Lions

The game started out tense with the Steelers unable to score on their first possession.  The defense held strong though, with key tackles behind the line of scrimmage by Nathan Tout (#42), Creed Callham (#48), and Alex Herrera (#74).  Additional tackles by P.J. Serio (#86), Joe Rafinski (#52), and Fred Hacker (#53) kept the Lions close.  Finally, on 4^th down, the Steel Wall held tough and forced the Lions to return the ball to the Steelers offense.

On the 2^nd play after the possession change, a fake reverse to Joey Ippolito (#87) resulted in an 86 yard run for the Steelers’ first touchdown of the day.  They quickly followed it up with a pass from Tim Bado (#27) to Dave Iacoponi (#39) for the two-point conversion.  This left the half-time score at 8-0 Steelers.

In the 3^rd quarter the Steelers faced a 4^th and one situation.  Ryan Hilt (#55) got the call and came through for the first down.  On 2^nd and 8, another fake reverse to Joey Ippolito (#87) worked for another 44-yard run and a second Steeler touchdown.  The extra point was no good and the ball was back to the Lions. 

Once again the defense got tough and held the Lions scoreless.  Unfortunately, the Lions also dug in and forced the Steelers to punt early in the 4^th quarter.  Joey Ippolito (#87) and Creed Callham (#48) combined on the punt return tackle, but four plays later the Lions scored their first TD of the day.  The Steelers foiled the extra-point attempt, leaving the score at 14-6.  The Lions tried an on-side kick, but the Steelers were ready and Ryan Hilt (#55) recovered the ball.  The Steelers held on for two more first downs to run out the clock and win their third straight game with a final score of 14-6.

Total Yards:  Rushing: 206, Passing: 7

Defensive Stats:

Last update: 9/23/2003; 6:48:56 AM.