Battlehawks Open Season by Taking Down Defending Champs D.C. Defenders, 16

Photo by Marcelina Enriquez

After falling to the eventual league champion D.C. Defenders 36–18 in last year’s XFL Conference Championship, the St. Louis Battlehawks entered their season opener with something to prove. And prove it they did, with a decisive defensive performance to take down the defending champs by a score of 16–10 on the hometown field at the Dome at America’s Center.

The Battlehawks defense notched 7 sacks, including 2.5 by linebacker Pita Taumoepenu, last year’s UFL Defensive Player of the Year. The team also snagged 2 interceptions off of former-Battlehawk/now-D.C. QB Jordan Ta’amu: safety Jordan Mosley stopped a drive early in the 2^nd quarter that had gotten D.C. all the way to St. Louis’ 30-yard-line, while cornerback Myles Sims killed D.C.’s momentum with another interception just three plays into the second half.

Though St. Louis’ defense dominated, D.C.’s offense managed to notch some early wins. They were the first on the scoreboard, thanks to the UFL’s first-ever 4-point field goal—a new rule this year awards an extra point for kicks from 60 or more yards away. D.C. also scored the game’s first touchdown with a first-and-goal rush by running back Deon Jackson with 1:22 left in the first quarter, though they failed on the ensuing 2-point conversion.

After the first quarter whistle blew, the Defenders never scored again. Most of the Battlehawks points came from the foot of kicker Tucker McCann, who split the uprights on 3 of his 4 attempts, including a 27-yarder that came with just two seconds left in the first half. That attempt was set up perfectly by St. Louis QB Brandon Silvers, who lobbed a pass to wide receiver Gary Jennings, Jr. for a timely 64-yard gain. The Battlehawks’ one and only touchdown came in the third quarter, with a 10-yard pass to tight end Tyler Neville. McCann’s third and final field goal 3 minutes into the 4^th quarter sealed the Defenders’ fate.

Though the score was relatively close considering, the stats show St. Louis’ dominance: 236 total yards to D.C.’s 153, with 34:19 of possession time vs. D.C.’s 25:41. Also, not helping D.C.’s cause: they earned 12 penalties, while St. Louis only received one.

Check out photos of the game below courtesy of The Arts STL’s own Marcelina Enriquez, including scenes from the Kickoff Fan Fest at Baer Plaza and even a couple of the local rap legend Nelly, whose group the St. Lunatics performed the game’s half-time show.

The Battlehawks’ next appearance is a rare Tuesday night game in Dallas on April 7^th. The team returns on short rest to their home field to host the Birmingham Stallions on Sunday, April 12^th. Stay tuned for coverage and photos of that game right here on The Arts STL! | Jason Green