BattleHawks top Renegades 15-9 in XFL opening weekend

ARLINGTON — The St. Louis BattleHawks claimed the first victory in franchise history, edging the Dallas Renegades 15-9 on Sunday.

Quarterback Jordan Ta’amu carried the offense attack in what was a defensive slugfest for the majority of the game. The Ole Miss product threw for 209 yards and a touchdown while adding another 77 yards rushing. Ta’amu’s 37-yard, third-down run late in the fourth quarter set St. Louis up for the game-winning drive.

“One of my strengths is being able to use my legs when there is nothing down field,” said Ta’amu. “That opens up our offense a lot.”

The Renegades needed a score to at least tie the game in the final minute. St. Louis safety and defensive captain Will Hill picked off Dallas QB Philip Nelson, sealing the victory for the BattleHawks.

“The guys fought really hard. The defense played really well. The offense ran the ball when we needed to and really set the tone of the game,” said BattleHawks head coach Johnathan Hayes. “I’m very proud of the guys – their resilience and how they continue to fight through the adversities.”

Running back Keith Ford bulldozed his way to the endzone in the second quarter, marking the first touchdown for the St. Louis BattleHawks franchise.

The BattleHawks became the first team to win on the road this XFL season. They’ll aim to continue success away from St. Louis next week in Houston against the Roughnecks.