Three wins in a row. The St. Louis Battlehawks are finally finding their 2025 identity. Tough defense, scrappy offense, excellent special teams.
Quarterback Max Duggan is getting the job done. With each week that goes by, he is more comfortable running the offense. He may not be putting up gaudy numbers, but when you have a stingy defense and elite special teams, sometimes all you need is a quarterback who manages the game and protects the ball. Completing 65.2% of your passes, rushing for 57 yards, and accounting for two touchdowns will suffice.
I have raved about Kicker Rodrigo Blankenship all season long. After making both of his field goal attempts against the Memphis Showboats, he remains perfect on the season. I will continue to beat the drum about him, as he is without a doubt the top NFL prospect in the UFL.
But I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the success of Punter Sterling Hofrichter. Against Memphis, he averaged 43.2 yards per punt and pinned the opponents inside their 20-yard line on all five punts. This is an astounding accomplishment that can single-handedly decide the outcome of the game.
As the season continues to take shape for the Battlehawks, here is what to watch over the final three weeks of the regular season:
- A showdown is looming against the 5-2 Birmingham Stallions on Saturday, May 17th at the dome in St. Louis. The crowd will be loud, and the team will be motivated.
- A win could secure a playoff spot. And don’t forget about the potential for a first-round playoff game in St. Louis.
- Can the Battlehawks consistently get Wide Receiver Hakeem Butler more involved? Against Memphis, he managed only one catch for six yards.
- In a close, evenly matched game, the Battlehawks special teams are likely to prove the difference.
- Can Max Duggan break out for a huge passing performance? He is due.
Ka-Kaw!