The United Football League’s Friday night showcase heads to The Dome at America’s Center, where the 6-2 St. Louis Battlehawks welcome the 1-7 San Antonio Brahmas in a Week 9 contest that presents a clear divide between a club pushing for the XFL Conference title and one trying to salvage pride late in the season.
St. Louis edged Birmingham 29-28 last weekend, moving into a tie for first place in the XFL Conference thanks to a late Jacob Saylors touchdown and another efficient dual-threat outing from quarterback Max Duggan. San Antonio, meanwhile, dropped an overtime heartbreaker to Memphis 24-22 despite a 142-yard performance from running back Jashaun Corbin. Bettors see the talent gap between these teams reflected in the current numbers: the Battlehawks sit as 6.5-point favorites, while the total is posted at 41.5.
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St. Louis Battlehawks vs San Antonio Brahmas Preview
Form guide
- Battlehawks: four straight victories (vs MEM 19-9, at ARL 12-6, vs MICH 32-27, vs BHM 29-28).
- Brahmas: four successive defeats (vs HOU 27-3, at BHM 26-3, vs DC 32-24, vs MEM 24-22 OT).
Key personnel – St. Louis
- QB Max Duggan: 4 starts, 563 ing yards, 3 TD, 4 INT; 293 rushing yards and 5 rushing scores.
- RB Jacob Saylors: 118-yard day against Birmingham pushed him to 466 rushing yards and 5 touchdowns.
- WR Hakeem Butler: 7 receptions, 196 yards, 3 TD; averaging 28.0 yards per catch.
- Defense allows 17.8 points per game—the second stingiest in the league.
Key personnel – San Antonio
- QB Kellen Mond: 597 ing yards, 2 TD, 2 INT in five appearances. Veteran Kevin Hogan spelled him last week and threw for 92 yards, raising the possibility of a two-quarterback look.
- RB Jashaun Corbin: 374 rushing yards on 73 carries (5.1 ypc) and 3 rushing touchdowns.
- WR Jontre Kirklin: 27 catches, 211 yards, but has yet to score a touchdown this year.
- The Brahmas defense has tumbled to last in points allowed (26.5 per game) and sacks (8) after topping the league in both categories a season ago.
St. Louis’ offense leans on pace and ground balance, while coordinator Donnie Abraham mixes zone-read keepers for Duggan with inside counter schemes that suit Saylors’ power running style. The ing attack uses layered crossers that punish linebackers stepping forward to respect the run. San Antonio’s defensive front, anchored by linebacker Tavante Beckett, must tighten edge contain after surrendering 165 rushing yards to Memphis.
Offensively, Brahmas play-caller Payton Pardee has simplified reads for Mond and Hogan, emphasizing quick curls and running back screens. That offsets a line that has permitted 18 sacks. Still, finishing drives remains an issue, as two red-zone turnovers in the last three games have flipped outcomes. Converting against a Battlehawks secondary led by corners Brandon Sebastian and Chris Joyner (combined 6 INT) will be difficult.
Betting Insights
- Spread –6.5 (Battlehawks): St. Louis is 5-3 against the number and has covered by an average of 5.2 points during its current four-game win streak. San Antonio stands 2-6 ATS and has lost five of those six by at least nine.
- Total 41.5: Battlehawks games average 40.2 combined points; Brahmas games 41.1. Unders are 5-3 for both clubs, with five of the last six San Antonio games finishing below 42 total points.
- Player props to monitor:
- Max Duggan rushing yards over 32.5: he has cleared that number in six of seven starts.
- Jashaun Corbin receptions over 2.5: five catches last week as safety-valve usage increased.
- Hakeem Butler anytime touchdown: three scores in the past four outings.
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St. Louis Battlehawks vs San Antonio Brahmas Prediction
The Brahmas’ best hope lies in dominating on the ground again, bleeding the clock, and shortening the game. Corbin’s burst has been genuine, as his 57-yard scamper versus DC proved he can strike from distance. But St. Louis furnishes the league’s top run-fit discipline, giving up just 3.6 yards per carry. If San Antonio falls behind early, its inconsistent ing game must chase a Battlehawks defense built to feast on forced throws.
Conversely, St. Louis has developed an identity that travels well: a heavy zone-read package that keeps chains moving and an opportunistic secondary that converts pressure into turnovers. Duggan’s progression as a er (60.4 percent completions over the last month) combines with his red-zone rushing prowess. Inside the dome, his cadence and tempo advantage should amplify false-start concerns for a Brahmas line already dealing with communication hiccups.
Everything points one way: superior record, healthier roster, sharper coaching continuity, plus the intangible of 30,000-plus Battlehawks fans flooding downtown St. Louis. The spread may feel steep in a league where possessions are precious, yet the data says the Battlehawks cover more often than not, and San Antonio concedes late scores when fatigue sets in. Add the statistical lean to the under, the aggregate offensive output for these teams sits four points beneath the total, and a reasonable wagering approach emerges.
Best bet: Battlehawks –6.5 and Under 41.5.
Projected score: St. Louis 24, San Antonio 14.
