The Battlehawk Brief: Week 2

The official tally is yet to be counted, but additional sections have been opened up and all signs are pointing to a record-setting crowd for the St. Louis Battlehawks in tonight’s home opener against the Arlington Renegades. That is impressive as a stand-alone feat, but even more so considering the St. Louis Cardinals and City STL are also both in action on the same day. Proof once again, that St. Louis is a great SPORTS town.

Kickoff is tonight at 7:06 pm CT (ABC) and tickets are available at TheUFL.com/tickets.

–By the way, if you’re one of the fans who will be part of the historic crowd, please think about bringing a canned food item to the game. Our friends at the St. Louis Area Foodbank will be at several of the entrances to the Dome at America’s Center every game this season, so you can drop an item off on your way in to cheer the Battlehawks.

–So just how high can Marcell Ateman jump? At the NFL Combine, he registered a 34” vertical. But after watching him soar into the air for that grab last week, I’ll take the over. And yes, Ateman shares he did play basketball for Wylie East High School–all five spots, but mainly the three or four. Marcell isn’t the only Battlehawks player to have also starred on the hardwood–a topic that draws some serious debate in the locker room about who still has the best skills.

–Ateman is one of two St. Louis players (Taumoepenu) who were born in the Arlington/Dallas area and there are nine former Battlehawks that are now playing or coaching with the Renegades. Among them is Marquette King, who has already tweeted his excitement at returning to the Gateway City. Besides punting, Marquette has been concentrating on his music career–wonder if he and Manny Wilkins Jr. will talk about a collaboration project for the off-season?

For those who were unaware, Manny is also known as 5IVE on the Trap Soul scene and has an EP release to his credit.

–There is no doubt a healthy Mike Rose is a difference-maker, but the old adage of ‘next man up’ applies. Rose is expected to return soon from an ankle injury, in the meantime,  Callahan O’Reilly has been tapped to answer the bell. The pride of Montana State, O’Reilly had nearly 300 tackles for the Bobcats and was invited to minicamp with the Chicago Bears in 2023.

Though he grew up in Bozeman, O’Reilly did not grow up on a ranch a la “Yellowstone”. In fact, Callahan shared he’s yet to watch the show, but is aware of the show’s popularity.

–One other injury note to pass along, Coach Becht shared earlier this week that Jahcour Pearson has been cleared to run and begin cutting. The Battlehawks wide receiver is currently on Injured Reserve, which requires a minimum stay of six weeks.

–Don’t forget the Dome at America’s Center operates cash free concessions. They have a helpful A to Z Guide for Battlehawks games, which includes other guidelines such as the clear bag policy, prohibited items, and more.

Thanks for reading…KaKaw!!