This past weekend was a bit of a separator. It was the second full week of AAL vs AAL match-ups, and we got a clear picture of how the remainder of the season may go. We also got to see Columbus set the AAL single-game points record at a staggering 64 points. The bar is high, and the on-field product is living up to it. Find out everything you need to know in this week’s Everything AAL.
Table of Contents
Week 3 Rundown
Jersey 25 Wheeling 40
WesBanco Arena was rocking last weekend as the 0-1 Wheeling Miners hosted the 1-1 Jersey Bearcats. After a slow start, the Miners stormed back for a 40-25 victory to improve to 1-1 on the season. Jersey jumped out to a quick 13-0 lead after scoring on its opening offensive play and followed it up with another touchdown drive, but the momentum shifted completely when Wheeling blocked the extra point attempt and returned it for two points.
From there, the Miners locked in defensively and only allowed 12 more points for the rest of the game, while special teams made a huge impact with a kickoff return touchdown and a forced fumble recovery on another kickoff. Daryll Clark once again led the way offensively for Wheeling, throwing for 119 yards and a touchdown while adding three rushing touchdowns on just six carries.
Although Clark threw two interceptions and had some accuracy struggles, he still found ways to make winning plays when the Miners needed them most. Dontae Mason delivered another standout performance as well, recording a pick-six and taking a kickoff back for a touchdown in back-to-back weeks. On the other side, Jersey quarterback Matteo Rodriguez also threw for 119 yards and a touchdown while adding two rushing scores of his own, but turnovers ultimately hurt the Bearcats throughout the night.
Mississippi 28 Columbus 62
This one was close, for about half of the first quarter. The size and strength mismatch of these two was obvious from the initial kick-off. That mismatch didn’t stop Mississippi from being the scrappy underdog. They came in with William Walters at QB, who had limited practice and was there on a one-game contract, though you couldn’t tell from his three passing TDs. He and the Wolfpack didn’t quit even when the gap continued to widen.
On the other side, Espinoza absolutely lit up the scoreboard; of those 62 points, he was responsible for nearly half. The point was driven home even more by the rushing attack, which scored a touchdown on literally the first play of the game. One position that gets little love is the line on either side of the ball. At least for Columbus, they are the strongest units on the team. The Lions’ offensive line opened gaps anyone could have run through, and gave Espinoza ample time to get off throws.
The absolutely most insane observation of the night was DeAndre Brown, who at one point danced, got set, and then hawked down Walters. The ability to flip a switch for a human being of that size is scary for any competing offensive unit.
Overall, it wasn’t as competitive as most of us would like to see, and ended with tension between head play callers. Mississippi was missing several guys due to either injury or personal matters, and it showed through. We are confident we will see a much more competitive, balanced game when we see Columbus travel to Mississippi in a few weeks.
Week 4 Previews
Wheeling (-8.5) at Mississippi
Looking ahead to Week 4, the Wheeling Miners (1-1) will travel to Tunica Arena and Expo Center to take on the Mississippi Wolfpack (1-2), who are coming off a 62-28 loss to the Columbus Lions. Mississippi has shown improvement offensively, but the defense has struggled to slow down opposing offenses. That could play directly into the hands of a Wheeling offense that has already proven it can put points on the board consistently when it finds its rhythm.
The key to another Miner’s victory this weekend is simple: limit the turnovers and continue playing their brand of football. Wheeling’s offensive line showed major improvement from Week 2 to Week 3 and should have another strong opportunity against a Mississippi defense that has struggled against explosive offenses.
Defensively, the Miners will need to continue building on last week’s performance by creating pressure on the quarterback and forcing turnovers. If Wheeling can repeat the effort they showed against Jersey, the Miners have a strong chance to leave Mississippi with their second straight win.
Columbus (-13.5) at Jersey
The typical fan may look at this game after the first two weeks and think this is an over-by-half win for Columbus. We, on the other hand, fully believe that this could and will be closer than anyone thinks. The Lions haven’t hit the road until now, which may lend itself to a little Lion rust in Roselle. This is especially true when you consider that Mateo, no matter the score, has been productive all season.
The key to the game will be along the line of scrimmage. If the recently beefed-up front three for Jersey can find a way to put pressure on Espinoza, mistakes will be made. Likewise, if Brown can get Matteo rattled early, we might be one of the worst home losses Jersey has ever had.
No matter the case, this is kind of a make-it-or-break-it spot for Jersey, a close loss or win builds the confidence you’ll need to overcome a multiscore loss from the week prior. Columbus, on the other hand, needs to prove to themselves that they can be just as dominant on the road as they are at home. Either way, expect a hard-nosed AAL battle, at least for the first half.
Standings
1. Columbus 2-0
2. Wheeling 1-1
3. Jersey 1-1
4. Mississippi 0-2
AAL League News:
On a team-by-team basis, there hasn’t been a ton of news to mention. Which, in arena ball, is usually a good thing. The AAL is no different; the league is running at full throttle with no issues to speak of. There is, however, something extremely exciting coming down the track: expansion.
Expansion: What we Know
We can’t reveal too much about this one, but we can confidently say this will be a solid, stable franchise come next spring. As revealed on Around the Indoor Football World, they will be in the Southeast.
If you take a deep look at the video that was also shared after the show on socials, you may or may not be able to grab a few hints as to the Who and What of the franchise. The phrasing used, as you can see below, really makes you wonder what exactly it could be referring to!
American Arena League 2
Week 4 Scores:
Michigan Raptors 0 Pittsburg Outlaws 0 Canceled
Tri-City 0 Carolina Aviators 0 Canceled
Peach State 24 Carolina Predators 20
Michigan Grizzlies 20 Michigan Avengers 18
Steel City 20 NJ Eagles 14
Maryland War Eagles 24 Tri City Panthers 20
Ohio Legends Bye Week
AAL2 News:
Similar to the AAL2’s major league counterpart, this week wasn’t filled with a ton of pressing news. We had plenty of instant classics on the field, but overall, it was fairly quiet. We do have one piece of good news below.
Tri-City Back in action
Rumors flew after last week’s away game cancellation. The concern was real and growing as the week progressed, but we are happy to say they will be back in action. Sources paired with recent activity on social media indicate that they are alive and well as a franchise. We at Shady Sports look forward to the match-up against the Predators.
Don’t forget to check out the latest Player Highlight on the AAL2 website, this time on the Ohio Legends Lynn Townsend II.
Week 5 AAL2 Game of the Week
Aviators (3-1) Vs Cats (4-0)
This will be a huge match-up in deciding the AAL2 South. A brand new team on the block will be the chance to prove themselves against the long-standing, established, and so far dominant Peach State Cats. The battle sees a 3-1 squad that can easily challenge the 4-0 Cats. The battle that you will see can really go either way. If Peach State can make it a defensive game, watch out. If Carolina can turn it into a shoot-out, then watch out, it may not be over until the final seconds.
Our Thoughts
As we have said before, this season in the AAL2 has been what we have come to expect, with minimal hiccups. Don’t forget to tune in, and even show up if you’re local to a team. Every single team can use our support. You never know when watching an AAL2 player (or team) if they might be the next AAL star. If you need a reason this weekend? Check out the fact that each division has either a team looking for win number one, or a game to decide number one in the division.
On the AAL side, be sure to keep tabs on the expansion news and both of the games this weekend. The league’s social media and Shady Sports will have all the news, clips, and game coverage you can ask for. This past weekend, Shady Sports even had in-person coverage of both AAL games. If you haven’t already, be sure to tune into Around the Indoor Football World this weekend at 7 AM Central.
Huge thanks to Shane Majoris, he has provided information on the Pittsburgh Outlaws, news on Wheeling, and of course writes the both sections on Wheeling each week! He might just be the most devoted Arena fan in the Ohio Valley, and an excellent writer.
Links to Watch:
Wolfpack–https://thesportschannel.lightcast.com/player/53248/806616
Miners–Wheeling Miners – YouTube
Bearcats–PDF Sports Network – YouTube
Lions–Columbus Lions – YouTube
Need to Catch up?
Everything AAL Week 3 – Shady Sports Network
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