ST. LOUIS — It was a slow start for both teams however, the final three quarters were full of fireworks. It started when St. Louis Battlehawks’ AJ Mccarron connected with WR Marcel Ateman on a 24-yard pass, late in the 2nd quarter, putting up the first points for either side. McCarron and Ateman had quite the connection Saturday night with Ateman eclipsing 100 yards receiving for the first time this season. The Renegades quickly responded with a drive that was capped off by Renegades backup QB Lindsey Scott, who has been used plenty on trick plays, short yardage plays and plays that provide a change of pace within the offense.
Perez had quite the game himself, finishing with an efficient 21-29 for 233 yards and one touchdown. That TD came late in the 3rd quarter on 2nd and goal from the 6. The Renegades seized control of the game…at least for 14 seconds, because that’s how long it took for the Battlehawks to respond with a TD on their own. They answered with a 53 yard strike from McCarron to Ateman. Renegades had a tough time covering the pass giving up six plays of 15+ yards through the air, the most that has been given up in the UFL this season.
Early in the 4th, De’Veon Smith punched into the endzone from three yards out to give the Renegades a 24-21 lead. Smith, who lost his brother Wednesday, still elected to play despite his brother passing, expressing, “he wouldn’t want it any other way, other than for me to be on the field.”
Late in the 4th, Battlehawks kicker Andre Szmyt connected on a 47-yard try to tie the game at 24. The Renegades had a prime opportunity to go ahead late but after their final drive stalled, kicker Taylor Russolino missed his first field goal of the season at the most inopportune time. He
