Welcome to the first edition of the All-American Rundown, a weekly column on any indoor or arena rules league that calls itself American! AARD will run from the very beginning of the AIF, through the AAL2 season. All the way until the final whistle of the AAL Championship game. These three leagues, for a variety of reasons, valid or not, don’t receive much mainstream coverage. We at Shady Sports think they should have their own place where fans of any of the three can come and read, discover, and see their local team in all the detail they deserve.
Table of Contents
So how will it work??
Each week, each league will have its own section. If a league isn’t playing yet the section will have recent news and upcoming happenings. Every single game from the previous week that can be covered and broken down will be. Then followed by a preview of next week’s games. This will include how to watch, what’s at stake, and maybe even a fictitious over/under for the AAL and AIF games!
Until the AAL and AAL2 kick off in April this will be a fairly short section, but until then the AIF will take center spotlight! Without further explanation lets get into this week’s coming games, the lone game played last week, and the teams participating:
Terms:
(TT): Travel Team
(SP): Semi Pro
(DT): Developmental Team
AIF: American Indoor Football League
Past Weekend:
West Michigan Falcons (SP) 0
West Michigan Ironmen 81
This was an On-brand opener for the Ironmen, a complete drubbing of a much lesser opponent. Due to scheduling restrictions with the arena most of their home games will be early, with a long road stint at the end of the year. Though it was technically a game this felt more like a streamed practice. The Falcons never seemed to have their bearings, mismatched jerseys, and no team cohesion saw a 28-0 first quarter lead.
Multiple early interceptions, paired with West Michigan’s Wide Receiver size advantage was just too much to overcome. Overall this wasn’t much to watch and easily could have been 120-0. This is comparable to Michigan (the college) inviting Michigan Tech up for a game one tune-up. While fans raved, and other leagues drug them for senseless murder ball, don’t expect quite as bad a result in the much-improved 2026 AIF
Upcoming:
Pennsylvania Union (TT) @
West Michigan Ironmen (-35.5)
Pennsylvania, or Penn as most refer to it, is unique, and kind of a throwback in the fifty-yard game. The arena that was planned fell through early in the Off-season leading to them playing strictly on the road as a “Travel Team”. We had a feeling this team would be a semi-pro filler for every other team to beat on, but they are functioning behind the scenes like a legitimate franchise. It seems they are trying to make a run-up to being a full-time, home arena franchise in 2027.
With all that said don’t expect this to be close, while it won’t be 81 point victory bad it shouldn’t surprise anyone if it gets out of hand before the one-minute warning in the first half. Penn is made up of mostly Semi-pro call ups, which isn’t horrible but the talent profile won’t match that of West Michigan.
Prediction
Expect the kind of mistakes by Penn that you would see out of a JV team. Expect the Crispness you would see out of an IFL playoff team from the Ironmen. Our score prediction? 68-29!
Recent News:
Expansion Ramping up
The Expansion for the AIF has hit a high, with three teams jumping out. The first is the Dickson Dragons, who plan to play in North Dakota in 2027. The Odessa Drillers and Midland Frac-Attack, will bring AIF football to the south. They plan on playing as an independent, home-only squad in the build-up to the 2027 season. Why a build-up? Well, to give the AIF a solid footing for the planned 2027 AIF Southern Division.
Check out our other American Indoor Football League Content Here:
- All American Run Down Part 2
- All-American Run Down Part 1
- 2026 American Indoor Football Season Preview
- 2026 AIF Player Spotlight Anthony Ellison
AAL: American Arena League
No Games
Recent News:
Draft Sign up Open:
Not so recently the American Arena League announced a Draft of AAL2 players. the AAL2 is a league designed to help develop players and send them to the professional level. Now the draft provides another pathway to the pros for AAL2 players. If you haven’t seen the recent post the sign-up is wide open for those interested This allows the AAL2 to really attract talent while it gives the AAL the ability to really develop its own player base.
Wheeling ensures fans all is alright:
After seeing Coach Res, the head coach during the AAL2 and NAL seasons, leave again, fans began to doubt. It wasn’t the best look and it leaves most wondering. The worries seemed to subside for now as we see posts from staff and players ensuring us all are well, we wish the Miners the best heading into 2026.
Check out our other American Arena League Content:
- Jason Hall: 2026 AAL Player Spotlight
- All American Run Down Part 2
- All-American Run Down Part 1
- Ohio Legends on The Rise for 2026
- Indoor/Arena Football League Guide 2026
AAL2: American Arena League 2
No games
Recent news:
Not a ton has come out of the AAL2 recently. We at Shady Sports have a direct line to AAL2 Commissioner AJ Roque and know this is simply because of the prep and time that is being taken to ensure a flawless 2026 season. A ton goes into making sure that every team and the entire organization is run the right way, and we are certain you’ll see the build-up to the 2026 season ramp up in the coming months.
If you haven’t already check out these recent articles on the American Arena League 2 topics
- Jason Hall: 2026 AAL Player Spotlight
- All American Run Down Part 2
- All-American Run Down Part 1
- Ohio Legends on The Rise for 2026
- 2026 Player Spotlight & AAL2 Update
We appreciate you, the fan, taking your time to read and support up-and-coming leagues, and Shady Sports. Check back next week for another All-American Run Down! If you want even more indoor or arena football content check out the posts below and join us every Saturday morning at 8 am ET on YouTube, Twitch, Twitter, Facebook or LinkedIn for Around the Indoor Football World where we cover the Indoor Football League, National Arena League, Arena Football One, The Arena League, American Arena League, American Indoor Football League and anything else tied to the sport.
- Jason Hall: 2026 AAL Player Spotlight
- All American Run Down Part 2
- Rouxgaroux Rebound: 2026
- All-American Run Down Part 1
- Ohio Legends on The Rise for 2026
Sponsor: Doich Cookie Dough
Just in time for the holidays, Shady Sports Network has a new sponsor! Doich Cookie Dough, a great stocking stuffer for family members, or white elephant gift for a friend or co-worker. With flavors like Chocolate Chip, What the Fudge!?, Basic B#tch, Peppermint Baddie, or the ability to order a variety pack, you can’t go wrong. Did we mention right now they are running a sale? Buy two jars at $7.99 a piece, and get a third for free. Then apply our code ShadySports and save another $5 on every order! Making it just $10.99 for three jars of cookie dough. Doich Foods also offers free shipping on any order over $60.
Use our code ShadySports or click the link below to save $5 on each purchase today!
https://snwbl.io/doich-foods/ShadySports
Sponsor: Goat Fuel Energy Drinks
Goat Fuel Energy Drinks is designed by the pros for the pros. Co-Founded by College All-American, and Hall of Fame NFL wide receiver Jerry Rice, this energy drink is truly the fuel of the Goat. With flavors like Watermelon Fruit Punch, Tropical Mixed Berry, Blueberry Lemonade, Pineapple Cream Soda, Black Cherry Ginger Ale, and Gummy Bear you can’t go wrong. Order in a twelve pack of a specific flavor or grab a variety pack either way use our link below to save $$$ at checkout.
https://goatfuel.myshopify.com/discount/AFFILIATE10?rfsn=8778950.53e94d5
YouTube
Please also help us continue growing on our YouTube Channel by subscribing if you haven’t already. Also, like and comment on any videos you enjoy! Thank you for your support, and we hope you continue to tune in!
Also, check out our new Live Events channel dedicated to broadcasting any games we are able to get the broadcast rights to. We have broadcast arena football, A7FL, Big 3 Basketball, Flag Football, Boxing, MMA, and so much more.
Join the Conversation on Discord, Facebook, or Reddit
Are you on Discord or Facebook? Join our server/groups to jump in the conversation, stay up to date on your favorite leagues, and give us your hot takes. You can also promote your content!
Fantasy Reports Facebook Group
Discover more from Shady Sports Network
Subscribe to get the latest posts sent to your email.
Hi Matt, hope all is well we spoke before. Wondering if we can do a spotlight on Austin? He starts camp in couple weeks. Would be great boost to the season and very appreciated. Pls call with any questions 951-813-5238. Thank you let me know how I can help you as well. Have a great day
Matt will be reaching out to Austin to get this article written thank you for reaching out.