Former Utah LB Francis Bernard Forces Turnover During Week 3 XFL Game

SALT LAKE CITY – Former Utah Utes standout Francis Bernard forced a turnover during the Week 3 XFL game between the D.C. Defenders and St. Louis Battlehawks.

Bernard and the Defenders hosted the Battlehawks at Audi Field in Washington D.C. on Sunday, March 5.

With 14:17 remaining in the second quarter, Bernard forced a fumble by Battlehawks running back Brian Hill. DeJuan Neal recovered the ball for the Defenders.

D.C. owned a 14-8 lead at the time of Bernard’s forced fumble.

GET IT D ‼️‼️‼️#DefendDC | #XFL2023 pic.twitter.com/AFerevoPqY

— D.C. Defenders (@XFLDefenders) March 5, 2023

Unfortunately for Bernard and D.C., the following drive ended in a punt. Later in the game, Bernard was ejected following an on-field fight.

Brian Hill of St. Louis and Francis Bernard and Rod Taylor of DC are all ejected after the fight. #XFL2023

— XFL Outsider (@XFLOutsider) March 5, 2023

D.C. would go on to go defeat St. Louis, 34-28.

Bernard finished the contest with five total tackles, four solo tackles, one tackle for loss, and a forced fumble.

WHO RUNS THE NORTH? 3-0 ‼️#DefendDC | #XFL2023 pic.twitter.com/dJGjUz6MLD

— D.C. Defenders (@XFLDefenders) March 5, 2023

With the win, the Defenders improved their record to 3-0 this season. D.C. is one of two undefeated teams in the XFL.

D.C.’s next game is at home against the Vegas Vipers on Sunday, March 12 at 5 p.m. (MDT) on ESPN2/ESPN+.

About the XFL

In April 2020, the XFL suspended league operations and terminated its employees amid the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

A total of 12 former college football players from the state of Utah were on active 52-man rosters in the eight-team league. Along with the 12 players, former BYU and Utah offensive coordinator Norm Chow was the offensive coordinator for the Los Angeles Wildcats.

In 2019, another football league, the American Alliance of Football, folded before the completion of its inaugural season.

After the XFL suspended operations, new ownership purchased the league. The group is led by Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson. Unlike the current edition of the USFL, which will start its second season in 2023, the XFL has partnered with the NFL.

2023 XFL Teams

North Division

• D.C. Defenders
• Seattle Sea Dragons
• St. Louis Battlehawks
• Vegas Vipers

South Division

• Arlington Renegades
• Houston Roughnecks
• Orlando Guardians
• San Antonio Brahmas

Kyle Ireland is a Locals in the NFL Insider for KSLSports.com and co-host of the Yards After College Podcast. Follow him on Twitter (@kyleireland) and Instagram (@kyleirelandksl).

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