We are coming up on about a month before kick-off and the 3rd iteration of the XFL, with one the most favorite franchises poised to make their return to their city. The St. Louis Battlehawks are set to return back home to a city that has always appreciated their sports team. With 2023 the Battlehawks get a second lease on the XFL as Battlehawks fans are set to prove that Ka-Kaw is the law for the 2023. With the Battlehawks it’s important to remember the 2020 season that sets the baseline for their return.
The 2020 Offense:
The 2020 Battlehawks Offense was led by Quarterback Jordan Ta’amu, Running Back Matt Jones, along with Wide Receivers L’Damian Washington and De’Mornay Pierson-El. The 2020 team’s offense ran through Ta’amu who after spending the 2019 training camp with the Houston Texans, burst on to the Alt-Football scene ranking in the Top-3 in Passing, and Top-7 in Rushing.
The Battlehawks also sported a two headed rushing attack between Ta’amu and Jones who combined for 531 yards on the ground in addition to sprinkle of Christine Michael with his 178 yards. The Battlehawks total 779 Rushing yards over five games which was second best in the 2020 XFL. The Battlehawks receiving corps saw Alt-league veterans L’Damian Washington, and De’Mornay Pierson-El. Both came to the XFL after stints in AAF and put together Top-15 seasons for the Battlehawks. Overall, the Battlehawks receiving corps had five members that eclipsed the 100-yard threshold, which would in the Top-4 of the league.
The 2020 Defense:
The Battlehawks Defense was led by NFL vets Dexter McCoil and Will Hill, along with “true” rookie Kenny Robinson. The Battlehawks Defensive unit was actually one of the better units in the league. The unit gave off the least number of points in the league (77) and were in the Top-2 in total yards allowed. Dexter McCoil led the team in Tackles (39) with Will Hill and Terrance Garvin both being ending the season in the Top-7. Shockingly enough no Battlehawk had more than two sacks however, eight players did register a Sack. Overall, the Battlehawks Defensive Backs did record Four Interceptions which was middle of the pack for the 2020 XFL teams.
The Battlehawks defense, was well oiled machine that honestly didn’t wow anyone at any level however, the team displayed tenacity and teamwork that led to a top tier unit in the league. With multiple players moving onto to the NFL and CFL the 2020 Battlehawks defense is returning several players to the XFL 3.0 with the majority of them playing for the Arlington Renegades come February.
The 2020 Special Teams:
The Battlehawks had two of the most dynamic specialists in the XFL for 2020. Taylor Russolino was second in XFL with Nine made field goals, while Marquette King also could have been considered a Top-3 Punter. King led the league with average punting yards (45.7), and punts inside the 20 (11). Russolino and King will be returning to the XFL in 2023 as members of the Arlington Renegades.
The Battlehawks also were one of two teams to return a Kickoff for a touchdown. Return man Joe Powell was the first in 2020 to do it and set the stage for the XFL’s new return rules. The Battlehawks punt returner was also Top-4 in the league in punt return yards.
Closing Thoughts:
The Battlehawks finished 2020 with a 3-2 record and in second place. As both sides of the ball were getting in their mid-season grove, it was extremely evident that the Battlehawks were poised to make a strong run for the East Division Title. With 2023 on the horizon the Battlehawks are a completely different team, made up of Alt-League Vets along with many rookies straight from NFL training camps. One thing is for sure the Battlehawks will coming to St. Louis to a full-house once Week Four comes around.
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