Thoughts to all of those who were affected by the storms that rolled through St. Louis on Friday. These situations lend even more appreciation to the first responders who spring into action. All of us look forward to honoring these men and women of service, along with our military heroes throughout the game this weekend. Thank you for what you do.
–Hope you can break away from the pancakes, bacon, eggs, and whatever else is on the grills early tomorrow to have your place in line by 9am for the “Hawk Walk” as the players arrive at The Dome.
–Game captains this week are Willie Harvey, Jacob Saylors, Rodrigo Blankenship, Chris Payton-Jones, and Steven Gonzalez.
With his accuracy and big leg, “Hot Rod” has been garnering a lot of well-deserved national attention of late. Be sure to pay attention during pregame warm-ups as similar to a pitcher backing up a breaking pitch across the inside corner, Blankenship practices how he strikes the ball to account for the various movements needed with the distance of each kick.
–Heading into this Week 8 matchup, Jahcour Pearson’s 281 punt return yards are tied for the UFL record set by San Antonio’s Amari Rodgers last season. And for those who like to dig deep into the spring football archives, Peezy is also just seven yards away from passing Kirby DarDar’s XFL record set with the New York/New Jersey Hitmen in 2001.
–Back in training camp, Anthony Becht stressed that the level of competition was being raised not just to increase the overall talent of the Battlehawks but to add to the depth at each position. Look no further for a better example than last week with both Austin Faoliu and Freedom Akinmoladun dealing with injuries and how Isaiah Mack and Kyler Baugh stepped in.
“Those guys have been so diligent in their work ethic,” said Becht. “They’re some of the hardest working practice players we have–everything they’ve gotten, they deserve. Kyler picking up the fumble, and Isaiah seven tackles, a sack, and a forced fumble last week at the defensive tackle position? There’s no way you’re coming off or not dressing you put that kind of output. I’m proud of them.”
Both Mack and Baugh will be active again this week, along with Akinmoladun.
Inactives this week for STL: Micah Abraham, Kevon Latulas, Teton Saltes, Ryan Coll, Sam Wiglusz, TJ Pesefea, and Austin Faoliu.
For BHM: Amari Rodgers, Alex McGough, Rachad Wildgoose, Falon Hicks, Larry Rountree III, Delontae Scott, Grant Miller.
–Next week is the final regular season home game when the Battlehawks host San Antonio. Take advantage of the Battle Bundle for specially priced tickets for that contest and the UFL Championship on June 14th.