The St. Louis Battlehawks continued their impressive run in the United Football League (UFL) 2024 season, notching their third consecutive win with a commanding 32-17 victory over the Memphis Showboats. In front of a passionate home crowd of 31,757 at The Dome at America’s Center, the Battlehawks improved to 3-1, solidifying their position atop the XFL Conference standings.

St. Louis’ success was fueled by a dominant rushing attack that amassed a season-high 133 yards, the most since the team’s 173-yard performance in the final game of the 2020 season against the D.C. Defenders. Running back Jacob Saylors led the charge, setting a new career-high with 103 rushing yards, falling just one yard short of Mataeo Durant’s team record of 104 yards set in Week 2 against the Arlington Renegades.

Saylors etched his name in the Battlehawks’ record books with a stunning 57-yard run in the fourth quarter, setting up the team’s fourth touchdown of the game. Quarterback A.J. McCarron connected with wide receiver Jahcour Pearson for an 8-yard score, extending the Battlehawks’ lead to a comfortable 15-point margin.

McCarron had arguably his best game of the season, completing 35 of 45 passes for 222 yards and three touchdowns. The veteran quarterback’s impressive 8-to-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio this season and 32-7 ratio throughout his Battlehawks career have been instrumental in the team’s success.

The Battlehawks’ defense also played a crucial role in the victory, holding the Showboats scoreless throughout the second half and limiting them to just 55 yards. This defensive dominance allowed the offense to extend their 20-17 halftime lead, with McCarron finding tight end Jake Sutherland for a 7-yard touchdown early in the fourth quarter.

St. Louis started the game with an explosive first quarter, scoring 17 points in the opening 15 minutes. Running back Wayne Gallman II capped off the scoring with a 2-yard touchdown run, followed by a two-point conversion catch by wide receiver Marcell Ateman, putting the Battlehawks up 17-6.

Despite Memphis rallying to tie the game at 17 late in the second quarter, the Battlehawks managed to retake the lead before halftime courtesy of a 47-yard field goal by kicker Andre Szmyt. Szmyt also gave the Battlehawks their first lead of the game with a 54-yard field goal in the first quarter, matching his season-long kick from the previous week’s 31-24 win against the San Antonio Brahmas.

Wide receiver Darrius Shepherd provided a spark on special teams, setting up the offense with a season-high 61-yard kick return following Memphis’ first touchdown. This return led to an 11-yard touchdown pass from McCarron to Saylors, giving the Battlehawks a 9-6 lead.

The Battlehawks’ victory showcased the team’s ability to excel in all three phases of the game, with the offense, defense, and special teams making significant contributions. The impressive home crowd, which nearly matched the spring-football record of 40,000-plus set just two weeks ago, added to the electric atmosphere at The Dome.

Looking ahead, the Battlehawks will face a tough test in Week 5 as they travel to the nation’s capital to take on the D.C. Defenders in an XFL Conference showdown. With both teams vying for the top spot in the conference, this matchup could have significant implications for the playoff race.

As the UFL 2024 season progresses, the St. Louis Battlehawks have emerged as a force to be reckoned with, thanks to their balanced offensive attack, stout defense, and game-changing special teams plays. With A.J. McCarron at the helm and a talented roster firing on all cylinders, the Battlehawks appear poised to make a deep run in the playoffs and potentially challenge for the UFL championship.