Battlehawks Face Panthers in High-Stakes Week Five Matchup

ARLINGTON, Texas — April 23, 2025 — The St. Louis Battlehawks will host the Michigan Panthers on Saturday night in a crucial Week Five matchup of the United Football League season. The game is set for 7 PM ET at The Dome at America’s Center, featuring two teams with playoff aspirations.

The Battlehawks, after a strong start and two consecutive losses, find themselves in a challenging position. They lost quarterback Manny Wilkins to injury last week, leaving Max Duggan to lead the offense. In his last game against Arlington, Duggan struggled, completing 8 of 17 passes for 78 yards with two interceptions, including a game-defining pick six.

Meanwhile, the Panthers enter the game riding a two-game winning streak, buoyed by the outstanding performance of quarterback Bryce Perkins. Perkins has garnered back-to-back Offensive Player of the Week honors and is known for his dual-threat capabilities, recently leading Michigan to a victory over Memphis with two touchdown passes and solid rushing yards.

Interestingly, the Panthers are also bringing Danny Etling back into the mix, as head coach Mike Nolan plans to utilize both quarterbacks during the game. The situation could complicate Perkins’ momentum, despite his impressive form.

On the Battlehawks’ side, Duggan’s performance will be pivotal, especially with Hakeem Butler returning to the receiver corps after injury. Butler’s presence could significantly alter the dynamics, providing Dumgan with a reliable option downfield, which the offense desperately needs to regain its rhythm.

The matchup will also feature a critical battle in the trenches, with the Panthers boasting a strong rushing attack led by Toa Taua and Nate McCrary. In contrast, St. Louis has the top-ranked run defense in the UFL, anchored by defensive tackle Austin Faoliu.

As both teams prepare for kickoff, the stakes are high. A win for St. Louis would keep their postseason dreams alive after recent setbacks, while a victory for Michigan would solidify their standing as a conference contender.

The game will air on ESPN, showcasing what is expected to be an electrifying night of spring football.