Wheeling, W. Va. – As they prepare for this week's American Arena League 2 (AAL2) Championship game against the Peach State Cats, the Wheeling Miners had 15 players earn postseason honors. Amongst the group were three former Wheeling University Football players, with all three earning Defensive honors. Former Cardinals Zay Lewis and Jayvon Johnson earned First Team Defense honors while former Cardinal Aaron Finch earned Second Team Defense Honors.
The Miners have had a strong inaugural season in the AAL2, going a perfect 9-0 entering Saturday's Championship game. After going a perfect 8-0 during the regular season, the team would host the Jersey Bearcats in the 2024 AAL2 North Championship. It was a tightly contested game throughout, with the Cardinal's defense continuing their success. They did not allow a Bearcat's touchdown on the day, and haven't allowed a touchdown over the last 10 quarters, as the Miners claimed the North Championship with a 28-17 win. They will now play in the AAL2 Championship game against the Peach State Cats, before making the switch to the National Arena League (NAL) next season.
Leading this year's list of postseason honorees was former Cardinal's Jayvon Johnson and Zay Lewis, who each earned First Team AAL2 Defensive Honors. During his time with the Cardinals, Johnson was one of the team's top defensive players, holding the program record for total tackles (223), solo tackles (129), and assisted tackles (94). He continues to serve as a Linebacker for the Miners, helping lead the middle of the Miner's defense. After playing offensive line during his Cardinal's career, Lewis has found a new home on the defensive side of the ball and is making the most of his opportunities. He has wreaked havoc in the backfield for opposing quarterbacks and has helped lead a defense that has allowed just 116 opponent points this season.
The final former Cardinal to be honored was defensive back Aaron Finch, who earned Second Team AAL2 Defense Honors. Finch played four seasons for the Cardinals, and finished his career tied for the program lead with eight interceptions, while sitting sixth all-time with 10 pass break-ups. All three players are playing under their former Defensive Coordinator at Wheeling, Mott Gaymon, who has captained the team's strong defensive effort.
The Wheeling Miners will take on the Peach State Cats inside WesBanco Arena for the 2024 AAL2 Championship game on Saturday, July 6th, with kick-off at 7 PM.
