Arlington Renegades (2-2) at St. Louis Battlehawks (3-1): Final Score 24-11 St.Louis Battlehawks
The stage is set for another battle for the North Division. Bouncing back from their loss to the Defenders, the Battlehawks welcomed the Renegades to St. Louis, in front of over 38,000 fans in the first game since the 2020 XFL season. The Battlehawks kept pace for first place in the North Division by defeating the Renegades 24-11.
St. Louis Battlehawks Key Performers:
1-Eric Magwood Offensive Lineman
Magwood made his professional debut due to the suspension of Jaryd Jones-Smith in week 3. Magwood took the challenge of starting at Left Tackle, in St. Louis’ return to the dome and put together a solid performance. The Battlehawks offensive line allowed 0 sacks and prompted the team’s rushing attack to a 110-yard performance in week 4.
2- Brian Hill Running Back
In his return to his home city in St. Louis Brian Hill showed out for his family. Hill for the 2nd consecutive week found pay dirt and put together another solid performance after missing week 2, due to injury. Hill totaled 18 carries for 89 rushing yards with a touchdown and added a reception for 6 yards in front of his friends and family.
3- Mike Rose Linebacker
Rose was dynamic on special teams during punt coverage in addition to making an outstanding tackle in the 3rd quarter on kickoff. His performance was recognized by Special Teams Coordinator Tory Woodbury, as the team acknowledged him as the week 4 Special Teams player of the game. Rose put together a solid performance contributing on defense as well as finishing the game with five tackles, including one for a loss.
Closing Thoughts:
St. Louis took care of business, by defeating the Renegades in effort to keep pace with the North Division leading DC Defenders. The Battlehawks were able to win the turnover battle in week 4 forcing four Kyle Sloter turnovers, while limiting their own damage to one AJ McCarron interception. The Battlehawks defense was once again led by Willie Harvey who is becoming one of the XFL’s premiere tacklers by adding another seven against the Renegades in week 4.
McCarron and the offense provided a well-balanced attack that saw the former Alabama signal-caller, utilize Darrius Shepherd, Hakeem Butler, and Austin Proehl for a combined 17 receptions for 169 yards and two touchdowns. The Battlehawks also were able to find more consistency in the ground game by utilizing the St. Louis native, Brian Hill with the rushing attack totaling over 100 yards for the 2nd time this season.
Going into to week 5, the Battlehawks have the advantage of getting to avenge their week 3 loss, after only two weeks. Defenders Quarterbacks Jordan Ta’amu and D”Eriq King have shown a bit of growth over the past two weeks in the passing game, with Ta’amu putting going back-to-back weeks of completing over 50% of his passes while continuing to be dangerous in the running game.
For St. Louis the opportunity to build on their week 4 performance in an effort to be tied for the Northern Division lead, comes at a great time as the Battlehawks will once again be home for DC, in front a crowd that showed up to support their beloved XFL franchise.
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