Battlehawks' defense too strong for Defenders

The St. Louis defense pitched a shutout in the second half en route to the Battlehawks' fourth straight win, 45-12 over the host DC Defenders on Sunday in Washington, D.C.

The Battlehawks (4-1) outscored the Defenders 28-0 in the second half, including four touchdowns in the fourth quarter.

Quarterback AJ McCarron was 14 of 24 for 213 yards, including touchdown passes of 13 and 80 yards to Hakeem Butler (six receptions, 147 yards).

The Defenders (2-3) had four turnovers and scored all of their points in the second quarter. QB Jordan Ta'amu was 12 of 23 for 101 yards, three interceptions and one TD pass of 15 yards to Kelvin Harmon.