In a must-win game against the D.C. Defenders, the St. Louis Battlehawks produced an underwhelming performance that resulted in a loss. The Battlehawks put up a sporadic or even anemic offensive effort that despite scoring 22 points, was the result of "chunk plays" rather than scheme. On the other side of the ball, the Battlehawks front seven which produced seven sacks in week one against D.C. also fluttered, and despite more consistent play than the offense failed to slow down Jordan Ta'amu, who dominated with his legs and arm this past Saturday.
What is going right:
Hakeem the dream:
Through three weeks Hakeem Butler has continued his dominate run of being a dynamic player in spring football. He's amassed over 300 receiving yards and continues to be a human highlight reel. Despite only recording 10 receptions, Butler is averaging 31 yards a reception and seems to be the only asset in the Battlehawks passing game.
Running Backs continue to be productive:
While the Battlehawks rushing totals may be a bit inflated, it is worth noting that the position group is making defensive players miss, consistently breaking tackles, and assisting in the passing game. While the Battlehawks run game hasn't been utilized to its fullest potential, Jarveon Howard and Kevon Latulas have managed over 400 scrimmage yards collectively through the first four games of the season on a combined 84 touches.
The Tucker McCann experience trends upward:
Despite missing his first extra point of the season, Tucker McCann has otherwise been a highly effective weapon for the Battlehawks. The St. Louis local was a perfect 3 for 3 on Saturday, including a long of 51. McCann has been perfect from beyond 50 this season, opening the door for an NFL comeback.
What is going wrong:
Frost was frozen:
After benching long time spring football quarterback Brandon Silvers, the Battlehawks offense through the air did much of the same under Harrison Frost. Frost was 6-21 for 144yds. What's even more concerning is that 109 of those yards came on two receptions from Hakeem Butler. The Battlehawks had a bit more mobility from Frost however, it appears that the team may be moving towards Michael Pratt.
Pass Rush Decline:
After a seven sack outburst in week one the Battlehawks, St. Louis has only amassed three in as many games. While the Battlehawks have plenty left on the "bone" as far as their ability to pass rush, it's clear the lack of ability to keep opponents "behind the sticks", have hurt the St. Louis the past several weeks.
Milestone Tracker:
Travis Feeney has totaled 200 tackles in his spring football career, spanning with the San Diego Fleet, Tampa Bay Bandits, and St. Louis Battlehawks
Hakeem Butler has surpassed Sal Cannella for most receiving yards in the modern spring football era during a career. He currently sits at 1871 receiving yards, and 19 receiving touchdowns through 30 regular season games.
Jordan Mosely currently sits at 199 career tackles.
A.J. Thomas surpassed 100 career tackles this past weekend. He's played for the Brimingham Stallions, and Battlehawks.
What's Next:
St. Louis will travel down to Orlando to take on Anthony Becht's Orlando Storm. The Storm are 4-0 under Becht's first season at the helm after leading the Battlehawks to a 22-10 in three seasons which included two playoff berths.
For St. Louis, their matchup vs the Storm turns into a must win game, as the Battleahwks continue to fight for a playoff spot in 2026.