In a recent interview on The Fast Lane at 101 ESPN, St. Louis Battlehawks head coach Anthony Becht provided insights into the team’s training camp progress as they prepare for the second UFL season starting March 28th. Becht discussed quarterback competition, roster improvements, and championship aspirations heading into the new campaign.
Quarterback Competition Heating Up
With former quarterback AJ McCarron no longer with the team, Becht has been evaluating several options under center.
“Max Duggan, Manny Wilkins and Shevin Cordera have done a really good job. I mean, all those guys have really come in prepared and picked up the system,” Becht said. “Manny’s obviously has the experience of the system. The system is the same. The core values of the system is the same. But, you know, obviously there’s some sprinkles in there to make it, you know, a little bit more simpler and be able to kind of do some things at a little bit better level.”
The Battlehawks will need to decide between experience and potential as they finalize the roster for the season opener against Houston. In a surprise, rumblings are that Shevin Cordera could be the starting QB in week 1.
New Offensive Coordinator Transition
The Battlehawks brought in a new offensive coordinator following Bruce Gradkowski’s departure.
“Phil McGeoghan is our new coordinator coach last year, and, you know, listen, you know, he was. He’s got a lot of experience in the NFL and college football,” Becht explained. “I got the utmost confidence, and quite frankly, anybody could have really called the plays, and I could have handed that off to anybody on our staff because we just have really overqualified guys for what we’re doing.”
This coaching continuity should help maintain offensive productivity despite the coordinator change, with the core system remaining intact. But going into a pivotal season for the UFL, it’s top franchise needs to do well. With a new QB and new OC for its flagship franchise adds intrigue for the 2025 season.
Roster Improvements and Competition
The Battlehawks have focused on upgrading talent across the roster heading into the new season.
“It’s been the biggest goal for us was to really bring in better talent and really load up the roster, and that’s what we felt like we did,” Becht stated. “We brought 27 players in. Defensively, you know, we really amped up. We returned two of our all league safeties in Nate Metters and Lucas Dennis with, you know, last year. And for us, the secondary defensive line has been scotch where we really upgraded.”
These roster improvements show the Battlehawks are serious about building on last year’s success with enhanced talent. St Louis was very close to making it to the UFL championship game and probably would have put on a better show against the eventual Champion Birmingham Stallions. Stallions beat the San Antonio Brahmas 25-0.
Joint Practice Benefits
The Battle Hawks participated in joint practices with other UFL teams to gauge their progress.
“Last week we practiced with Memphis. Coach Ken Wisenhunt is the new head coach for the Memphis team this year. We did really good,” Becht said. “When you’re going against your own guys, for a couple of weeks you really don’t know what you have. And then when you go against somebody else and it starts, you’re like, oh, okay, we’re getting a lot of good wins here. Offensive line, defensive line, the trenches look really good.”
These joint sessions have provided valuable feedback on the team’s strengths heading into the regular season.
Championship Aspirations
After reaching the conference championship game last season, Becht has clear goals for the upcoming season.
“A lot of expectations for me. I want to win a championship now. I mean, that’s my goal. That’s why I’m in this thing. I’m in here to continue to build this team, build this roster. You know, make the city proud of what we’re doing,” Becht emphasized.
The Battlehawks appear well-positioned for another playoff run as they prepare for their season opener against Houston on March 28th. Fans can follow the team’s progress throughout the season with weekly coach interviews on The Fast Lane at 101 ESPN.
The UFL needs the Battlehawks to be a contender and sell tickets. St Louis, if they make it all the way to the Championship game, could have eight home games this season. They are already locked in for an extra home game due to the Brahmans stadium situation. Add a home playoff game and rumor championship game location in St Louis again. It would help the league financially going into the 2026 season.
