The wait is finally over. After UFL fans have known the participants of the XFL Conference Championship for about Three weeks or so, both the Battlehawks and Brahmas get ready to suit up Sunday June 9th to see who will be representing the XFL Conference in the UFL championship June 16th at the America’s Center in St. Louis.
Line: Battlehawks
Date/Location: Sunday, June 9th, 2024, at the Dome at America’s Center
Kickoff Time: 7:00 pm EST
Weather Forecast: N/A
TV/Streaming: FOX, FOX Sports App
Injury Report/Inactives
The Brahmas have some concerns in the secondary as they will be without A.J. Hendy (left hamstring) who is fourth on the team in tackles (37) and BoPete Keyes (illness). Garbers reinjured his wrist in last week’s game and is listed as questionable. McFarland (right shoulder) and defensive tackle Jaylen Twyman (left ankle) are both also questionable with injuries.
UFL Special Teams Player of the Year Chris Garrett (concussion) and wide receiver/special teams ace Jerome Kapp (left hamstring) will not be playing in the conference title matchup. The only other question is starting free safety Qwynnterrio Cole, who is dealing with a left ankle injury. The Battlehawks recently signed LB Elijah Lee who is active this week while placing LB Drew Lewis and DB Keylon Kennedy on IR, and will see the return of Ben DeLuca at the Safety position.
Three Keys to Victory:
Dominate the Pass Rush:
The Battlehawks Pass Rush was middle of the pack this year registering the same number of sacks as the team did in 2023. While Depth Charts haven’t been released yet, it is paramount that the Battlehawks continue to keep Garbers or Dormady off their rhythm in an effort to prevent playmakers like Jontre Kirklin, and Marquez Steveson from taking over the game.
Open Up the Playbook: It seemed like in the Battlehawks 13-12 victory that there was a lot of protection of the Battlehawks “trade secrets”. With a trip to the Championship game on the line, it appears that McCarron and company will have the full arsenal at their disposal this week with plenty of opportunities to let this offense hit its full potential.
Keep A.J. Upright: There has been a bit of chatter of Brahmas players coming after the Battlehawks QB1 specifically Defensive Back Teez Tabor who appeared to “go-low” on McCarron. With the Brahmas Defense ranked among the top of the UFL in Sacks, looked for Wade Phillips’ Defense to do their best to test McCarron’s resolve and toughness.
Final Thoughts:
The Battlehawks and Brahmas have had one-possession finishes all Three times they have played. St. Louis has a 3-0 record in their franchise history. The Battlehawks will need OPOY Hakeem Butler, along with 2023 All-XFL Wideouts Darrius Shepherd and Jahcour Pearson to aide McCarron and their offensive line to fly into victory.
Hopefully with another week of practice and rehab the Battlehawks should be able to pull out this victory and send St. Louis to a Championship Game. It’s been almost 20 years since the people of St. Louis have had a playoff game in their city, and the 2024 Battlehawks are set to bring their fans a victory that means more to this town, that still is healing from the departure of the Rams.
St. Louis Battlehawks 27, San Antonio Brahmas 16
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