ARLINGTON, Texas – The Arlington Renegades (3-3) fell to the St. Louis Battlehawks (4-2) in a tightly contested matchup at The Dome on Friday.
The game opened with a resilient first-half performance from both defenses. The first quarter ended scoreless, with each team trading sacks, stops, and punts in a physical showing. Arlington had an early opportunity to break the deadlock but missed a 44-yard field goal attempt.
St. Louis struck first just before halftime with a 30-yard touchdown pass to Hakeem Butler. The Renegades’ defense stood tall in the second quarter with a goal-line stand to deny the Battlehawks an earlier score and set the tone for the night. The Battlehawks later followed with a 48-yard field goal to take a 9-0 lead into the break.
Defensive end Willie Taylor led the charge for Arlington with two sacks, while veteran Taco Charlton made a momentum-swinging sack and strip near the St. Louis end zone early in the fourth quarter. That turnover led to Lucas Harvisik's 26-yard field goal, keeping the Renegades' hopes alive.
With six minutes remaining, running back Dae Dae Hunter sparked life into the Arlington offense with a key runs, but a St. Louis fumble recovery soon after stalled the drive.
Arlington’s defense showed tenacity from start to finish, but despite relentless defensive pressure and multiple late stops, a final Renegades turnover sealed the win for the Battlehawks.
The Renegades (3-3) return home next Saturday (May 10th) to face the top-seeded USFL conference team, the Michigan Panthers (3-2), on FOX at noon CT.
NOTES
- The Renegades' defense held QB Max Duggan to just seven completed passes.
- Most penalized game on Arlington this year with 11 penalties.
- One of the lowest-scoring halves for both teams.
- RB Dae Dae Hunter led the team in all phases of offense in this game with five receptions for 41 yards receiving, and 13 carries for 47 yards.
- DEs Willie Taylor III and Taco Charlton both spearheaded the Renegades' defense. Taylor led the defense sacks with two total tackles, and Charlton's relentless QB pressures forced a fumble.