Battlehawks linebacker Travis Feeney celebrates with fans on Saturday, June 1, 2024, after a win against the San Antonio Brahmas at The Dome a America’s Center in ºüÀêÊÓƵ.
Christian Gooden, Post-Dispatch
The Battlehawks’ Hakeem Butler is congratulated as he returns to the bench after tipping a 51-yard field-goal attempt by San Antonio’s Ryan Santoso in the waning seconds of a game on Saturday, June 1, 2024, in The Dome at America’s Center that his team won 13-12.
I can’t show you, like in video form, what a postgame locker room celebration looks like after the ºüÀêÊÓƵ Battlehawks win a home game.
Mostly because there would be too much nudity.
Battlehawks players in various forms of undress play their victory music loud. They spark victory cigars, filling the air with smoke. They crack open adult beverages, spraying foam around a room that, until they started occupying it, had become mostly known for ºüÀêÊÓƵ Rams players making repeated somber comments following loss after loss after loss.
These Battlehawks don’t let wins go uncelebrated. And you know what? Good for them.
Because thanks to them and their nail-biting 13-12 win against the San Antonio Brahmas on Saturday, professional playoff football is returning to ºüÀêÊÓƵ for the first time in more than 20 years.
Not since Carolina Panthers quarterback Jake Delhomme found Steve Smith for a 69-yard touchdown in double overtime of an NFC divisional playoff game has the Dome hosted a pro playoff game. That was Jan. 10, 2004.
And if you’re looking for the last pro football playoff game here that didn’t break hearts, you have to go back to Jan. 27, 2002, when the Rams beat the Philadelphia Eagles at the Dome to advance to Super Bowl XXXVI.
A new chapter will be written next Sunday, when these two teams meet again in a conference championship game that decides who will advance to the UFL championship game, which also will be hosted here at the Dome.
Yes, the Battlehawks just boosted their chance of winning it all.
They are now a perfect 5-0 at home after Hakeem Butler tipped what could have become San Antonio’s game-winning 51-yard field goal.
“It was rocking at the end of the game,†Battlehawks receiver and return man Darrius Shepherd said. “You could feel the energy. Super loud. Next week is going to be awesome.â€
The roar when a savvy and game-saving challenge by coach Anthony Becht wiped away San Antonio’s late 2-point conversation attempt was loud. A player had been lined up illegally and the Battlehawks coaching staff caught it.
The roar when the next Brahmas 2-point conversion attempt failed was louder.
The roar when fans later saw San Antonio’s game-winning kick was off line was loudest. Until next Sunday, at least.
Saturday’s crowd of 34,379 in the fifth and final regular-season home game was the second-biggest of the season so far and largest since the home opener set a spring pro football record of 40,317. Regular-season Battlehawks home games have averaged 34,365. That’s basically the size of the home crowd at the passionately followed Boise State football team’s home games.
How many come next Sunday, 45,000-plus?
How many will come to the championship game if next Sunday becomes another win?
Here’s a potential goal to consider: The ºüÀêÊÓƵ Rams averaged 52,402 in 2015 while doing everything possible to promote relocation-based rage. Why not beat it? These guys deserve it.
Fans have done their part by showing up and making games feel big. Players have done their part by rewarding that atmosphere with energy and effort. It’s not perfect football, but these guys play hard and they care. All are welcome to join in. As someone who has attended for work and also for fun, I can tell you it’s a good time.
Down at The Battle Dome, it doesn’t matter if you pull up in a brand new car or one that looked like it barely rolled into the tailgate. It doesn’t matter if you wear the newest Nikes on your feet or oldest Wranglers on your rear. Race, religion, how you dress and who you love takes a backseat on game days. You don’t even have to know the players’ names. There are some diehards, sure, but there are just as many if not more who are simply enjoying affordable, entertaining football and all that comes with it.
Let’s not underestimate how quickly the air could have come out of this whole thing if these guys didn’t win home games. They won all of them. This latest one was the biggest yet, because it secured an even bigger one. Win that one, and they’ll host the biggest one.
Party on.
“You guys continue to show up,†Becht said to the fans. “It is vital that ºüÀêÊÓƵ comes in droves. Bring one friend, and this place is full. That’s how easy it is. Excited to come back next week. I can’t wait to walk out of the tunnel and see it.â€
“It’s been a lot, just something I haven’t had to deal with before, and I’ve got to figure out ways to play with it,†Battlehawks quarterback …
From a betting standpoint this time, it sure has to be you either take the Battlehawks on the money line or simply pass on the game.
Battlehawks linebacker Travis Feeney celebrates with fans on Saturday, June 1, 2024, after a win against the San Antonio Brahmas at The Dome a America’s Center in ºüÀêÊÓƵ.
The Battlehawks’ Hakeem Butler is congratulated as he returns to the bench after tipping a 51-yard field-goal attempt by San Antonio’s Ryan Santoso in the waning seconds of a game on Saturday, June 1, 2024, in The Dome at America’s Center that his team won 13-12.