HOUSTON, TX — March 28, 2025
The St. Louis Battlehawks stormed into TDECU Stadium and made a loud statement to open the UFL season, dismantling the Houston Roughnecks 31-6 behind a dominant ground game, relentless defense, and a breakout performance from quarterback Manny Wilkins.

Wilkins Shines as the New Face of the Franchise

After a week of speculation about whether Max Duggan would start or split snaps, Manny Wilkins quickly put any doubts to rest. The former Arizona State QB was electric through the air and on the ground, finishing the night 17-of-22 for 189 yards and rushing for 43 yards and 2 touchdowns. His poise, mobility, and decision-making kept Houston’s defense guessing all game long.

Even when under pressure, Wilkins delivered clutch plays—including multiple first downs on third-and-long situations—and engineered long, methodical drives that crushed the Roughnecks’ spirit early.

“If Manny can throw and run like this, this team is dangerous!” one note read during the game. And it’s hard to argue.

Ground and Pound: Saylors and Howard Run Wild

The offensive engine behind St. Louis’ win? Jacob Saylors and Jarveon Howard. Saylors was an all-purpose weapon, rushing for over 100 yards while adding several big plays on screen passes. Howard, meanwhile, put the exclamation point on the win with a 74-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. The Battlehawks O-line was simply overpowering, creating wide-open lanes and dominating in both run and pass protection.

Defensive Clinic: Turnovers, Sacks, and Swarming Pursuit

The Battlehawks’ defense was every bit as impressive, suffocating Houston from start to finish. They forced two interceptions (by safeties Qwynnterrio Cole and Lukas Denis), registered multiple sacks, and repeatedly shut down drives before they could get started.

Houston managed just 48 yards of total offense in the first half, and even after switching quarterbacks from Anthony Brown to Nolan Henderson, the Roughnecks never found a consistent rhythm. By the time they finally scored in the fourth quarter, the game was long out of reach.

“The St. Louis defense has been amazing all day… rallying to the ball, forcing turnovers, and bringing relentless pressure.”

Bright Spots for Houston? Few and Far Between

The Roughnecks looked lost—on both sides of the ball. QB Anthony Brown struggled mightily, throwing two interceptions and failing to get the offense going. Nolan Henderson provided a brief spark in the second half, including a touchdown pass to Justin Hall, but it was too little, too late.

Wide receiver Keke Chism and the late-game energy from Henderson were rare highlights. However, glaring issues remain: turnovers, penalties, poor tackling, and overall sloppiness haunted Houston all night.

What’s Next

For St. Louis, this was a nearly flawless opener. Head coach Anthony Becht has his team clicking early, and with Wilkins cementing himself as QB1, the Battlehawks look like a legitimate championship contender.

For Houston, it’s back to the drawing board. Head coach C.J. Johnson must address major concerns on both sides of the ball—and quickly. If there’s a silver lining, it’s that Henderson might be the right guy to lead the offense moving forward.

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Final Score:
St. Louis Battlehawks 31, Houston Roughnecks 6

Key Stats:

• Manny Wilkins: 17/22, 189 YDS, 2 Rush TDs
• Jacob Saylors: 100+ Yards Rushing, Multiple Key 3rd Downs
• Jarveon Howard: 74-YD TD Run
• Battlehawks Defense: 2 INTs, 4+ Sacks
• Total Yards: Battlehawks 400+, Roughnecks < 200

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