ST. LOUIS, MO – In a game that was nothing short of dramatic, the St. Louis Battlehawks pulled off a thrilling comeback, overcoming two 10-point deficits to defeat the Birmingham Stallions 34-30 on Sunday afternoon at The Dome at America’s Center. With standout performances from wide receiver Hakeem Butler and quarterback Harrison Frost, the Battlehawks proved that no lead is safe in the UFL.

A Tale of Two Halves: Early Struggles for Birmingham

The first half was a rollercoaster of mistakes for the Stallions, and it all began with a nightmare scenario. On their very first drive, quarterback Matt Corral threw a pick-six to Battlehawks linebacker Jordan Williams, who dashed 10 yards for the touchdown. The Dome erupted as St. Louis took an early 7-0 lead—this was the first pick-six at home since Week 8 of the 2025 season.

The Battlehawks' defense didn’t let up, forcing Birmingham to punt on their second drive. Kicker Tucker McCann then nailed a 54-yard field goal to extend the lead to 10-0, leaving the Stallions in a deep hole.

A Glimmer of Hope: Stallions Fight Back

But just when it seemed like the Battlehawks were cruising, the tide began to shift in the second quarter. The Stallions rallied when Brandon Silvers, who started the game at quarterback, threw an interception that was returned 35 yards by linebacker Tae Crowder.

On the very next play, Corral connected with tight end Jordan Thomas for a 35-yard touchdown, narrowing the gap to 10-7. Despite their efforts, Birmingham struggled to capitalize, turning the ball over on downs in the red zone. The Battlehawks’ defense continued to shine as linebacker Lavonta Bentley recovered a fumble from running back Snoop Connor. McCann kicked another field goal, this time from 40 yards, extending the lead to 13-7.

Frost Takes Charge: A Quarterback Shakeup

As the first half came to a close, the Battlehawks made a pivotal switch, bringing in Frost to take over at quarterback. The third quarter, however, began with more missteps as Frost threw a 40-yard touchdown return to Stallions defensive back Mario Goodrich, giving Birmingham a 16-13 lead after a 34-yard field goal from kicker Jonathan Garibay.

The Stallions were riding high, but Frost was quick to recover from his early struggles. Despite being intercepted again, he helped set up a drive that culminated in a one-yard rushing touchdown by running back Anthony McFarland Jr., putting Birmingham up 23-13 with just over five minutes left in the third quarter.

A Back-and-Forth Battle: Drama Unfolds

The fourth quarter felt like a heavyweight fight, with both teams trading blows. The Battlehawks desperately needed a spark, and they got it in the form of a deep 31-yard pass to Butler, setting them up on the one-yard line. Frost found Steven McBride in the end zone, marking both players' first UFL score and bringing the Battlehawks within three at 23-20.

But the Stallions weren’t done yet. Corral connected with Deon Cain for a jaw-dropping 67-yard touchdown, pushing Birmingham’s lead back to 30-20 and seemingly putting them in control.

The Final Push: Battlehawks Answer Back

Not to be outdone, Frost responded with a 64-yard touchdown pass to Butler, bringing the Battlehawks back within striking distance at 30-27. Butler’s incredible performance, which included 146 yards on just four receptions, showcased his ability to make game-changing plays.

With Birmingham’s defense reeling, a crucial sack by defensive tackle Carlos Davis forced the Stallions to punt, giving the Battlehawks another shot at victory.

The Game-Winning Drive: St. Louis Seizes the Moment

Seizing the opportunity, the Battlehawks executed a flawless 75-yard scoring drive. Tight end Tyler Neville carried the ball into the end zone for his third touchdown in as many games, pushing the Battlehawks ahead 34-30 with just 1:52 left on the clock.

Birmingham had one last chance to reclaim the lead, but their attempt ended in disappointment as they turned the ball over on downs, sealing a remarkable comeback for the Battlehawks.

Key Players: Standouts of the Game

Hakeem Butler: With 146 yards and a touchdown, Butler was a game-changer, proving to be a reliable target when it mattered most.
Harrison Frost: In his debut, Frost showcased resilience, finishing with 9 completions on 15 attempts for 148 yards and three touchdowns. His ability to bounce back from setbacks was pivotal in the victory.
Jordan Williams: The linebacker not only set the tone with an early pick-six but also was instrumental in disrupting Birmingham's offense throughout the game.

What It Means: A Turning Point for St. Louis

This victory is a significant boost for the Battlehawks as they improve to 2-1 on the season. Overcoming two 10-point deficits demonstrates their resilience and ability to adapt under pressure. As they prepare for their next matchup, this win could serve as a cornerstone for the rest of the season.

For the Stallions, the loss is a painful reminder of the need for better execution. With only ten games in the season, dropping two early could jeopardize their playoff hopes. They need to address their consistency issues if they hope to turn things around.

Battlehawks Stun Stallions with Epic Comeback: 34-30 Victory at The Dome