Defensive End, Pita Taumoepenu celebrates after sacking Aviator quarterback Jalan McClendon. Image/UFL

The St. Louis Battlehawks came into existence in 2020 after the Rams left the Gateway City after the 2015 NFL season. To this day, St. Louis football fans haven’t gotten over the Rams and the much-hated owner Stan Kroenke, but the Battlehawks are trying to do something that the Rams did in 1999: win a football title.  With members of the 1999 Greatest Show on Turf in attendance, the Battlehawks made sure they had plenty to cheer for, powered by a big night from their coach, Ricky Proehl, and another solid performance in their victory over the Columbus Aviators, 31-20.

Newly installed veteran quarterback Luis Perez showed why he is “The Spring King” of Professional Football by throwing for 195 yards and accounting for two total touchdowns, while running back Kylin James finished with 40 rushing yards on eight carries and found the end zone twice. The Battlehawks struck early and built momentum by mixing with timely passes, trick gadget plays, and well-timed rushing plays in the first half. Perez spread the ball like a true veteran to his running back and receivers like Hakeem Butler and Steven McBride, who caught a touchdown, while the St. Louis defense limited explosive plays from Columbus quarterback Jalan McClendon.

Columbus stayed within striking distance behind McClendon, who completed 19 of 25 passes for 150 yards and two touchdowns. With just over seven minutes left in the 4th quarter, Keke Chism added a late fourth-quarter score that cut into St. Louis’ lead to 11 points, followed by a missed extra point. But the Battlehawk defense came up big by sacking McClendon and stopping them on their final drive. The Battlehawks improved to 5-2 with their third straight victory and continue to keep the dream alive that was once a time it became a reality when the St. Louis Rams won Super Bowl 34, which was the only Professional Football Championship for the Gateway City.

St. Louis will look to make it four wins in a row next Saturday against Houston, back inside the Battledome next Saturday at 2 pm.