The Arena Football League season kicks off Friday with a rematch of ArenaBowl XXXI when the Baltimore Brigade host the Washington Valor. With new faces in new places, as well as two new teams, there is new predictions for who will be crowned champions in August.
Stephen Ur – Albany Empire vs Atlantic City Blackjacks
Atlantic City has the most stacked roster in the league, including two former MVP quarterbacks in Randy Hippeard and Warren Smith. They also have a multitude of star receivers including Tyron Laughinghouse, Kendrick Ings and LaMark Brown, to name a few.
Their coaching staff is also full of experience. Head coach Rob James led the Tampa Bay Storm to ArenaBowl XXX back in 2017. Offensive coordinator Shane Stafford is the Storm’s all-time leading passer. Caesar Rayford played in the NFL and Sergio William had the Massachusetts Pirates (NAL) leading the league in interceptions last season.
Albany finished with the best record in the league last season and have brought back just about their entire team. They have also promoted Les Moss to general manager. He led the Jacksonville Sharks to two ArenaBowl appearances and one title.
ArenaBowl XXXII champion: Albany Empire
Chase Risman: Philadelphia Soul vs Columbus Destroyers
The Soul have brought back much of the team that have won two of the last three ArenaBowl titles. The one big piece to their team is the red rocket, quarterback Dan Raudabaugh.Columbus has made some of the most interesting signings all off-season. Their roster consists of guys such as Hall of Fame wide receiver Donovan Morgan, Fabian Guerra, Anthony Amos, Varmah Sonie and KC Obi, to name a few.
ArenaBowl XXXII champion: Philadelphia Soul
Kyle Martin: Albany Empire vs Philadelphia Soul
The Empire had the best record last season and return the AFL MVP Tommy Grady under center. AFL Offensive Rookie of the Year wide receiver Malachi Jones and wide receiver Collin Taylor will produce numbers on the explosive offense, especially with Grady at quarterback. This is the year the Empire advance to the ArenaBowl.
The Soul have been a great team year after year in recent seasons and there is a reason for that. Solid coaching by Clint Dolzeil and the return of playmakers quarterback Dan Raudabaugh, wide receiver Darius Reynolds, linebacker Jake Metz and defensive back Dwayne Hollis are keys to their return to the ArenaBowl.
ArenaBowl XXXII champion: Albany Empire
Erik Watkins: Albany Empire vs Atlantic City Blackjacks
Last year, Albany fell just short of ArenaBowl XXXI. They’re going to feed off the unfinished business, bounce back and make it to the title game this season.Atlantic City has everything they need to get to the ArenaBowl, from the quarterback [Randy Hippeard] to the coaching staff to make it all the way.
ArenaBowl XXXII champion: Albany Empire
