Finnish Maple League Week 11: Steelers, Butchers clash with first place on the line

The Finnish Maple League has reached the point where there is almost no room left for mistakes. With just two weeks remaining, Kuopio and defending champion Porvoon meet Friday in a game that could decide who controls the race for first place, while Seinäjoki and Helsinki are still very much in the postseason picture at 5-3. The Roosters have transformed their season with five straight wins, while the Crocodiles are trying to recover from consecutive losses. Three games this weekend could dramatically reshape the standings heading into the final week.

Friday, August 21

Kuopio Steelers (7-2) @ Porvoon Butchers (6-2)

This is the biggest game of Week 11 and could go a long way toward deciding the Maple League regular-season title. Kuopio sits on top at 7-2 after sweeping its back-to-back games against Seinäjoki, while Porvoon is right behind at 6-2 following its 49-27 win over Wasa.

It is also the Steelers’ final game of the regular season, making the stakes even higher. The Butchers have won six of eight and can put themselves in position to take over first place with a victory. Donovan Isom is coming off a five-touchdown performance against Wasa, while Kuopio enters after holding the Crocodiles to just seven points.

Saturday, August 22

Tampere Saints (2-6) @ Helsinki Roosters (5-3)

The Roosters have completely turned their season around. After opening 0-3, they have ripped off five straight victories and climbed into fourth place.

Their latest win came against these same Saints, a 49-20 victory in Tampere. Ambro Urjansson threw for 228 yards and four touchdowns, while Freddie Brock and Lassi Pajarinen scored twice apiece.

Tampere stayed within 21-14 at halftime before Helsinki pulled away, but 21 penalties for 119 yards made life much more difficult for the Saints.

Saturday, August 22

Seinäjoki Crocodiles (5-3) @ Wasa Royals (2-6)

After back-to-back losses to Kuopio, the Crocodiles head to Wasa needing a win to steady themselves heading toward the playoffs.

Seinäjoki has slipped from first to third after falling 35-33 and 26-7 to the Steelers in consecutive weeks. The Crocodiles still have two games remaining, however, and victories over Wasa and Helsinki could significantly improve their postseason position.

The Royals, meanwhile, are coming off a 49-27 loss to Porvoon despite Shazzon Mumphrey throwing for 372 yards. Andrew McElroy accounted for 276 receiving yards and two touchdowns, but Wasa managed only 18 yards on the ground and Mumphrey was intercepted three times.

With Kuopio and Porvoon battling at the top and Seinäjoki and Helsinki jockeying for playoff position, Week 11 could have a major impact on how the postseason bracket takes shape.