Kuopio Steelers edge Seinäjoki Crocodiles 35-33 to take Maple League lead

The Kuopio Steelers (6-2) moved to the top of the Finnish Maple League standings Saturday after holding off the Seinäjoki Crocodiles (5-2) 35-33 in a thriller at Väinölänniemi.

The Steelers built a 20-7 halftime advantage and then survived a furious Seinäjoki comeback to earn a measure of revenge for last season’s semifinal loss to the Crocodiles. The visitors finished with 373 total yards to Kuopio’s 277, but two field goals from Iiro Pekkarinen helped provide the difference.

Mack powers Steelers offense

Joshua Mack once again carried a heavy load for the Steelers, rushing for 135 yards and two touchdowns while earning player-of-the-game honors for the third time this season.

His work on the ground gave quarterback Slade Jarman room to attack through the air. Nicolas Kuikka led Kuopio in receiving yards, while Isaak Marshall hauled in a touchdown pass.

Daniel Rubinstein also returned to the lineup and made an impact before leaving the game with an apparent hand injury.

Pekkarinen’s two field goals proved especially important in a game decided by just two points. On defense, Christopher Cox returned from injury and led the Steelers with 7.5 tackles, while Akseli Syrjänen recorded an interception.

Crocodiles come charging back

After struggling to keep pace in the first half, the Crocodiles turned the game into a battle after the break.

Quarterback CJ Fowler threw for 270 yards and also led Seinäjoki in rushing. His biggest connection was with Mauricio Porcha, who delivered a huge performance with 13 receptions for 170 yards and three touchdowns.

Running back Arttu Blomqvist, whose availability had been uncertain entering the game, also made his presence felt by scoring twice.

But unlike last season’s semifinal, when the Crocodiles pulled out a dramatic late victory, the comeback fell just short this time.

Rematch comes quickly

The win gives Kuopio the upper hand in the race for the regular-season title and home-field advantage in the playoffs, but this matchup is far from settled.

The Steelers and Crocodiles will turn around and play each other again next Saturday, August 15, this time at Wirokit Stadium in Seinäjoki.

After only two points separated them in Kuopio, the second half of this back-to-back matchup could have an even bigger impact on how the Maple League playoff picture takes shape.