Battlehawks defensive back Chris Payton-Jones celebrates an interception in the May 2 game against the Arlington Renegades. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez
In a game defined by defensive grit and timely execution, the St. Louis Battlehawks earned a hard-fought 12–6 win over the Arlington Renegades on Friday night at the Dome at America’s Center, improving to 4-2 on the season.
Quarterback Max Duggan provided a pivotal spark late in the first half, breaking free for a 38-yard run that brought the ball down to Arlington’s 1-yard line. Moments later, wide receiver Hakeem Butler capitalized, leaping over defender Jayden Price (#23) to haul in the game’s first touchdown with just two minutes left in the half.
The Battlehawks added to their lead as time expired in the second quarter, with kicker Rodrigo Blankenship converting a field goal to make it 9-0 at the break.
From there, the St. Louis defense took control.
The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.Click to enlarge
Applying pressure from all angles, the Battlehawks defense harassed the Renegades at every turn, forcing rushed throws, limiting gains, and consistently winning the battle at the line of scrimmage.
Arlington finally got on the scoreboard in the fourth quarter thanks to kicker Lucas Havrisik, who drilled a 46-yard field goal to narrow the gap. He added another shortly after, cutting the Battlehawks’ lead to just three.
However, Blankenship responded with a booming 53-yard field goal of his own, extending the Battlehawks’ margin to 12-6 late in the game.
The Renegades attempted a final push, but with time running out, linebacker Pita Taumoepenu (#7) came up with the defensive play of the night — forcing a crucial fumble that sealed the game for St. Louis.
The win marks another strong defensive outing for the Battlehawks, who continue to build momentum midway through the season. | Marcelina Enriquez
The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.The Battlehawks take on the Arlington Renegades, 05.02.25 at the Dome. Photo by Marcelina Enriquez.Click to enlarge
