Battlehawks hold down Defenders in UFL semi preview

Carson Wells, Myles Sims and Mike Rose made seven tackles apiece, leading a strong defensive effort that led the St. Louis Battlehawks to a 13-8 win over the D.C. Defenders on Friday in Washington.

The game was a preview of a UFL semifinal matchup that was already slated for June 8 in St. Louis.

The Battlehawks (8-2) allowed just a first-quarter safety until the Defenders (6-4) got a 4-yard touchdown pass from Mike DiLiello to Seth Williams with less than five minutes to play in the game.

St. Louis' Jarveon Howard gained 89 yards on 19 carries, and he opened the scoring with a 1-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Battlehawks kicker Rodrigo Blankenship added two second-quarter field goals, and the 13-2 score held up until the final minutes.

St. Louis quarterback Brandon Silvers completed 6 of 8 passes for 105 yards.

DiLiello went 18-for-26 for 142 yards and the one score. He also produced a team-high 60 yards on 10 carries. Williams caught four passes for 41 yards.