ST. LOUIS – The St. Louis Battlehawks kicked off their 2025 United Football League (UFL) season with a resounding victory over the Houston Roughnecks, defeating them 31-6 on Friday night at TDECU Stadium in Houston. The game marked the beginning of the second season for the UFL, and the Battlehawks made a significant statement with their performance.
The matchup was the first of many Friday night games scheduled for this season, all of which are being broadcast on FOX. Fans eager to catch the action were treated to a half-hour pregame special titled “Battlehawks Game Day” on FOX 2, setting the stage for an exciting opener.
Head coach Anthony Becht, now in his third year with the Battlehawks, was optimistic heading into the season, especially after his team finished with a 7-3 record last year, despite a playoff loss to the San Antonio Brahmas. "We’re looking to build on last year’s success," Becht stated before the game. "This team has a lot of potential, and we’re excited to see how we can grow this season."
The Battlehawks wasted no time in establishing their dominance. Quarterback Manny Wilkins, stepping in for A.J. McCarron, who was released in the offseason, showcased his skills with an impressive performance. Wilkins completed 17 of 22 passes for 189 yards and added 43 rushing yards along with two touchdowns on the ground. His ability to scramble and make plays with his legs was a game-changer for St. Louis.
Wilkins’ performance was complemented by a stellar showing from the running game. Jacob Saylors led the charge with 98 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries, while Jarveon Howard added 115 yards on 13 carries, including a spectacular 74-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. The Battlehawks set a UFL record with a total of 273 rushing yards, dominating the ground game and controlling the tempo throughout the contest.
The first half was all St. Louis, as they outgained Houston 265-48 and took an 18-0 lead into halftime. Wilkins was particularly sharp, going 7-for-7 for 81 yards in the first quarter alone, and Saylors made significant contributions both on the ground and through the air.
As the game progressed, the Roughnecks struggled to find their footing. Starting quarterback Anthony Brown was replaced by Nolan Henderson after a lackluster performance, but even Henderson could not spark a comeback. Houston managed to get on the board late in the game, with Henderson connecting with Justin Hall for a touchdown, but it was too little, too late. The Roughnecks failed to convert a subsequent two-point attempt, leaving them trailing by 25 points with just over two minutes remaining.
Despite the loss, Roughnecks head coach C.J. Johnson remained optimistic about the future. "We have a lot of work to do, but we’ll regroup and come back stronger next week," Johnson said. "This is just the beginning of the season, and we’re going to learn from this experience."
The Battlehawks’ commanding win not only showcased their offensive prowess but also highlighted their defensive strength. St. Louis possessed the ball for 31 minutes and 56 seconds of the first 45 minutes of play, effectively limiting Houston’s opportunities. The Battlehawks’ defense intercepted Brown twice and consistently pressured him, forcing him into difficult situations.
Looking ahead, the Battlehawks will host their home opener at the Dome At America’s Center on April 6 against the San Antonio Brahmas. The team is eager to build on their momentum and prove they are contenders for the championship this season.
As the UFL season unfolds, fans can expect more thrilling matchups and standout performances. With the Battlehawks setting the tone for what promises to be an exciting season, the question now is whether they can maintain this level of play and contend for the title.
The UFL, a joint venture between Fox Sports, RedBird Capital Partners, Dany Garcia, and Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson, aims to provide a platform for players looking to showcase their talents and potentially earn a spot on NFL rosters. As the league continues to grow, the Battlehawks will be a team to watch as they strive for success.
For those looking to catch future games, the UFL will continue to be broadcast on FOX, with additional streaming options available through services like FuboTV and DirecTV Stream. Fans can expect a thrilling season ahead as the league showcases the best of spring football.
