Jordan Ta'amu leads Defenders past Battlehawks to reach 3-0

Jordan Ta'amu went 17-for-37 passing for 243 yards, three touchdowns and two interceptions as the D.C. Defenders fended off the host St. Louis Battlehawks 27-15 on Sunday.

The Defenders (3-0) never trailed, but the Battlehawks (2-1) pulled within 18-15 after three quarters thanks to three field goals by Rodrigo Blankenship.

With 2:25 left to play, Ta'amu connected with Cornell Powell for a 3-yard touchdown. The Defenders added a field goal in the dying seconds for the final margin, and they are the last team in the UFL without a loss on their record.

Ty Scott caught three passes for 85 yards and a touchdown and Briley Moore-McKinney also had a receiving score for D.C. Kicker Matt McCrane booted three field goals.

Manny Wilkins threw for 147 yards and a 35-yard touchdown to Frank Darby, but tossed three picks for St. Louis.