HowieHanson.com Section
Minnesota must limit QB1 Ja’Vonte Johnson’s turnovers and create points through defense or special teams. Albany must protect its quarterback, prevent explosive returns and force the Monsters to sustain drives.
DULUTH, Minn. — Ja’Vonte Johnson threw two touchdown passes in the final two minutes, including the game-winner to LeDarian McAllister with 22 seconds
With three consecutive home games to finish the regular season, Minnesota is hoping to finish at least fourth in the nine-team league and secure a home playoff game in the first round of the six-team playoffs.
DULUTH, Minn. — Malik Henry stood outside the visitors' locker room Monday night sounding like a quarterback whose team had finally figured something out.
The moves reflect an aggressive approach by the Monsters as the regular season enters its final stretch. Rather than standing pat, Minnesota has continued to reshape its roster in pursuit of a postseason berth.
ALBANY, N.Y. — Malik Henry threw for five touchdowns and the Michigan Arsenal handed the Albany Firebirds their first loss of the 2026 Arena
Albany 60, Michigan 57 – Quarterback Sam Castranova threw for 316 yards and nine touchdowns Saturday night as Albany (6-0) held off host Michigan
Arena football doesn’t have the luxury of history carrying it. It has to build trust in real time. It has to convince viewers that what they’re watching matters, that the people involved care, that the whole thing isn’t just temporary noise.
The structure of the opening weekend leaves little room for gradual buildup. For Albany, it is a chance to reaffirm its position. For Minnesota and the rest of the field, it is an early test of whether preseason projections hold or begin to shift.
“The guys are expected to play fast, know what they're doing, communicate, make sure they stay in the weight room, eat well, and take care of their bodies because you can't make the club in the tub.” -- Minnesota Monsters head coach Daron Clark Jr.
“As a league, we’re proud of where we stand entering our second year and even more excited about where we’re headed. We’re committed to growing the game and taking Arena Football to the next level." -- AF1's Gary Compton
“We’re not coming into a new league to blend in. We’re coming to compete, and compete at the highest level.” -- Minnesota Monsters' Ja’Vonte Johnson
Defending Arena Football One playoff champion Albany Firebirds collected the No. 1 ranking in the annual 50YardFootball.com AF1 preseason poll, released Tuesday. The
