D.C. Defenders vs St. Louis Battlehawks XFL Conference Championship

In a high-stakes showdown on June 8, 2025, the DC Defenders stormed through The Dome at America’s Center to punch their ticket to the UFL Championship, defeating the St. Louis Battlehawks 36–18.

From the opening whistle, the Defenders seized control. Quarterback Jordan Ta’amu struck early with a stunning 42‑yard dart to Seth Williams, setting a tone that DC never abandoned. Soon after, running back Deon Jackson bulldozed into the end zone from two yards out, helping DC open up a 14‑0 lead.

St. Louis found life through Jacob Saylors, who punched in a short score after intercepting Ta’amu—but DC continued pouring on pressure. Kicker Matt McCrane contributed two field goals to push the halftime gap to 20‑6.

Midway through the third quarter, Abram Smith powered in another rushing touchdown following a crafty flea-flicker from Ta’amu to Cornell Powell, extending the lead to 26‑6. Though St. Louis answered back with a brilliant one‑handed TD from Hakeem Butler off backup QB Brandon Silvers, DC swiftly countered: Jackson plunged for a second rushing touchdown as the fourth quarter began, making it 33‑12.

DC kept their foot on the gas. Another McCrane field goal sealed the win at 36‑12 before St. Louis added a late score from QB Max Duggan.

Final stats highlight DC’s dominance: 388 total yards (187 rushing, including Jackson’s 109 yards and 2 TDs) to St. Louis’s 240. Hefty defensive work by DC’s front seven—5 sacks, 9 tackles for loss, and two turnovers—shut down the Battlehawks’ run-heavy attack.

In short: a commanding performance by DC in all phases—air, ground, and defense. Their swagger now carries them into the UFL Championship showdown on June 14.