On Sunday, the XFL game between the St. Louis Battlehawks and D.C. Defenders turned into a full-fledged brawl at the end of the Defenders’ 34-28 victory.
St. Louis Battlehawks And DC Defenders brawl via God YouTube
With 22 seconds left in the fourth quarter, the Battlehawks attempted to convert a fourth-and-15, the league’s alternative to onside kicks, to try and tie the game. Instead, Davin Bellamy sacked McCarron. Then, as the players were getting up from the play, a fight broke out, resulting in the ejection of three players.
A scuffle broke out towards the end of the Defenders vs. Battlehawks game 😳 pic.twitter.com/1dydLX18mE
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 5, 2023
The players ejected were D.C. linebacker Francis Bernard, D.C. offensive lineman Rod Taylor, and St. Louis running back Brian Hill. However, for many, the brawl won’t detract their attention from the extra football-filled weekends. Rather the fight could endear fans who enjoy the intensity of the XFL.
Despite erasing a double-digit deficit for the third straight game, the Battlehawks couldn’t overcome their four turnovers. AJ McCarron passed for 262 yards, four touchdowns, and two interceptions, while their star running back Brian Hill rushed for 32 yards and recorded 49 reception yards. Unfortunately for the Battlehawks, they each also lost a fumble.
A.J. McCarron via Victors Valiant YouTube
Jordan Ta’amu, however, had a solid outing for the Defenders, completing eleven out of 20 attempts and throwing for 196 passing yards and a touchdown. He also rushed a touchdown.
Abram Smith and Ryquell Armstead recorded a combined 105 yards on the ground. Armstead lost two fumbles, and Ta’amu lost one.
Jordan Ta’amu via Victors Valiant YouTube
Defensively, the Defenders were formidable, forcing four turnovers. Defensive Back Michael Joseph intercepted his third pass and returned it for his second pick six of the season. The pick came during the second drive for the Battlehawks after they were forced to punt their first drive.
It was a crucial moment in the game, and the Defenders arguably would have lost without it.
Michael Joseph via ESPN YouTube
After the infamous Beer Snake was confiscated in Week 1, fans retaliated by pelting the field with lemons. Fortunately for D.C. fans, the Beer Snake has made its triumphant return. As long as fans follow the rules, they can enjoy this high-octane league alongside their beloved Beer Snake.
Chris Vannini Twitter
The highlight of week three in the XFL season was an exhilarating game between the Defenders and the Battlehawks, boasting the season’s highest score of 62 combined points. Despite turning the ball over three times, the Defenders held off the Battlehawks’ comeback attempt and maintained their unbeaten record.
The Defenders are looking to build on their impressive 3-0 start to the season when they face the Vegas Vipers this Sunday at 4 PM PT, who have yet to secure a win this season.
DC Defenders vs St. Louis Battlehawks via ESPN YouTube
What do you make of this brawl? Let us know in the comments below.
NEXT: ‘XFL 3.0’ Isn’t Doing Nearly As Well As The Re-Launch in 2020