Malik Henry threw for five touchdowns

ALBANY, N.Y. — Malik Henry threw for five touchdowns and the Michigan Arsenal handed the Albany Firebirds their first loss of the 2026 Arena Football One season with a 57-42 victory Friday night at MVP Arena.

The loss ended Albany's 20-game winning streak dating to the 2024 season.

Henry, the runaway league-leader in passing yards (2,006) and passing touchdowns (42), completed 20 of 34 passes for 259 yards and five touchdowns without an interception as Michigan improved its playoff position entering the second half of the regular season.

Daniel Williams III caught seven passes for 127 yards and two touchdowns, while Jarvai Flowers added eight receptions for 108 yards and two scores. Trevante Long caught four passes for 17 yards and a touchdown for the Arsenal.

Michigan also received two rushing touchdowns from Ricky Weaver, who carried 10 times for 27 yards.

The Arsenal defense forced two turnovers and recorded four sacks against one of the league's most productive offenses. Berdale Robins and Khai West each intercepted a pass from Albany quarterback Sam Castronova. Chris Fitzgerald registered two sacks, while Jalen Jackson and Justin Sykes each added one.

Castronova completed 12 of 33 passes for 255 yards, four touchdowns and two interceptions. He also scored on a short rushing attempt.

Duane Brown led Albany receivers with nine catches for 84 yards and two touchdowns. Darien Townsend added seven receptions for 74 yards and two touchdowns, while Agiye Hall caught six passes for 74 yards.

Miyan Williams rushed four times for 20 yards for the Firebirds.

Michigan received a key special teams play from Vance Bennett, who returned a kickoff 50 yards for a touchdown and finished with 83 kickoff return yards.

Michigan outscored Albany by 15 points despite the Firebirds producing 255 passing yards and four touchdown receptions. The Arsenal finished with five touchdown passes, two rushing touchdowns and a kickoff return touchdown.

Albany kicker Evan Byrd converted one of two extra-point attempts. Michigan kicker Oscar Roden converted three field goals and three extra points.

The Firebirds fell to 8-1, while Michigan improved to 3-6.

Today: Minnesota (5-2) at Nashville (6-1), 5 p.m. EST

Sunday: Washington (3-4) at Oceanside (1-7), 6 p.m. EST