Jonathan Adams with TD for the Showboats (Jay Allen/The Forkball)
On a 70-degree day mostly cloudy with light wind, the St. Louis Battlehawks defeat Memphis Showboats. The Battlehawks, currently and historically one of the best UFL teams, brought a strong fan contingent and they were pretty vocal at Simmons Bank Liberty Stadium.
Four Quick Takeaways from This Game
Both teams started slowly, with an exchange of punts. Showboat’s edge rusher Jaylon Allen ended one drive with a sack, and P. Taumoepenu ended the Memphis drive with a sack. The Battlehawks surged ahead behind quarterback Max Duggan’s seven-yard QB draw. Duggan was the key weapon for the Battlehawks, with a 29-yard scramble in the drive, and he accounted for 50 of their first 62 yards.
Battlehawks, Then Showboats Use Passing Game to Score
A Showboat’s failed fourth down attempt led to the Battlehawks having great field position. No first downs, but a field goal gave a 10-0 lead. Memphis finally broke through against the stingy Battlehawks defense. Kai Locksley caught a long pass for 30 yards. After a long six-minute drive Dresser Winn threw a five-yard touchdown pass to Jonathan Adams. 10-6 Battlehawks after the failed extra point. The Battlehawks took over the ball with less than two minutes in the half, but Duggan was slinging it all over the field. Darby caught a pass to the Showboats 39, and then Jennings caught one to the 14. Jennings closed out the perfect two-minute drill with a pass in the right flat for a 13-yard touchdown. After a completed one-yard touchdown Battlehawks 16-6 at half.
Showboats Defense Not Enough to Save the Game
Constant defensive adjustments were not enough to save the game against a strong Battlehawks offense. Defensive coach Jarren Horton made adjustments or personnel changes that snuffed out the strong run game from quarterback Max Duggan. But later in the game the Battlehawks passing offense kept Memphis from possessions. As the game grew more desperate for the Showboats, Kyree Woods made a key interception at his own 11 to snuff out a drive. And in the fourth quarter the Battlehawks gained only 26 yards and converted no third downs.
Once Again Showboats’ Turnovers Held Them Back
A fourth-down gamble early in the game failed and ended up in a long field goal for St. Louis. But Showboats quarterback Winn Dresser was strip-sacked at his own 12-yard line. It didn’t immediately hurt the Showboats as the Wood’s interception and return gave the Showboats the ball at their own 47. Another heartbreaking loss for Memphis. Another game that was right there beginning the fourth quarter. This one felt closer, but it felt like the more experienced team took better advantage of their opportunities. Total yards almost identical, first downs almost identical, but somehow the Battlehawks seized a key moment or two and clutch long passes to receivers by Duggan led to another loss by what’s right now, an improving team with perhaps a great defense.
