Battlehawks fall to D.C. Defenders in XFL Conference Championship

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (First Alert 4) - The Battlehawks fell to the D.C. Defenders 36-18 in the XFL Conference Championship game on Sunday.

The offense struggled in the first quarter to put points up on the board, with quarterback Max Duggan getting devoured in the backfield.

The defense attempted to give the Battlehawks life with an interception made by defensive back Myles Jones. Running back Jacob Saylors executed with a four-yard touchdown run to make the score 14-6.

The defense continued to show fight, but the offense struggled to get into the end zone. Duggan turned the ball over, leading to a field goal made by the Defenders to end the first half. Duggan was sacked six times throughout the game.

Battlehawks Head Coach Anthony Becht made an adjustment in the second half by starting quarterback Brandon Silvers over Duggan.

The Defenders continued to extend its lead to 26. Silvers responded with a 12-yard touchdown thrown to receiver Hakeem Butler.

The Battlehawks’ defense were worn down by the Defenders in the fourth quarter. This led to the score being 36-12.

Duggan was able to score one last time before the game ended. He finished with 105 ing yards. Saylors ended the night with 45 rushing yards and a touchdown.

The Defenders will advance to the UFL Championship to take on the Michigan Panthers.