McCarron Returns to the Dome as Birmingham and St. Louis Wrap up Week Three
by Ethan Berch
ARLINGTON, TX – April 9, 2026 – Both the Stallions and Battlehawks opened the season with wins but fell in Week Two. Now, they meet at The Dome at America’s Center on Sunday. Birmingham head coach AJ McCarron, who played for the Battlehawks in 2023 and 2024, faces his former team for the first time as a coach.
Storylines to watch:
Birmingham Stallions
The Stallions enter Week Three with a 1-1 record, most recently falling to Houston. So far, their offense has been inconsistent. Against Louisville, they totaled 319 yards on 65 plays; versus Houston, they managed just 287 yards and controlled the clock for only 22:12.
Turnovers were costly in Week Two. Matt Corral threw two interceptions, a sharp contrast to Week One when winning the turnover battle helped them dictate tempo. Last week, the Stallions’ defense spent too much time on the field, and the offense struggled to keep pace. Protecting the football will be critical against a strong St. Louis defense at home.
Defensively, however, Birmingham remains a strong unit. They tightened up in key moments last week, holding Houston 1-of-6 in the red zone and forcing field goals repeatedly.
Linebacker Khava Tezino has been a standout, punching the ball loose inside the five-yard line in back-to-back weeks, a legitimate playmaker in the middle of their defensive structure.
To rebound, Tezino and the linebacking corps will need to lead a performance more similar to Week One, as Houston ran for over 170 yards. St. Louis hasn’t shown a dominant rushing attack yet, but that could shift the focus this week.
St. Louis Battlehawks
The Battlehawks’ story mirrors Birmingham’s. They opened with a statement win over the defending champs but were then beaten soundly by Dallas.
Offensively, they’ve struggled to sustain drives. Week One yielded 236 total yards and 5-of-16 on third down; Week Two produced 224 yards and 2-of-11. They haven’t yet created rhythm or consistency.
Turnovers have also been a concern, with two in each of their first two games. Week One’s defense compensated with takeaways, but last week the offense could not protect the ball. To win in Week Three, the Battlehawks must produce offensively while complementing their defense.
Their defense, a Week One standout, stumbled against Dallas, going from seven sacks to none. The talent is there, and back at home, St. Louis will look to regain that edge in the Battledome.
Star receiver Hakeem Butler returned last week, catching four passes for 56 yards. His production could prove pivotal for jump-starting the offense.
X-Factor:
This game will likely hinge on St. Louis’ ability to move the chains and Birmingham’s defensive consistency.
If the Battlehawks can sustain drives and build momentum in the Battledome, their depth and defensive talent could carry them to victory. Conversely, if Birmingham’s defense maintains its discipline and produces timely stops, McCarron could earn a win in his former home.