ST LOUIS, MISSOURI – JUNE 09: Jontre Kirklin #13 of the San Antonio Brahmas is tackled by Drew Lewis #33 of the St. Louis Battlehawks duplicate during the first quarter in the XFL Conference Championship Game at The Dome at America’s Center on June 09, 2024, in St Louis, Missouri. (Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/UFL/Getty Images)

30,000 Battlehawks fans left The Dome of America disappointed, hurt and frustrated after the team lost 25-15 over the San Antonio Brahmas on Sunday Even. The team’s offensive was never on track through the game in which the offensive line surrendered 4 sacks and was 2 of 11 on third down conversions. Meanwhile the Brahmas offensive gain over 400 yards including 213 yards on the ground. Former Pittsburgh Steelers 4th round pick running back Anthony McFarland rushed for 115 yards on 11 careers including a 69-yard touchdown run that increased the lead to 19-3. His teammate, running back John Lovett had 18 careers for 83 yards. The Battlehawks cut the lead after fumble recovery was returned for a touchdown by defensive end Pita Taumoepenu but the two-point conversion failed to make it 19-15.

With the San Antonio leading 22-15 the Battlehawks had the chance to cut the lead to 4 points midway in the fourth quarter but Andre Szmyt field goal attempt from 50 yards missed to the right. Ryan Santoso sealed the victory when he made 45-yard field with less than 2 minutes remaining of the game. AJ McCarron who was playing with an ankle injury that he suffered on week 8 against the Birmingham Stallions was 19-29 for 179 yards a toachdown but was sacked 4 times in the game was near tears at the post game podium as he talked about his future with the team next year. “I care a lot about this league…. I don’t need the money, but I think being able to show the guys how to do it right, how to be a pro….I want to be a part of this league, I still think I can play at a high level,” he said“I love being a part of this league, I love helping this league grow, I think it has a great opportunity because every professional sport has some sort of minor league except the NFL.”

As for star Wide Receivers Hakeem Butler, Marcell Ateman and Darius Shepherd and running back Jacob Saylor all of expected to garner attention from various NFL teams. While Defensive End Pita Taumoepenu indicated that he may be playing for another team next season. Battlehawks coach Anthony Becht plans on coming back next season but their could be changes in the coaching staff next season. Last season 16 players who played for the Battlehawks earned NFL opportunities last summer and fall. The UFL Championship is set for 4 p.m. Sunday at the Dome at America’s Center in St. Louis between the USFL Conference Champions Birmingham Stallions against the XFL Conference Champions San Antonio Brahmas.