ST. LOUIS — The D.C. Defenders defeated the St. Louis Battlehawks 36-18 in the XFL Championship Game on June 8, 2025, earning a berth in the 2025 UFL Championship. The Defenders (7-4), seeking redemption after a regular-season loss to the Battlehawks (8-3) at Audi Field, dominated with a balanced offensive attack and stout defense at The Dome at America’s Center.
The game opened with both teams stalling, going three-and-out on their first drives. D.C. broke through on its second possession when quarterback Jordan Ta’amu threw a 42-yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Seth Williams, taking a 6-0 lead. Early in the second quarter, running back Deon Jackson scored on a 2-yard run, followed by a two-point conversion, extending the lead to 14-0.
St. Louis fought back after a Ta’amu fumble, which they failed to recover, and an interception by cornerback Myles Jones. The turnover set up a 2-yard touchdown run by Jacob Saylors, trimming D.C.’s lead to 14-6. The Defenders responded with two field goals from kicker Matt McCrane, entering halftime ahead 20-6.
The Battlehawks opened the second half with a quarterback switch, benching former Heisman Trophy finalist Max Duggan for veteran Brandon Silvers. Despite the change, D.C. maintained control. Running back Abram Smith scored on a 2-yard run, pushing the lead to 26-6. St. Louis answered with a one-handed touchdown catch by wide receiver Hakeem Butler, closing the gap to 26-12.
D.C. sealed the victory in the fourth quarter. Jackson scored his second rushing touchdown, a 5-yard run, followed by a one-point conversion from Smith. Though Duggan returned to score a late rushing touchdown for St. Louis, the Defenders’ lead was insurmountable, ending the game at 36-18.
Ta’amu’s deep passing, paired with Jackson’s and Smith’s ground game, overwhelmed the Battlehawks’ defense. McCrane’s accuracy on field goals and the defense’s ability to force turnovers, including Jones’ interception, proved critical. St. Louis struggled to sustain drives, even with Silvers’ brief spark and Butler’s highlight catch.
The Defenders’ win marks their return to a championship stage since the 2023 XFL title game. They now advance to face the winner of the USFL Conference Championship in the UFL Championship, set for next week. The victory caps a resilient season for D.C., who overcame their regular-season loss to St. Louis with a commanding playoff performance.
The XFL, rebranded under the United Football League (UFL) following a merger with the USFL, showcases fast-paced, fan-friendly football. The Defenders, based in Washington, D.C., have built a loyal fanbase since their debut in 2020. The Battlehawks, a St. Louis staple, entered the game with momentum but couldn’t match D.C.’s intensity.
