Finnish Maple League Week 10: Title race takes shape as regular season enters final stretch

Back-to-back wins over the Seinäjoki Crocodiles have given the Kuopio Steelers some breathing room at the top of the Finnish Maple League with two rounds left in the regular season.

The Kuopio Steelers completed a season sweep of the Seinäjoki Crocodiles with a 26-7 road victory, the Porvoon Butchers stayed right behind them by beating the Wasa Royals 49-27, and the defending champion Helsinki Roosters extended the league’s longest winning streak to five games with a 49-20 victory over the Tampere Saints.

1. Kuopio Steelers (7-2)

The Steelers strengthened their position at the top by beating Seinäjoki for the second time in eight days. After winning a 35-33 shootout in the first meeting, Kuopio controlled the rematch 26-7 at Wirokit Stadion.

Slade Jarman threw for 232 yards, with Isaak Marshall catching eight passes for 126 yards. Joshua Mack was held to 79 rushing yards but still scored twice, while Tuukka Lehtonen added a long touchdown run. The Steelers have one regular-season game remaining, against the Porvoon Butchers, in a matchup that could have major implications for the top of the standings.

2. Porvoon Butchers (6-2)

The Butchers kept the pressure on Kuopio with an impressive 49-27 road victory over Wasa.

Donovan Isom completed 28 of 37 passes and threw five touchdowns as Porvoon scored touchdowns on each of its first three possessions. The defense also made its presence felt, intercepting Shazzon Mumphrey three times. Rassie Littlejohn had two of those picks and returned one for a touchdown, while Joonas Mattila added another interception.

At 6-2, the Butchers remain firmly in contention for the regular-season title.

3. Seinäjoki Crocodiles (5-3)

A week after putting up 33 points against Kuopio, the Crocodiles could not find the same offensive rhythm in the rematch.

CJ Fowler was held to 122 passing yards, while Paavo Rantakömi caught Seinäjoki’s only touchdown. Mauricio Porcha added four receptions for 72 yards. The back-to-back losses to the Steelers have dropped the Crocodiles from first to third, but they still have games remaining against the Wasa Royals and Helsinki Roosters.

4. Helsinki Roosters (5-3)

The defending champions continue to surge after their 0-3 start.

Helsinki made it five consecutive victories with a 49-20 road win over Tampere, pulling away after leading only 21-14 at halftime. Ambro Urjansson threw for 228 yards and four touchdowns, while Freddie Brock and Lassi Pajarinen each scored twice.

The Roosters offensive line did not allow a sack, while the defense brought down Christopher Howard three times. Helsinki has gone from the bottom of the standings to a serious postseason threat.

5. Tampere Saints (2-6)

The Saints stayed competitive against Helsinki for much of the game before the Roosters scored the final four touchdowns.

Konsta Mäenpää rushed for 125 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries, but penalties were costly. Tampere was flagged 21 times for 119 yards as its playoff hopes took another major hit.

6. East City Giants (2-7)

The Giants were idle in Week 10 and stay in sixth place at 2-7. With the regular season winding down, East City has little room left to improve its position.

7. Wasa Royals (2-6)

The Royals remain in the cellar following their 49-27 loss to Porvoon, despite a huge passing performance.

Shazzon Mumphrey threw for 372 yards and two touchdowns, with Andrew McElroy accounting for 276 receiving yards and both scores. But Wasa managed only 18 rushing yards and turned the ball over three times through the air.