Compared to that, Friday’s news was a knockout. The XFL isn’t punting. It’s forfeiting.

What made the BattleHawks work so well here was a perfect cocktail of circumstances. This city loves football, first and foremost. The NFL’s slander of the region’s sports pride during the relocation process of the Rams ignited a desire to support any team that cared about the city, whether that team played soccer or horseshoes. Not to be overlooked in the mix was the work done by Hunzeker and his team, a hard-charging group of energized hires who reached out into our communities and reminded us how fun it is to support a football team that gives a damn.

The BattleHawks were at your kid’s high school football game before you decided to restart your downtown tailgate. They were hosting happy hour at your favorite drinking hole before you chugged a cold one to celebrate a Jordan Ta’amu touchdown pass. They were a constant presence on your apps, clearing you to engage with a hearty Ka-Kaw.

That last part was Pyarali’s job.

He’s not expecting to get it back.