Saturday’s matchup between the Kuopio Steelers and Helsinki Wolverines will wrap up another exciting week in Finland’s Maple League. The visiting Wolverines are going into a tough game against the undefeated Steelers. This game could have huge playoff implications in a shortened season.
The Steelers are coming in at 2-0 and won convincingly last week in Porvoo 48-21. The star of last week was Steelers running back Lamar Carswell. Carswell used his speed to break three touchdown runs of over 60 yards. Carswell finished the day with an incredible 256 yards and 4 touchdowns on only 9 carries. In the passing game receiver Josh Vandeweerd had an excellent five-catch and 97 yard performance.
Defensively, the Steelers unit showed off a tenacious pass rush collecting 3 sacks and multiple hurries. This type of pressure helped safety Tommy Kaczocha be able to make two interceptions. Edge defender Semmie Radji was the teams leading tackler last week with six total tackles, including three for a loss. Linebacker AJ Wentland did not play against Porvoon. The Steelers announced his signing only four days before the game. Radji had some thoughts on slowing down the Wolverines athletic player makers.
“Simple, just follow the game plan, play disciplined, and swarm the ball.”
Helsinki Wolverines @ Kuopio Steelers, Aug. 15, 16:30 EEST (15:30 CET, 9:30 ET)
The Wolverines are heading into week 3 with a 1-1 record. After a convincing win in week 1 the Wolverines lost the Royals at home last week 36-26. Quarterback Chris Forcier missed most of the second and third quarters with an injury. However Forcier threw a beautiful touchdown pass to Cedric Johnson on his first snap back in the game. Forcier was a weapon on the ground as well rushing for 67 yards and two touchdowns. The Wolverines also utilized running back Joonatan El Quacef. The 220 pound El Quacef rumbled for 95 yards and a touchdown. The Wolverines will need their offense to click on Saturday against an athletic Steelers defense.
On defense the Wolverines added Swedish defensive backs William James and Sebastian Gauthier who both played their first game of the season last week. James had 11 tackles and a forced fumble, while Gauthier added five tackles and a pass breakup. The addition of these two takes the pressure off of receivers Sebastian Sagne and Micky Kyei who often had to play on both sides of the ball in week 1. The key in week 3 for the Wolverines will be stopping the Steelers potent rushing attack. Wolverines head coach Matt Mattingly had some thoughts on the matchup.
“We are 1-1 now with the playoffs are obviously still alive. With three games left. We have Kuopio next week. That will be a pretty tough game. They are good on both sides of the ball. We will be ready to and hopefully can get another win next Saturday against Kuopio, Go Wolverines!”
Saturday’s matchup is Kuopio’s first home game of the short season. The distance from Helsinki and home crowd should play as an advantage for the Steelers. The Wolverines will go into this week needing a win if they want to compete for one of the top two playoff spots.
Watch the game live here. Helsinki Wolverines @ Kuopio Steelers, Aug. 15, 16:30 EEST (15:30 CET, 9:30 ET)
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Kuopio Steelers starters and roster
Helsinki Wolverines starters and roster
