The Battlehawk Brief: Week 6

Tailgating should be fine and the forecast will be comfortable and dry inside the Dome at America’s Center for the Battlehawks and Roughnecks. Strange to think this will be the first time in three seasons that Houston has played in St. Louis, but this rubber game between the two teams finally comes to the Gateway City.

Confident Battlehawks Nation will provide another great environment for the game, but great seats are still available online at /tickets or walking up to the box office before the 2:06 pm CT kickoff.

Speaking of kicks, Andre Szmyt set a franchise record last week with his four field goals against DC. He had previously been tied with Taylor Russolino with three in one game. Szmyt now leads the UFL with 12 made field goals on the season and his next kick through the uprights will set another team record for the most made in a season. Also impressive–Andre speaks three languages–English, German, and Russian.

Always hate to see a player down with injury, but excited to see what Abdul Beecham (RG) and Eric Magwood (RT) can do on the offensive line this week. Magwood has gotten some snaps on both the left and right sides, but this will be the season debut for Beecham, who started all 10 games for Orlando in 2023. Teton Saltes will be active for the first time this season. 

Coach Becht spoke at length this week about the readiness and approach of being ready for your opportunity and like the others who have been the proverbial ‘next man up’, he is confident these players will do the same.

“We’re selfless as a team,” stated Becht. “The less selfish players we have, the more games we’re going to win. We have a lot of weapons, we have a lot of good players, everybody wants theirs. Whoever that guy is, they’re ready to go.”

Look no further than Chris Garrett and Nico Bolden. Both were released by the Battlehawks at the end of training camp, but were recently brought back. Each blocked a punt and received a game ball for their efforts this past Sunday. 

“Man, that’s legit awesome right there,” beamed Becht. “Guys recognize that and I think it helps players realize ‘hey, maybe it’s my turn this week’…the chemistry is being selfless and just proud of our guys for buying into that because I understand it’s very difficult in leagues like this.”

Week 6 is our “Cancer Awareness Game” presented by Siteman Cancer Center. A lot of special heroes will be in attendance and even more in the hearts of families who have lost a loved one. 

You may have noticed that Brandon Sebastian tapped his left forearm after making the interception last week. It began when he used to wear a bracelet on his left wrist in college and would tap it after a big play. Now it’s a tribute to his older brother, Jordan, who passed away from colon cancer while Brandon was a freshman at Boston College. 

“Everytime I make a big play, I usually just think of him and I usually tap my left arm or wrist because it’s a habit I used to do from college,” explained Sebastian. “I’ve got two tattoos on my left arm that were similar to his. He had a Buddah that I really like that he had…that’s kind of how he was–spreading peace, love, positivity, all about great vibes and energy. It’s just like a daily reminder.”

The two were born on the same day, March 5, six years apart and #38 is their shared number. The Sebastian family formed the Dominate the Day Foundation in Jordan’s honor to help provide scholarships to children. 

–Don’t forget the official tailgate in Baer Plaza gets underway at 10:30am with the Battle March to greet the players starting at 11am. Gates open to the Dome at America’s Center at 12:30pm.