The St. Louis Battlehawks (1-0) opened their 2025 UFL campaign in dominant fashion, defeating the Houston Roughnecks (0-1) 31-6 at TDECU Stadium on Friday night.
Scoring Recap
After a turnover on downs to start the game, the Battlehawks quickly bounced back by intercepting Roughnecks quarterback Anthony Brown. That takeaway set up St. Louis' first touchdown of the season, a four-yard rush by Jacob Saylors, marking the first touchdown of the UFL season.
Following a Houston three-and-out, the Battlehawks marched down the field again. QB Manny Wilkins showcased his passing and rushing ability before leaping over the goal line for six.
St. Louis’ defense continued to dominate, forcing another turnover before halftime with a second interception off Brown, this time grabbed by safety Lukas Denis.
On special teams, newly signed kicker Rodrigo Blankenship drilled a 48-yard field goal and later added a 33-yarder to give the Battlehawks an 18-0 lead at halftime.
Houston tried to shift momentum in the third quarter by switching to QB Nolan Henderson, but the offense stalled, leading to another punt. St. Louis capitalized with a 12-play, 76-yard drive, capped by Wilkins’ second rushing touchdown of the game to extend the lead to 24-0.
With the game well in hand, Max Duggan took over at quarterback for St. Louis. The offense didn't miss a beat, as Jarveon Howard broke free for a 74-yard touchdown run—the longest in UFL regular-season history—pushing the score to 30-0.
REMAIN CALM REMAIN CALM
— St. Louis Battlehawks (@XFLBattlehawks) March 29, 2025
ommmmmmmgggg pic.twitter.com/Pi7E35yutP
Duggan then converted the Battlehawks' first successful point-after attempt, running it in himself to make it 31-0.
Houston finally got on the board late, as Henderson connected with Justin Hall for the Roughnecks’ lone touchdown, sealing the final score at 31-6.
Key Stats
Battlehawks set a UFL record with 273 rushing yards
St. Louis outgained Houston in receiving yards (128-32)
Battle-Tested Performers
Jarveon Howard – 13 carries, 115 yards, 1 TD
Jacob Saylors – 16 carries, 98 yards, 1 TD
Manny Wilkins – 17-of-22 passing, 189 yards; 43 rushing yards, 2 TD
Pita Taumoepenu – 2 sacks
Rodrigo Blankenship – 2 FG (48, 33 yards)
The Battlehawks covered the -4.5 spread with ease, while the total score just stayed UNDER the 37.5 line (-112).
Next Up
The Battlehawks return to St. Louis for their home opener next Sunday against the San Antonio Brahmas. Kickoff is set for 5:30 p.m. CT at The Dome, with coverage on FS1.