After a crushing defeat due to the leg of Jake Bates, the Battlehawks return to the “Dome” for their home opener against the 2023 XFL Champions as they begin conference play. The Battlehawks look to get back on track earning their first win of the 2024 season who they are 2-0 against in franchise history.
Weather:
The Battlehawks will be playing at a Dome at the Americas Center in St. Louis.
Betting Odds Per Draftkings (April 6th):
Spread: Battlehawks -5
Moneyline: Battlehawks -218, Renegades +180
Over/Under: 40.5
Depth Chart:
Three Keys to Victory:
Making Perez Uncomfortable:
While Perez is arguably spring football’s most loveable and consistent Quarterbacks, there is no argument that at times he looks extremely limited with arm strength and mobility. With a disruptive pass rush, that had trouble containing the elusive EJ Perry, a more stagnant Perez could have a lot of issues with Travis Feeney, and Pita Taumoepenu coming off the edge.
Filling the Roll of Mike Rose:
Mike Rose is arguably one of the Battlehawks most intriguing and young Defensive Players for Donnie Abraham. The Iowa State alum is out this week with an Ankle injury after hurting his Ankle in Week One, after earning a 94.3 Grade per PFF. With Rose inactive, look for Willie Harvey, Carson Wells, and even Callahan O’Reilly (Rookie, first activation), to fill the void for one of the UFL’s rising stars.
Running Back Woes:
It’s safe to say, that the Battlehawks miss Brian Hill, along with Max Borghi who “retired” prior to the season. The Battlehawks opted this week to elevate 2nd-Year Battlehawk Mataeo Durant over Jacob Saylors who had several missed assignments and a key drop in Week One. Despite the elevation, St. Louis will continue to rely on Wayne Gallman who amassed 46 All-Purpose Yards (40 Rushing, 6 Receiving), against the Michigan Panthers.
Final Thoughts:
The stage is set for the Battlehawks to take flight and get on track for the 2024 season against an Arlington Renegades team who on paper doesn’t match up well against St. Louis. The Battlehawks Receivers offer an explosive group that Arlington’s secondary may be a bit too slow for.
On Defense, the Battlehawks may be too explosive in the front seven for Luis Perez and company to contend with. Overall, I expect St. Louis to get back on track with a 24-10 victory extending their career record against the Renegades to 3-0.
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