EVERYTHING AAL Week 2

Welcome to the first version of Everything AAL. In this weekly article, we will review all of the previous weeks’ AAL games, preview the next week’s games, and discuss any news coming out of the league. Following that up will be scores from Around the AAL2, news, and highlighting any big games or surprising scores. This will be your place for the American Arena League; literally, anything related to the league will be here. So without further Ado, let’s get into week one’s action

AAL Week in Review-

Note: This section will typically be longer for AAL vs AAL, and shorter for AAL vs AAL2 games.

Mississippi @ Peach State 34-12

In a rematch of a game we have seen numerous times in the AAL2 in past years, we got our first taste of what upgrading to the pro ranks looks like. Heading into the fourth there wasn’t much question of who was going to come out on top. Despite Peach State being the favorite to win the AAL2 South, we expected a higher level of play. Mississippi is basically a 2025 AAL2 South All-Star team, and has set the standard high going into the first round of league play

Jersey vs New Jersey 54-6

Not a ton of things here that you can’t also say about Mississippi. AJ Roque a squad played like we all knew that they could. The lead was early and swift, and held until the very end. It was nearly as dominant as Columbus, but for a franchise that just made the jump back up, it was all you could ask for against what will end up being a middle-of-the-road AAL2 East Squad.

Columbus vs Tri-City 79-0

This game wasn’t much of a game. The very first snap was a disaster for the Rivergators and it just got worse as the game went along. Tri-City is a team that has only been around since 2025, and isnt going to make waves in the AAL2 South. This could end up being a bottom four AAL2 against the most complere roster in the AAL. Columbus scored in every single way except a field goal. They even claimed safety on two consecutive drives. Overall it was a warm-up to get them tuned up for what we are unofficially calling the “Reboot Rumble”.

Week 2 Preview-

Wheeling @ Columbus (-14.5) 

“Reboot Rumble”

The Wheeling Miners hit the road Friday for a key AAL matchup against the Columbus Lions. Wheeling enters with a roster that blends proven veterans and emerging talent, leaning on a physical presence in the trenches as they look to show they can consistently compete with one of the league’s more established franchises. Execution on both sides of the ball will be critical—especially against a Lions team coming off a dominant 79-0 win over the Tri-City Rivergators of the AAL2. A Wheeling Miners player to keep an eye on is new linebacker Will Walden, a decorated player with hopes of making a huge impact in the middle of the defense. 

Meanwhile, Columbus will aim to defend home turf behind its typically high-powered offense and disciplined defensive schemes. The Lions have built a reputation for fast starts and putting opponents in tough spots early, something the Miners will need to be ready for if they want to stay within striking distance. Friday’s matchup serves as a real measuring stick for Wheeling, while giving Columbus another chance to reinforce its status as a contender. Expect a physical, high-intensity game from the opening kickoff to the final whistle.

Written By: Shane Majoris

Mississippi @ Jersey (-2.5)

“Move Up Cup”

In a match up that ended in absolute controversy, this could shake out to be the most fun game of the week in all of arena ball. Eddie Strong and his staff come into this game with a much-improved roster over last year trying to prove they belong at this level. These two both made quick work of AAL2 teams near them last week, but you won’t see a blow out in this one. If anything this may be the gauge that sets the season in motion for the winner, as the rest of the schedule only gets tougher. Mississippi has faced a couple of internal issues but the coaching staff has refused to let it affect the field or in the locker room.

On the other end of things, AJ has his squad up to standard, and far beyond anything we have seen from the Bearkats since building the AAL2. The deciding factor for both will be behind the center. If either QB can’t maintain the pocket, especially Jersey, and get the ball downfield it will be over fast. We only give the Bearcats an advantage because they are at home, this is anyone’s game. It is still early in the season and as you saw in the other preview we have sold out on any certain player. This will be the test, and stats along with a more in-depth analysis will come in the following weeks.

 

AAL2

Week Two saw a list of good games, and some absolute throttling by the upper league. It was what we had come to expect from the AAL2, competitive developmental football. We got a good idea of what the the season will look like from here on out.Due to unforseen issues on my end this section will be a bit abbreviated this week. Next week we will bring you a full list of scores and any news that comes out of the AAL2. for this week we will only have a game of the week.

Week 3 Game of the Week:

Ohio Legends Vs Pittsburgh Outlaws

The Legends came into the 2026 season with lofty goals of an arena, and this Saturday they come to fruition. This is not only a huge step for a franchise that plans to make a jump to pro in 2027, but it’s a good match-up. The Outlaws are an established team that will more than challenge the Legends! If you want to tune into and follow a milestone moment for an up-and-coming franchise this is it. This may also be the match-up of the year in the AAL2!

No matter the level, this weekend is set to be a blast! Check back in next Thursday for another ( but way better) version of Everything AAL!

If you havent seen the announcements yet, for this week you’ll be able to find the games on PDF Sports & the Columbus Lions YouTube Channel.