Highlights:
- Jordan Ta'amu completed 18 of 26 passes for 204 yards and one touchdown
- Deon Jackson rushed for 110 yards and two touchdowns on 21 carries
- DC Defenders defense forced five sacks and recovered one fumble
Game Recap:
The DC Defenders defeated the St. Louis Battlehawks 36-18 in a UFL playoff game at The Dome at America's Center. Jordan Ta'amu threw for 204 yards while Deon Jackson powered the ground game with 110 rushing yards and two scores. The Defenders will take on the Michigan Panthers in the UFL Championship on June 14th.
Game Highlights Video:
DC Defenders Performance:
The Defenders controlled the game with a balanced offensive attack and pressure defense that sacked St. Louis quarterbacks five times.
Top Offensive Players:
Jordan Ta'amu: QB - 18/26, 204 yards, 1 TD, 89.3 rating
Deon Jackson: RB - 21 carries, 110 yards, 2 TDs, 5.2 average
Seth Williams: WR - 2 catches, 61 yards, 1 TD
Cornell Powell: WR - 4 catches, 57 yards
Abram Smith: RB - 13 carries, 64 yards, 1 TD
Top Defensive Players:
Malik Fisher: DE - 2 sacks, 19 sack yards, 1 forced fumble
Anthony Hines III: LB - 6 tackles, 1 fumble recovery
Trey Dean III: CB - 5 tackles, 1 interception, 1 pass defended
Andre Mintze: DE - 1 sack, 2 QB hits
Derick Roberson: DE - 1 sack, 1 forced fumble
St. Louis Battlehawks Performance:
The Battlehawks struggled with turnovers and could not establish consistent offensive rhythm against DC's aggressive defense. Brandon Silvers gave the team a spark in the 2nd half but left the game due to injury.
Top Offensive Players:
Jacob Saylors: RB - 9 carries, 45 yards, 1 TD
Frank Darby: WR - 2 catches, 53 yards
Jahcour Pearson: WR - 2 catches, 50 yards
Max Duggan: QB - 7/14, 105 yards, 1 INT
Brandon Silvers: QB - 6/10, 81 yards, 1 TD
Top Defensive Players:
Willie Harvey: LB - 15 tackles, 1 sack
Nate Meadors: CB - 8 tackles
Qwynnterrio Cole: FS - 8 tackles, 1 tackle for loss
Mike Rose: MLB - 7 tackles
T.J. Pesefea Jr.: NT - 6 tackles
The DC Defenders advance in the UFL playoffs with this victory while St. Louis ends their season. The Defenders total offense of 388 yards outpaced the Battlehawks' 240 yards in a game that showcased playoff-level intensity and execution.
Can the Defenders continue their playoff run with this balanced offensive attack? Will the Battlehawks make adjustments for next season after this 2nd straight playoff exit? What are your thoughts on this game? Share your comments below.