As far as the American Arena League goes, this was a quiet week; only a single AAL game was played due to the issues with the Wesbanco and the Wheeling Nailers hockey game. All in all, it wasn’t the most entertaining weekend, but not every week can be a nail-biter and instant classics. As we wind down into the final three weeks, the games will get more intense, especially considering the Battle for those coveted top two sports! While the game wasn’t the most intense, the news for 2027 was absolutely mind-blowing: two new expansion teams!
Table of Contents
Week 7 AAL Game Reviews
Columbus 59 Mississippi 12
Sometimes greatness comes on the heels of disappointment. That is the sentiment you have to hold if you are Mississippi. They are scrappy and fight to the end, but an absolutely stacked roster like the Lions have is going to be a mismatch, at least for 2026. This all made it a bit worse by losing two of your best athletes, Ty Pettaway and Banks Williams.
The overall lack of offensive firepower was apparent early, leading to a quick Columbus lead that would never be relinquished. Blain Espinosa did what he always does and lit the scoreboard up early, and eventually was pulled. Even in a 12-point effort, the Wolfpack played every down with passion.
In the end, it was similar to the first meeting, only this time in Tunica, Mississippi.
Week 8 AAL Game Previews
Wheeling vs Maryland
The Wheeling Miners enter Week 8 with a 3-1 record. Their season has been impacted by several scheduling changes due to venue conflicts, as the Wheeling Nailers’ impressive playoff run required multiple Miners games to be rescheduled. The last time Wheeling took the field, they delivered a dominant 62-6 victory over the Pittsburgh Outlaws during the team’s 70s Night. For more on that matchup, see last week’s edition of Everything AAL. This Saturday, the Miners return to action at WesBanco Arena as they host the Maryland War Eagles (1-5) of the AAL2. The game will be held as Coal Miner Appreciation Night. Wheeling will look to continue its strong performances during themed nights against a Maryland team that has faced challenges throughout the season. Expect quarterback Daryll Clark and Alex Coleman to lead the offensive attack, while the Miners’ defense aims to set the tone with pressure and hard hits from the opening kickoff.
By Shane Majoris
Columbus vs Carolina
Similar to the Wheeling matchup this one has all the fixings to be a hellacious blowout. The Lions have only let one of their AAL2 opponents score this season, and we may not let them see the Predators score. The usually top-of-the-league franchise has struggled this season, and it won’t get easier against a team like Columbus that could reasonably keep up with any team in the indoor or arena football world.
Jersey vs CNY (AIF)
AIF? Isn’t their season over? Well, not exactly. AIF travel team, Central New York Blue Devils, makes their way to Roselle for what is most likely a beating. The AAL getting a chance to prove itself against what we can only presume is a lower level of the competition is welcome. AJ Roque and staff have the ability to, and we think will, beat CNY just as badly as they were in the AIF regular season, if not worse. The talent the Bearcats and AAL attracts will shine through in an absolute thrashing. This will be a good place for proof and polishing as they head into the last two weeks of AAL games.
AAL News
Mississippi Game Canceled
Due to unforeseen issues with the Tri-City Rivergators, the game scheduled for 6/6/26 will not be played. This is a sad ending to an otherwise exciting home stand for Mississippi. They will be on the road for the final two games of the season.
Expansion Explosion
In the first round of official AAL expansion, and the first second-generation expansion team, we welcome the Texas Wild Hogs. Owned by Quinton Humphrey, Sr., and his wife, Krystl Clark-Humphrey, they are a welcome addition to the league. Humphrey isn’t a stranger to the game. He served on the coaching staff of the inaugural Gun Slingers in 2021. They come in, filling out an area just outside the typical “south,” but as time progresses, we feel that filling out this region could be huge for AAL growth. They will play at the Rose Palace, a 4,500-seat multipurpose arena with a history of hosting indoor football for the Gun Slingers and Steers. We haven’t gotten official news on a complete coaching staff, but they have announced Brent Holmes as head Coach and Aleric Clark as the Defensive Coordinator. Overall, we believe they will be a great addition to the league that is getting stronger by the day.
This announcement barely made its way out in time for us to cover, but man, was it a big one for the American Arena League. This sets in motion a chance for the league to cover the “Deep South” entirely. This also grabs a market that has not been utilized (or burnt) since 2007. We don’t have a full breakdown of staff, but we do know they will be announcing a press conference in the coming weeks to formally introduce some staff and the people behind the scenes who made it all possible. We can not emphasize enough how big this move is, just five hours from Tunica and just over two hours from Columbus.
If you couldn’t tell from the branding, the way the announcement was put together, and the ready-to-go website, a ton of thought and preparation went into this. This is not your average twelve-month run-up-and-go; this is a methodical, well-planned, and, as far as we are concerned, well-executed franchise that will outlast and outperform its Montgomery predecessor. We can only assume they will play at Garrett Coliseum. An 8500-seat arena where the Bears and Maulers played from 2005 to 2007. No matter the case, when 2027 comes, and you’re watching the Catfish run onto the field, you’ll be noticing the above standard equipment, the careful planning, and fantastic on-field product. They are going to bring an energy and a level of arena football that the state of Alabama hasn’t seen in over a decade! Fear the Fin!
Rumor has it that this may not be all, but is it all rumor, or will the AAL go into the 2027 season as a strong, tight-knit league of six? We all hope to see more, and already love the direction the league is building! Either way, keep your eyes on the AAL socials and, of course, Shady Sports to keep up to date on all the breaking expansion and league news coming out as we get near the end of the regular season!
AAL Standings
AAL2
AAL2 Scores
Peach State 50 Tri-City 18
Carolina Aviators 22 Carolina Predators 14 (ended early)
Pittsburgh vs. Michigan Avengers- Pittsburgh wins by FF
Steel City 50 Tri-State 18
AAL2 News
Michigan Avengers Exit AAL2
The AAL2 has faced a slight bit of turbulence this season. This move is one that hurts but is probably for the best in the long run of the league. Missed games and a lot of the “unknown” is never good at this level of the game. We always hate to see teams struggle or bridges to be burnt. The following is the statement from the team’s Facebook
AAL2 Game of the Week
Peach State At Carolina
This is the Battle of the Best in the AAL2 South. When they take the field, you will know without a doubt that you are watching two teams with the talent to take out any other developmental teams, and quite possibly some AIF-level teams. The Cats have the talent edge, but as we have seen all season, Carolina has the grit. All we ask for is a clean game and a competitive game. Consider this AAL2 South Championship Round One!
This is also a matchup of the best streaming set ups in the AAL2 this season as they have both been well above the standard.These organizations both show up, attract high-level talent, and, most importantly, they win. It’s sure to come down to the last minute to decide a winner, as both have the talent at QB to strike at will and defensively to keep it a low-scoring dog fight. How will it go? Well, you’ll just have to tune in to see!
AAL2 Schedule
AAL2 Standings
The season is winding to an end, for both the AAL and AAL2, it’s the point in the season where you put up or shut up. All 17 teams from both leagues will be putting it on the line as we get to week 11, hoping for the best seeding and a chance at a title! This season has had its top of the mountain and falling to the valley moments, but it never failed to capture our attention! Check back in next week as we break down the AAL vs AAL2 matchups and preview the last few weeks!
Check out our latest AAL2 Highlight! This time to on Tristan Gould of the Peach State Cats!
https://www.aal2.com/post/2026-aal2-player-highlight-tristan-gould
All AAL2 Graphics made by Shane Majoris
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