Well, all roads have led to Wheeling! The AAL and AAL2 will conclude successful seasons this coming Saturday at WesBanco Arena. The Championship game will mark the end of a season that by all accounts has been successful. Every team that began the AAL season finished the season. We saw mostly competitive arena football, and we are already seeing the results: Two expansion teams, a move up, and maybe more to come?
Enough about the future; we have a title game to discuss…. On July 11th, we have the privilege of watching the Wheeling Miners do all they can to ruin an undefeated season… And the Columbus Lions lay it all on the line for perfection!
AAL Championship Preview
This was most fans’ preseason picks, but no one could have predicted how dominant Wheeling was going to be outside of Columbus, and how Flawless Columbus was going to look! If you need a refresher, click below for both the previous match-up breakdowns:
As you can see from both… It came down to single scores, and even a single point in the last match-up. Both teams have the tools to win this game, ample coaching to be ready in the moment, and everyone in both camps understands the moment. Wheeling is looking for their first title in the pro ranks since leaving the AAL2 after the 2024 season.
At the same time, Columbus is looking to add to a fairly crowded trophy case. This game means more than you can see on the surface; this is more than pride and more than a trophy. This game decides the balance of the AAL. Is Columbus just that much better at the end? Or does Wheeling show us all that it’s any given game?
Not only does it decide balance, but it could be the shift Wheeling needs. This game has very much developed into a rivalry, a very chippy, lightly hateful rivalry. If Wheeling can knock them off, that only grows going into 2027. No matter anyone’s opinion, the margin between these two is razor-thin, though some keys will decide the game:
Keys to the Game:
Columbus
Columbus, to this point, has only given up one game of 200+ yards on defense, and that total belongs to Wheeling at Wesbanco. If Columbus plans on raising a trophy, they will have to curtail Wheeling’s offense, especially the running game that put 100+ yards on them in the first match-up. This is also helped along by penalties.
In the last match-up, the Lions’ offense was responsible for a season-high 67 yards of fouls, something that can’t happen this week. Not only will the defense have to step up, but the passing game against Wheeling will also take a dip in the last two match-ups. If they can get the ball around early, the game might be decided early on.
-Clean game
-Better Short Yardage and Run Defense
-Play a Cleaner Game
Wheeling
This is a spot where you can get off to a slow start, and you can’t fade late. The last match-up saw several two-score leads for the Miners, but late-game bumpers and a game-sealing interception saw them fade late. This is a spot where you need everything to go perfectly. The running game needs to mirror that of the previous match-up; the passing game will need to be deliberate and get the ball out quickly, and the kicking game needs to be shored up ( as we think it will be).
-Maintain a lead into the fourth
-Get a defensive stop a half, even better, a Quarter
-Steady pace controlling offense
– Turnover-free
Players to Watch:
Columbus:
#9 Marco Lee FB
#13 Jesse Reverio
#10 Cameron Bergeron
Wheeling:
#13 Ranius Daramola
#5 Raymond Cutts
#6 JT Taylor
AAL2 Championship Preview
The stage is set for the AAL2 Championship as the Steel City Stampede and Peach State Cats prepare to clash at WesBanco Arena as part of the AAL/AAL2 Championship Doubleheader. On paper, this matchup features two of the league’s most complete teams.
Neither squad has suffered a loss against an AAL2 opponent this season, with Peach State’s only losses coming against professional AAL opponents. Both teams have paired explosive offenses with disciplined defensive play throughout the year, setting the stage for what should be one of the most competitive games of the season.
The road to the championship has tested both teams. Steel City punched its ticket with a 55-45 victory over the Pittsburgh Outlaws, while Peach State advanced (in dramatic fashion) after scoring a game-winning touchdown on the final play to defeat the Carolina Aviators 45-44. Both of these organizations are familiar with high-pressure situations and championship expectations, but only one can emerge as the AAL2 Champion.
For Peach State, slowing down Steel City’s offense will be a priority. The Cats will need strong performances on both sides of the ball, particularly when it comes to containing standout athlete JuJu Jordan. Jordan has been one of the most dynamic athletes in the AAL2 this season and has consistently impacted games as a playmaker and game-changer.
Defensively, Peach State must generate pressure on the quarterback while limiting explosive plays. Offensively, attacking the edge and establishing rhythm early could be key factors in controlling possession and dictating the pace of the game. Defensively, the ticket is making the opposing quarterback as uncomfortable as possible early and often.
Steel City enters the championship with its own set of challenges. The Stampede had a difficult time containing Pittsburgh’s rushing attack in the previous round, allowing Outlaws running back AJ Santiago to score twice while finding success throughout the game. Improving against the run will be imperative if Steel City hopes to complete an undefeated season.
The Stampede offensive line will also face an uphill battle against a Peach State defensive front that has consistently generated pressure against AAL2 opponents. As always, much of Steel City’s success could hinge on the impact of JuJu Jordan, who will undoubtedly be a focal point of the Stampede offense.
With two proven contenders meeting for the title, the AAL2 Championship features all the ingredients of a memorable finale. Both teams have demonstrated the ability to win close games, overcome adversity, and perform under pressure throughout the season.
The question now is which team can execute when the stakes are at their highest. Fans can catch the AAL2 Championship live on MNTR+ or attend in person at WesBanco Arena in Wheeling, West Virginia, on July 11th at 1:00 PM EST as the Steel City Stampede and Peach State Cats battle for the 2026 AAL2 Championship!
Written By: Shane Majoris
AAL News
We typically use this section to dig into any recent news in the AAL, like the Ohio Legends moving up to the AAL! We considered how big the news was and decided to instead give the Legends their own article outlining all the upgrades and plan for moving up! Check it out later this week!
Also of note, if you clicked in looking for AAL playoff breakdowns, they are exclusively in the Shady Sports Indoor and Arena Football Magazine (that you should really check out)!
No matter who you root for, this coming weekend and its heavyweight doubleheader is sure to be a blast to watch! Watch Shady Sports socials for in-game coverage from the one and only Shane Majoris! Before the game on Saturday, be sure to check out the expert panel on Indoor and Arena Football that is TJ, Cody, Sam, and Krish on Around the Indoor Football World at 7 AM Central!
Check out our recent Article on the AAL:
https://shadysportsnetwork.com/category/arena-football/aal/
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