The most heated rivalry in the UFL is back as St. Louis hosts DC for the opening week of the season at The Dome at America’s Center. After DC upset St. Louis and eliminated them from the postseason a year ago, tensions are expected to be high in The Battledome. The two teams clashed in the semifinal a year ago, after splitting the regular season series. DC dominated the match-up and eliminated St. Louis from the postseason.
Proehl Takes the Helm for St. Louis
Ricky Proehl takes over as head coach with the Battlehawks. He brings prior coaching experience at both the UFL and NFL levels, though never as the lead man. St. Louis has put together postseason runs in each of the past two seasons but has yet to reach the title game.
Proehl brings experience and pedigree to his staff. A.J. Smith previously coached in San Antonio and Houston and takes over as offensive coordinator. Corey Chamblin, who guided one of the top defenses in the spring with Birmingham last year, takes over as defensive coordinator.
Defenders Look to Avoid Championship Hangover
Last year, the Defenders had the storybook narrative. Interim head coach Shannon Harris took over one week before the season and led DC all the way to a championship, shocking the league time and time again. This year the pressure is on, according to Harris, who told the media that “we have a target on our back now.” The Defenders shift from a nothing-to-lose mindset to one of expectation, hoping to avoid any championship hangover.
Harris brings back offensive coordinator Fred Kaiss and defensive coordinator Blake Williams. The Defenders are the only team to return their entire coaching staff this season.
The Battledome Awaits
St. Louis remains in its dome, where the most faithful fan base in the UFL is ready to rumble for Week One. The Dome at America’s Center, better known as The Battledome, has long created a loud and hostile atmosphere for opposing teams. With Nelly and the St. Lunatics set to perform at halftime, there’s no doubt the dome will be rocking Saturday.
Quarterback Showdown
Two of the more experienced spring quarterbacks will be on display in St. Louis. Brandon Silvers is known as a highly efficient professional quarterback across the XFL, AAF, TSL, and UFL. Silvers is regarded as a proficient, high-completion passer with the ability to manage fast-paced offensive schemes.
This weekend marks the first of two meetings between the teams this season, with the second set for Week Four in the nation’s capital.