The St. Louis Battlehawks (1-1) hosted the Arlington Renegades (0-2) on Saturday night from The Dome at America’s Center in front of a capacity crowd of 40,317 fans for the Battlehawks home opener.
After a scoreless first quarter, the game picked up from the second quarter and on. Arlington had a 24-21 lead heading into the fourth quarter. St. Louis kicker Andre Szmyt kicked two field goals, including the game-winner for 22 yards for a 27-24 win over the Renegades.
St. Louis had 344 yards on offense. Quarterback A.J. McCarron completed 19 of 29 passes (66%) for 248 yards, two touchdowns, and two carries for two yards. McCarron’s first touchdown happened in the second quarter throwing a 24-yarder to Marcell Ateman plus converting the two-point conversion for an 8-0 lead. McCarron’s second touchdown happened in the third quarter to once again Marcell Ateman for 53 yards plus converting the one-point play for a 21-17 lead.
St. Louis running back Mataeo Durant led the rushers with 14 carries for 104 yards, one touchdown, and one catch for five yards. St. Louis’s running game had 18 carries for 110 yards, and one touchdown. Wide receiver Marcell Ateman had a big night making four catches for 114 yards, and two touchdowns, while Darrius Shepherd led the team with nine catches for 82 yards. The receivers finished the night with 19 catches for 248 yards and two touchdowns.
St. Louis’s defense had 65 tackles led by Qwynnterrio Cole with nine tackles (5 solo, 4 assists), while defensive tackle Pita Taumoepenu had two sacks. The rest of the defense had one sack, three pass breakups, and five tackles for loss.
Arlington had 287 yards on offense. Quarterback Luis Perez completed 21 of 29 passes (72%) for 233 yards, and one touchdown, while backup quarterback Lindsey Scott completed 1 of 2 passes (50%) for four yards, four carries for 13 yards, and one touchdown. Perez’s touchdown happened in the third quarter throwing to tight end Sal Cannella for six yards that gave them a 17-14 lead.
Arlington running back De’Veon Smith led the rushers with nine carries for 23 yards, one touchdown, and two catches for 20 yards. Arlington’s rushers finished the night with 21 carries for 71 yards, and two touchdowns. Wide receiver J.P. Payton led the receivers with five catches for 83 yards. The receivers finished the night with 22 catches for 237 yards and one touchdown.
Arlington’s defense made 46 tackles led by linebacker Donald Payne with seven tackles (6 solo, 1 assist). The rest of the defense had three sacks (2 by Jalen Redmond), six tackles for loss, and three pass breakups. Kicker Taylor Russolino made one field goal for 52 yards.
Next weekend, the Arlington Renegades host the D.C. Defenders on Saturday at 1 pm on ESPN, while the St. Louis Battlehawks visit the San Antonio Brahmas on Sunday at 3 pm on ABC. Subscribe to Fubo to watch all of the 2024 UFL Season and tickets for the game are available today on StubHub and Viagogo.
