Duluth Arena Football Team Repeats Title

Last year it was an upset. This year it was no surprise.

The Duluth Habor Monsters repeated as Arena Mania champions with their 56-27 win over the Hot Springs Wiseguys in The Arena League (TAL) title game.

After a big defensive stop on the opening possession and they opened the game on offense with a Jamal Couch rushing touchdown that gave them a 7-0 lead.

It was a back-and-forth first half that ended with two straight touchdowns from the Harbor Monsters to take back the lead and then add some wiggle room before heading into halftime with a 25-13 lead.

Commissioner Tim Brown attended the game and presented the ArenaMania trophy to head coach Tony O’ Neil after the game held at the Duluth Entertainment Convention Center.

A back-and-forth battle between the Harbor Monsters and the Wiseguys in the first half, with Duluth holding a 25 to 13 lead at halftime.

In the second half, the Harbor Monsters ran away with the game, defeating the Wiseguys 56-27, to claim their second consecutive championship.

Duluth finished the regular season at the top of the league standings with a 6-2 record then routed the Ozarks Lunkers 69-26 in the semifinals.

The Harbor Monsters edged the Iowa Woo 46-44 in last year's title game.

The Arena League season recap:

1. Duluth Harbor Monsters (7-2)
2. Hot Springs Wise Guys (6-3)
3. Iowa Woo (4-5)
4. Ozarks Lunkers (4-5)
5. St. Joseph Goats (3-6)
6. Eau Claire Axemen (1-6)

Semifinals

Duluth 69, Ozarks 26

Hot Springs 57, Iowa 36

Arena Mania II

Duluth 56, Hot Springs 27