XFL Roundup: Battlehawks Beat Vipers in League’s First OT Game

St. Louis Battlehawks wide receiver Hakeem Butler (88) runs towards the endzone to score a touchdown against the Seattle Sea Dragons during the second half at Lumen Field in Seattle on Feb. 23, 2023. Steven Bisig/USA TODAY Sports via Field Level Media

Backup quarterback Nick Tiano completed a 5-yard conversion to Hakeem Butler and St. Louis-area native Brian Hill ran in a 5-yarder to deliver the host St. Louis Battlehawks a 21–17 victory over the Vegas Vipers in the first overtime game of the new iteration of the XFL.

The league’s overtime consists of alternating attempts to reach the end zone from the opponent’s 5-yard line. St. Louis stuffed Vegas’ conversion attempts twice while Tiano and Hill broke through at the other end for the Battlehawks (6–2).

Tiano got the start in place of AJ McCarron, who was held out with a shoulder injury. He completed 19 of 34 passes for 194 yards, a 32-yard touchdown to Butler and two picks. Tiano also ran eight times for 51 yards.

Jalan McClendon went 13-for-23 passing for 159 yards and a touchdown for the Vipers (2–6). He also had a team-high 62 rushing yards as Vegas gained 208 rushing yards on 40 attempts.

Renegades 18, Guardians 16

De‘Vante Bausby returned a fumble 48 yards for a touchdown and De’Veon Smith added 13 carries for 44 yards and a score to help Arlington get past host Orlando.

Luis Perez led the aerial attack with 190 yards on 16-of-25 passing for the Renegades (4–4).

Quinten Dormady completed 28 of 43 passes for 303 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions for the Guardians (1–7). His 19-yard TD pass to Eli Rogers with just under four minutes left in the fourth quarter brought the Guardians within two, but they could get no closer.