Defenders handle Battlehawks, advance to UFL title game

Field Level Media|published: Sun 8th June, 23:42 2025

Jun 8, 2025; St. Louis, MO, USA; DC Defenders quarterback Jordan Ta'amu (10) looks to pass against the St. Louis Battlehawks during the first quarter at The Dome at America’s Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Le-Imagn Images

Jordan Ta'amu passed for 204 yards and one touchdown as the DC Defenders advanced to the UFL title game with a 36-18 victory over the host St. Louis Battlehawks on Sunday in the XFL Conference final.

The Defenders will face the Michigan Panthers for the league championship on Saturday at The Dome at America's Center in St. Louis. The Panthers knocked off the host Birmingham Stallions 44-29 earlier Sunday in the USFL Conference final.

Ta'amu was 18-of-26 passing with one interception and one TD pass of 42 yards to Seth Williams for the game's first score at 6:21 of the first quarter.

Defenders running back Deon Jackson had 21 carries for 109 yards, including a 2-yard touchdown in the second quarter and a 5-yard score in fourth that put DC in front 32-12. DC's 187 rushing yards were its most this season.

The Battlehawks, who entered with a league-best average of 144.4 rushing yards per game, were held to 83. Jacob Saylors rushed for 45 yards and a score.

Battlehawks starting quarterback Max Duggan ran for 33 yards and a touchdown and was 7-of-14 passing for 105 yards and one interception. Brandon Silvers was 6 of 10 for 81 yards, including a TD pass to Hakeem Butler for 12 yards.

The DC defense recorded five sacks, nine tackles for loss, one interception and one fumble recovery.

--Field Level Media

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