The pre-game cries of “ka-kaw†were still lingering in the air when Memphis took the football and rammed it down the throat of the ºüÀêÊÓƵ Battlehawks’ defense for an early lead at the Dome at America’s Center.
The 31,575 faithful whimpered Saturday, but only momentarily.
There were few yards left to be had for the Showboats and a whole lot of passing to be done by A.J. McCarron, who winged the Battlehawks to a 32-17 United Football League win.
A defense that didn’t receive much glory in the first three games held Memphis to 127 yards and stuffed the Showboats all day on third downs.
“Memphis is a good team in the first and second quarters,†Battlehawks linebacker Carson Wells said. “They do a good job jumping on you early. Their scripts of the first 20 plays, I feel they spend a lot of time on that. But we landed more blows through the course of the game. We’ve gotten better each week. When we do our thing, I feel like we’re a dominant defense, one of the best in the league.â€
ºüÀêÊÓƵ is one week away from a game at D.C., a team that handled the Battlehawks last season in two games and helped to keep them out of the playoffs. Rounding into shape in all areas would be a good sign at this point in the season.
The Battlehawks had 355 total yards and nearly tripled the Showboats. They held the ball for 38½ minutes. They held Memphis to 1-for-10 on third and fourth downs.
“Our team has come together really well,†Battlehawks tight end Jake Sutherland said. “Everybody played well. We’re in a really good groove, but we don’t want to get complacent. We want to keep finding ways to get better.â€
The offense continued to click and added another weapon in receiver Jahcour Pearson, who returned after missing the first three games with a knee injury. All he did was make 10 catches on 10 passes that targeted him for 70 yards and a touchdown.
Running back Jacob Saylors rushed for 103 yards with a long of 57 and scored once on a pass from McCarron.
McCarron, meanwhile, threw more passes than any game in his college or pro careers. He completed 35 of 45 for 222 yards and three scores.
“It’s been crazy because the last two or three weeks teams have played us completely different than what they showed on film,†McCarron said. “We had a plan we felt we could spread it out and be successful. It’s just that teams, for whatever reason, are trying to keep everything underneath and making us sustain drives. We’re doing a good job of that. I’m proud of the guys being able to adjust.â€
The Battlehawks proved strong enough defensively that neither Memphis quarterback generated anything after the Showboats led 6-3. They completed 12 of 21 passes with an interception.
ºüÀêÊÓƵ also had four sacks for 32 yards, including a big one by Wells on a fourth-down play.
After posting 44 yards on the first drive, Memphis had 60 yards the rest of the half. The Battlehawks became even more strident in the second half, holding the Showboats scoreless with 23 yards.
“We tried to make an emphasis in the second half not to let them run the ball,†Battlehawks coach Anthony Becht said. “Those guys came up big. We talked about minimizing mental errors. We had a few on that first drive. I loved the way they bounced back.â€
The ºüÀêÊÓƵ special teams also continued to contribute. Kicker Andrew Szmyt kicked a pair of field goals, including a 54-yarder, with one miss and is now 8-for-10 on the season. Return man Darrius Shepperd had 173 all-purpose yards with 128 coming on kickoff returns.
Pearson’s debut with the team was especially promising. He showed no ill effects from his injury. He was acquired by the Battlehawks after leading the XFL in receptions and receiving yards in the XFL in 2023.
“It felt good to be back out there,†he said. “I get to enjoy my team and get a victory. It’s great energy in there. This is the best spot to be in the UFL. It feels like an NFL stadium.â€
Kameron Kelly, who has switched positions repeatedly since high school, has caught on well with the Battlehawks. He credits some of his succes…
Battlehawks kick returner Darrius Shepherd, center, tries to elude Memphis Showboats tight end Jay Jay Wilson, left, and linebacker Tyshun Render during the first half Saturday, April 20, 2024, at The Dome at America’s Center. The Battlehawks defeated the Showboats 32-17.