The United Football League’s Week 4 features a pivotal XFL Conference matchup as the St. Louis Battlehawks (2–1) travel to face the Arlington Renegades (2–1). Both teams aim to rebound from Week 3 losses and assert their positions in the conference standings.
St. Louis Battlehawks: Seeking Offensive Consistency
After a strong 2–0 start, the Battlehawks stumbled in Week 3, falling to the DC Defenders 27–15. Quarterback Manny Wilkins threw for 147 yards and a touchdown but was intercepted three times. Running back Jacob Saylors contributed 91 receiving yards, showcasing his versatility out of the backfield.
Key Players – St. Louis Battlehawks
- Manny Wilkins (QB): Has accumulated 498 passing yards with a 67.2% completion rate, throwing for one touchdown and three interceptions over three games.
- Jacob Saylors (RB): Leads the team with 145 rushing yards and four touchdowns, also contributing as a receiving option.
- Jahcour Pearson (WR): Top receiver with 91 receiving yards, providing a deep threat in the passing game.
The Battlehawks’ offense will need to minimize turnovers and capitalize on scoring opportunities to secure a win on the road.
Arlington Renegades: Defending Home Turf
The Renegades suffered a narrow 10–9 defeat to the Birmingham Stallions in Week 3. Quarterback Luis Perez completed 26 passes for 204 yards but failed to find the end zone. The defense held strong, allowing only 10 points, but the offense struggled to convert drives into points. Key Players – Arlington Renegades
- Luis Perez (QB): Veteran quarterback with 583 passing yards and a 72.2% completion rate this season, throwing for one touchdown and one interception.
- Kalen Ballage (RB): Leads the team with 189 rushing yards, providing a consistent ground attack.
- Sal Cannella (TE): Top receiving target with 136 receiving yards, offering a reliable option in the passing game.
Arlington’s offense will look to bounce back and support their strong defensive unit in this crucial home game.
Matchup Breakdown & Storylines
- Turnover Battle: St. Louis must protect the football after committing four turnovers last week. Arlington’s defense will aim to capitalize on any mistakes.
- Quarterback Duel: Wilkins’ mobility contrasts with Perez’s pocket presence, setting up an intriguing quarterback matchup.
- Conference Implications: Both teams are tied at 2–1; a win here could be pivotal in the race for playoff positioning.
How to Watch
Fans can catch all the action live on ABC this Saturday at 12:30 PM ET. The game will also be available for streaming through the ABC app and affiliated streaming services.
Final Word
With both teams eager to rebound from Week 3 losses, this matchup promises to be a tightly contested battle. The Battlehawks will aim to reignite their offense, while the Renegades look to leverage their home-field advantage and stout defense. Expect a competitive game with significant implications for the XFL Conference standings.
image credit: David from Washington, DC, CC BY 2.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0, via Wikimedia Commons
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