Lancer Feed

Inside the Dome The Lancer Feed share their experience of Battle Hawks Media day

Overview

Despite the understanding that we were only there to spectate, the Battlehawks media facilitators opened up the floor to questions for all to ask during the post-game press conference. We found ourselves asking experienced professional football players and coaches questions thanks to the 2025 St. Louis Battlehawks High School Media Day, Saturday, May 17.

After arriving at The Dome, news staffers Darby Morel, Declan Phipps, Rishit Sohaney and I, along with our advisor Bill Rawson were guided through the stadium tunnel and out onto the field before the game.

As we approached the sideline we looked out towards the 67,277 seats of The Dome. With around 80 minutes left until game-time, the Battlehawks special teams players warmed up. This included long snappers, punters, and former NFL kicker Rodrigo Blankenship. Blankenship, a new addition to the Battlehawks, made a 55 yard attempt in warm-ups but missed his first field goal of the season on a 58 yard attempt.

Standing on the sideline, Darby took pictures of players during warm-ups. It was amazing to be less than five yards away from the players as they did their movements. When the linemen warmed up, we all stood astonished at the true size of the Battlehawks offensive and defensive line. With such a close proximity to the players, Darby was able to capture the close-up pictures and action shots.

Walking along the end zone, we were able to observe as Fox Sports took live footage in the stadium. This included the Battlehawks fans and Grimace, the McDonalds character, being featured on the live TV broadcast of the game.

The Battlehawks gave us access to the press box to watch the game. Although we were not allowed to record, the press box was a great spot to see the Battlehawks and the Stallions' down-to-the-wire game, Saturday afternoon.

After the close 29-28 Battlehawk win, student press were allowed to observe the post-game press conference. Despite the fact that the student journalists were only there to spectate, the Battlehawks media facilitators opened up the floor to questions for all to ask. Jumping at the opportunity, Darby asked the Birmingham Stallions’ quarterback J’Mar Smith and safety AJ Thomas the first question.

Along with Darby, Declan and Rishit were both able to ask a question of St. Louis Battlehawks coach Anthony Becht.

During warm-ups, long snapper Alex Matheson spins the football on his finger. The Battlehawks defeated the Stallions 29-28 on Saturday May 17. Photo by Darby Morel.

For a warm-up drill, wide receiver Hakeem Butler makes a jumping catch. Photo by Darby Morel.

An on-field stadium announcer looks at Archie the Battlehawk trying to eat her microphone prior to the game. Photo by Darby Morel.

A helmet is placed on the turf before the game and a running back runs with the ball in the background. Photo by Darby Morel.

Staff members Theo Koury, Declan Phipps and Rishit Sohaney pose for a photo on the sidelines of the field. Photo by Darby Morel.

Sports reporter Darby Morel poses with her camera with players warming up in the background. Photo by Rishit Sohaney.

Credits:

The Lancer Feed