The Battlehawk Brief: Week 8
May 18, 2024 - United Football League (UFL)
St. Louis Battlehawks News Release
Respond.
The message has been clear this week, Coach Becht has challenged the Battlehawks to respond. Respond to the result of last week's game. Respond to another set of injuries. Respond to the opportunity in front of this team to clinch a spot in the playoffs.
Manny Wilkins showed in those final possessions in DC, there's a lot he brings to the table with his mobility and overall play. 5IVE, his moniker as a recording artist, is someone who cannot be defined by one medium and has the mindset to maintain control in this setting.
Ironically, it was Nick Tiano who started at quarterback for the Battlehawks in Week 8 last season and helped lead the team to the thrilling overtime victory over San Antonio.
It takes a full roster to win consistently and the Battlehawks depth has risen to the challenge thus far. J'Marcus Bradley, Blake Jackson, and Jerome Kapp may have the chance to have their number called more often with Marcell Ateman and Jahcour Pearson out this week. Defensively, Mike Rose returns at linebacker and Austin Failou will be back at defensive tackle.
Not privy to the conversation on the other side of the field, but no doubt the DC Defenders will be looking to respond as well. The records don't matter when these two teams hook up, so it should make for a must-watch kickoff this Sunday at 11am CT (ABC).
-Great to see Jerome Kapp and Chris Garrett getting some attention this week. Both players are examples of staying prepared and stepping up in the moment. Kapp has had some big hits on special teams and recovered a key fumble at Birmingham.
"There's a lot of hunger," stated Kapp. "I feel like that's my role on this team and I've embraced it. I'm happy with my role because there's a lot of guys who would kill to be in my position, so I don't take it for granted."
"Execution is a big thing. You can't let hunger outweigh your mind and be able to get out of position. If you make the play great, but if you don't, then you're putting your teammates at risk... Being that momentum player when my number's called is something I try to do."
A victim of the roster numbers at the end of training camp, Garrett has blocked two punts since his return to the team.
"Every week, I'm not taking it for granted and just going harder and harder," said Garrett. "You've always got to be ready to be the guy that's open. I've been the beneficiary of being the guy unblocked on a couple of punts. You've just got to be ready for it."
A seventh round draft pick by the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, Garrett has a ring from Super Bowl LVI. He's also spent time on the practice squad with Minnesota and Seattle and played for the Houston Gamblers in last season. That range of experience has helped hone his "next play" mentality and perspective.
"I think about this a lot," shared Garrett. "You're so close to being a guy that's playing in the (NFL) to also being a guy that's sitting at home on your couch. It's just so small."
-Make sure you plan accordingly if you're coming down for the game. The annual Annie Malone Parade will be later in the afternoon, but street closures begin in the morning. The parade route runs east on Market Street from 20th Street to 7th Street near the ballpark.
-The Battle March begins at 8am in Baer Plaza for those who want to line up and wish the team good luck as they make their way into the BattleDome. Gates open at 9:30am.
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- The Battlehawk Brief: Week 8 - St. Louis Battlehawks
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