Special teams were extra special as Battlehawks bring pro football back to St. Louis
St. Louis head coach Jonathan Hayes talked earlier in the week about knowing it was just a matter of time before the BattleHawks special teams would step up and make a big play.
On Sunday, they made several.
It started with a reverse on a kickoff return started by Keith Mumphrey and ended 84 yards later when Joe Powell crossed the goal line. It included a blocked punt by Carlton Agudosi and a subsequent return inside New York Guardians 20-yard line by Shaq Jones to set up another score.
Then kicker Taylor Russolino blasted a field goal from 58 yards out.
All of these combine with touchdowns from running backs Matt Jones and Christine Michael and a defense which played its best game of the year resulted in a 29-9 win before a frenzied crowd of 29,554 at the Dome at America’s Center.
The first day of professional football in St. Louis in five years began early Sunday as tailgaters from throughout the metropolitan area gathered downtown from Ballpark Village to open lots near the Dome.
High School marching bands also helped as BattleHawks players were greeted by cheering crowds during their pregame march.
Once inside, the “ka’kaw” started with waving white towels fans didn’t put down until game’s end.
When Michael scored on a 14-yard run on the fourth play and just 1 minute 43 seconds into the game, the decibels reached their peak.
The BattleHawks improved to 2-1 on the season.
“You never really know for sure until the time gets here, but from the time that we walked across the grass to get to the Dome, the fans were just rabid,” Hayes said. “They were just so glad that football was back and I think that motivation that this football team got from our fans really played a big part today.
“When Joe (Powell) broke into second gear on the kickoff return, I’m like, this could be fun here. As he runs into the end zone and I’m trying to keep the players off the field, it was so loud I couldn’t hear myself. That’s how loud it got.’’
Special teams were a major reason for the noise level.
Continuing to struggle on point after touchdowns, the BattleHawks saw their lead cut to 6-3 on a 53-yard field goal by the Guardians Matt MCrane with just under 13 minutes left in the opening half.
But Powell quickly changed that. Taking a pitch from Mumphrey who caught the kickoff, Powell broke one tackle at the St. Louis 30-yard line then broke down the right sideline and was escorted into the end zone by blockers.
“Our special teams were just outstanding today,’’ Hayes said. “We were able to make some adjustments on some things and the guys really responded.’’
Russolino then increased the lead with the first of his three field goals, this one from 39-yards out to increase the lead to 15-3 with 4:29 left in the opening half.
But the BattleHawks special teams came up big again right before the teams headed to the locker rroom. On fourth down from his own 42-yard line, New York punter Justin Vogel had his kick blocked by Agudosi. Hill recovered the ball and returned it to the 19-yard line.
“Then five plays later Jones scored to make it 23-3.
“We thought we could get on it, I was able to get good penetration and get a hand on it,’’ Agudosi said. “Our energy level was off the charts all day anyway because of the fans, who were just incredible. That play just gave us even more momentum going into halftime.’’
Russolino’s 58-yard field goal, a personal best, came in the third quarter.
“I just want to thank the coaches for giving me a chance and then staying with me,’’’ Russolino said.
The Guardians (1-2) finally got into the end zone midway in the fourth quarter but it was too little, too late.
“I just want to thank the fans for me personally and for what they did for this football tea.m’’ Hayes said. “You always hear about what a great sports town St. Louis and how much the fans love their football. Today was a great day for everybody.’’
The BattleHawks are back at the Dome at America’s Center on Saturday when they host Seattle at 4 p.m.
This story was originally published February 23, 2020 at 8:09 PM.
