St. Louis Battlehawks quarterback Max Duggan (14) is hoisted aloft by St. Louis Battlehawks left tackle Jaryd Jones-Smith (75) after Duggan ran the ball in for a first half touchdown. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
Welcome back Hakeem Butler.
The St. Louis wideout hauled in a pair of long fourth-quarter touchdown passes to propel the Battlehawks to a thrilling 32-27 win over Michigan on Saturday in a United Football League contest in front of 30,406 fans at The Dome at America's Center.
Butler, who missed the previous three games with a hamstring injury, caught a 57-yard strike from receiver Blake Jackson with 6 minutes and 1 second left for the game-winning score.
St. Louis (3-2) snapped a two-game losing streak.
Quarterback Max Duggan ran for two scores and threw for another. The former TCU standout was starting under center for the first time since the Horned Frogs lost to Georgia 65-7 in the 2022 National Championship game on January 9, 2023.
Yet he looked right at home despite the 838 days between starts.
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The St. Louis defense buckled down during crunch time, stopping the Panthers on fourth down at the 24-yard line with 1:42 remaining.
Duggan connected with Butler on a 67-yard scoring strike early in the fourth quarter to put the hosts in front 26-21. Butler finished with two catches for 124 yards.
Butler, the reigning UFL Offensive Player of the Year, displayed his explosive skills during crunch time. He took in a perfectly thrown pass from Duggan down the right sideline and marched in untouched after the defender fell down for a 26-21 lead.
St. Louis avoided losing its third in a row for the first time in franchise history.
Duggan stepped into the starter role after Manny Wilkins suffered a torn Achilles tendon in a week 3 loss at Arlington. Duggan ran for 73 yards on eight carries and hit on 9 of 12 passes for 124 yards on Saturday.
St. Louis kicker Rodrigo Blankenship improved to a perfect 12-for-12 on the season with field goals of 44 and 28 yards.
The Battlehawks, after the blitz to close the first half, took the third quarter kickoff and marched down for a field goal to push the lead to 20-6, giving it three scores in as many possessions.
Michigan (3-2) took a 27-26 lead on a 5-yard run by Toa Taua with 6:50 left in thge contest.
St. Louis answered 49 seconds later with some nifty trickeration from offensive coordinator Phil McGeoghan. Jackson tossed a perfectly thrown ball to Butler, who was streaking down the sideline.
St. Louis Battlehawks head coach Anthony Becht speaks with the media on Saturday, April 19, 2025, after a loss at Arlington. (Video courtesy UFL)
Photos: Battlehawks rally for win over Michigan Panthers
Michigan Panthers wide receiver Siaosi Mariner (4) pulls in a pass under pressure from St. Louis Battlehawks centerback Chris Payton-Jones (3). The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
Battlehawks fans cheer as wide receiver Hakeem Butler (88) celebrates his touchdown in the fourth quarter of a game against the Michigan Panthers on Saturday, April 26, 2025, in the Dome at America’s Center.
St. Louis Battlehawks quarterback Max Duggan (14) takes aim downfield as Michigan Panthers defensive end Ron Stone (91) cannot stop him. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks quarterback Max Duggan (14) takes aim downfield as Michigan Panthers defensive end Ron Stone (91) cannot stop him. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis University High students wave their smart phones with lights on in a darkened dome. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks outside linebacker Travis Feeney (56) grabs the jersey of Michigan Panthers running back Toa Taua (35) in vain as he tries to stop him from scoring. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks players Lukas Denis (23, center) and Myles Sims (6) team up to grab Michigan Panthers wide receiver Siaosi Mariner (4) as he runs down the sidelines. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
A teammate reaches out to touch St. Louis Battlehawks defensive tackle Austin Faoliu (99) on the head as he is helped off the field by trainers. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks quarterback Max Duggan (14) gets a breather between plays. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
Michigan Panthers centerback Adonis Alexander (19, right) had pass interference called on him after he collided with St. Louis Battlehawks wide receiver Gary Jennings (12). The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
Michigan Panthers wide receiver Samson Nacua (86, right) tries to stay in bounds after he evaded a tackle by St. Louis Battlehawks free safety Qwynnterrio Cole (32). The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
Michigan Panthers wide receiver Siaosi Mariner (4) is followed by St. Louis Battlehawks centerback Chris Payton-Jones (3) as he chases an overthrown ball. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks quarterback Max Duggan (14) takes a snap. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks quarterback Max Duggan (14) takes a snap. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks quarterback Max Duggan (14) fakes a handoff to St. Louis Battlehawks Jacob Saylors (15) then runs the ball in for a touchdown. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks players Nate Meadors (22, top) and Olakunle Fatukasi (33) tackle Michigan Panthers tight end Gunnar Oakes (84). The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks free safety Nate Meadors (22, left) tackles Michigan Panthers wide receiver Siaosi Mariner (4). The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
Michigan Panthers quarterback Bryce Perkins (3) looks to pass. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks wide receiver Jerome Kapp (85, middle) hits Michigan Panthers wide receiver Xavier Malone (13) and knocks the ball from his grasp as Michigan Panthers teammate Levonta Taylor comes in at left. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
Joey Brown of Fenton spreads his wings and flies during the game. He said his outfit was inspired by Richard Simmons. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks players Willie Harvey (left) and Mike Rose (right) team up to bring down Panthers running back Nate McCrary as Battlehawks teammate Chris Payton-Jones (3) moves in from behind. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks wide receiver Frank Darby (2) grabs Michigan Panthers wide receiver Xavier Malone (13) upending him. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks fans grab for the ball through the net after a kick in the first quarter. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks quarterback Max Duggan (14) drops back to pass in the first quarter. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks quarterback Max Duggan (14) is hoisted aloft by St. Louis Battlehawks left tackle Jaryd Jones-Smith (75) after Duggan ran the ball in for a first half touchdown. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks fan Joey Kosulandich and his wife Mary Ann Kosulandich from Herculaneum rooting for the home team. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks quarterback Max Duggan (14) runs the ball and is brought down by Michigan Panthers strong safety Kai Nacua (21)The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks running back Jacob Saylors (15) catches a pass in the first quarter. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks center Mike Panasiuk (61) fires up the crowd late in the game. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks Mike Panasiuk (61) claps for the Michigan Panthers after the game ended as Hakeem Butler (88, right) pulls him backwards, and quarterback Max Duggan (14) watches. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks wide receiver Hakeem Butler (88) celebrates his touchdown run. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks free safety Nate Meadors (22) reaches for Michigan Panthers wide receiver Xavier Malone (13). The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks strong safety Kameron Kelly (4) talks with an official on the sidelines. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks free safety Qwynnterrio Cole (32, left misses the tackle on Michigan Panthers wide receiver Samson Nacua (86). The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks strong safety Kameron Kelly (4) chats with an official on the sidelines. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks wide receiver Gary Jennings (12) flips as he is tackled. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks strong safety Kameron Kelly (4) evades a tackle by Michigan Panthers right guard Victor Curne (60) after intercepting a Michigan Panthers pass. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
Fans throw streamers onto the field after St. Louis Battlehawks quarterback Max Duggan (14) ran in a touchdown after a fake handoff. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks quarterback Max Duggan (14) looks for an open receiver. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks quarterback Max Duggan (14) takes the snap. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks left tackle Jaryd Jones-Smith (75) fires up the crowd late in the game. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks quarterback Max Duggan (14) looks for an open receiver. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks quarterback Max Duggan (14) hands off to St. Louis Battlehawks running back Jacob Saylors (15). The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks wide receiver Gary Jennings (12) watches the replay as he comes off the field. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks player Sterling Hofrichter (16) holds the ball for St. Louis Battlehawks kicker Rodrigo Blankenship (28). The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks quarterback Max Duggan (14) on the sidelines. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks weakside linebacker Willie Harvey (51) tackles Michigan Panthers wide receiver Siaosi Mariner (4). The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks center Mike Panasiuk (61) readies to snap the ball. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks wide receiver Blake Jackson (8) dives over Michigan Panthers weakside linebacker Noah Dawkins (10) to avoid a tackle. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks players Willie Harvey (left) and Mike Rose (right) team up to bring down Panthers running back Nate McCrary as Battlehawks teammate Chris Payton-Jones (3) moves in from behind. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
Michigan Panthers tight tend Cole Hikutini (80) makes a one-handed catch. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
Fredbird and Archie B. Hawk - the mascot for the Battlehawks - ham it up for the cameras after the national anthem. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
Archie B. Hawk - the Battlehawks mascot - and Fredbird wave to the crowd after the national anthem. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks wide receiver Hakeem Butler (88, left) cannot get to the ball under pressure from Michigan Panthers centerback D.J. Miller (14). The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks quarterback Max Duggan (14) is tackled by Michigan Panthers free safety Arnold Tarpley (2). The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
St. Louis Battlehawks quarterack Max Duggan (14) runs the ball as Michigan Panthers players Arnold Tarpley (2, left) and Mika Tafua (42) move in. The St. Louis Battlehawks hosted the Michigan Panthers in a United Football League game at The Dome in St. Louis on April 26, 2025. Photo by Tim Vizer
