Key Points:
- Michigan Panthers kicker Jake Bates made a 64-yard field goal with 3 seconds left to win the game
- St. Louis Battlehawks QB AJ McCarron threw for 216 yards and 2 TDs
- Michigan Panthers RB Wes Hills rushed for 85 yards on 11 attempts
The Michigan Panthers upset the St. Louis Battlehawks 18-16 in a tightly contested UFL game. The Panthers secured the win with a stunning 64-yard field goal by kicker Jake Bates with just 3 seconds remaining on the clock. Bates had not kick a field goal since High School.
AJ McCarron and Marcell Ateman led a late game comeback with some spectacular 4th down plays to go ahead with minutes left in the 4th quarter. But it was Bates who stole the Battlehawks thunder.
St. Louis Battlehawks Breakdown
The Battlehawks offense, led by quarterback AJ McCarron, put up a solid performance despite the loss. McCarron completed 24 of 37 passes for 216 yards and 2 touchdowns.
The team’s top performers on offense were:
- Marcell Ateman: 6 receptions, 60 yards, 1 TD
- Jake Sutherland: 3 receptions, 45 yards, 1 TD
- Wayne Gallman: 13 rushes, 40 yards
On defense, the Battlehawks were led by Willie Harvey, who recorded 7 total tackles, including 2 tackles for loss and 2 pass breakups.
Michigan Panthers Breakdown
The Panthers offense relied heavily on their running game, with Wes Hills leading the way with 85 yards on 11 carries. Quarterback EJ Perry completed 12 of 24 passes for 176 yards and 2 interceptions but also added 2 rushing touchdowns.
The team’s top performers on offense were:
- Wes Hills: 11 rushes, 85 yards
- Devin Ross: 2 receptions, 46 yards
- Cole Hikutini: 1 reception, 41 yards
The Panthers defense was anchored by Kai Nacua, who recorded 11 total tackles, including 1 sack and 2 tackles for loss. He is the brother of Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua. Daniel Wise also had a strong performance with 8 total tackles and 2 sacks.
This game’s outcome impacts the UFL standings already. The Battlehawks were thought to be the top team in the XFL division. This loss opens the door for Sundays game between the DC Defenders and San Antonio Brahmas for tops in the XFL divison. The Michigan Panthers will look to build on this victory, while the St. Louis Battlehawks will aim to bounce back in their upcoming games.
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1 Comment
by Sharon George
When the Battlehawks leading rusher from 2023 Brian Hill indicated he would not return this season I felt the team needed to make a better effort to locate a solid replacement. Also, they returned their entire starting five OL from last season and you’d like to think they would do a better job protecting the QB and also opening holes for the running game. On defense the front seven still seems to have a difficult time against top RB’s. Last year it was the Defenders A. Smith who ran wild against the and this year after one game W. Hills has made them look bad.