Wheeling, W. Va. - Arena football has made its way back to Wheeling, West Virginia with the Wheeling Miners playing their first season in 2024. It has been a big year for the team, with the Miners going a perfect 9-0 and setting themselves up to compete against the Peach State Cats in the American Arena League 2 (AAL2) Championship game. During the run, several Wheeling University Football players and coaches have played a big role in the team's success and look to bring a championship back to Wheeling.
In their inaugural game against Steel City, the Miners showed they were a powerhouse in the AAL2, picking up a 58-0 win. From there on, offense continued to shine for the Miners, with the team scoring 30 or more points in eight of the nine games during the season. On the other side of the ball, the defense was keeping teams at bay, picking up their lone shutout against Steel City, and holding opponents under 30 points in eight of the nine games. The Miners would battle the Jersey Bearcats for the AAL2 North Division title and were able to hold on for the 28-17 win to advance to the AAL2 Championship game. The Miners lead the AAL2 in point differential, outscoring opponents 444-116 and look to continue their success on both sides of the ball as they try and bring home a championship.
The leader of the Miner's defensive unit is Wheeling Football Defensive Coordinator Mott Gaymon, who has led the Cardinal's defense for each of the past five seasons. His defense held opponents to just 116 points during the season, allowing an average of 12.9 points per game across the team's nine games played. Entering the AAL2 Championship game, Gaymon's defensive unit has not allowed a touchdown in 10 straight quarters, and they look to continue building on that success. The other member of the Cardinal coaching staff is making an impact on the field with the Miners is Wheeling's Co-Offensive Coordinator and Wide Receiver's Coach Andre London. London has been a part of a Miner's offense that has put up 444 points per game, averaging 49.3 points per game.
The Cardinals also have four alumni making an impact on the field with former Cardinals Aaron Finch, Zay Lewis, Xavier Thomas, and Jayvon Johnson all seeing playing time. Lewis finished up his playing career with the Cardinals just this past season, where he served as the team's starting right guard. He continues to play on the offensive line with the Miners, while also seeing time as a member of the Miner's defense. Xavier Thomas is currently inactive, but has spent some time like Lewis on both the offensive and defensive line for the Miners earlier in the season. Jayvon Johnson and Aaron Finch are both primarily members of the Miner's defensive effort, helping the team hold their opponents to 12.9 points per game.
The 2024 AAL2 Championship game will be played at WesBanco Arena in Wheeling, West Virginia, on Saturday, July 6th. For tickets and more information, visit the Miner's website at gowvminers.com.
