The matchup between the visiting Kuopio Steelers (1-0) and the Porvoo Butchers (0-1) August 8 will wrap up the second week of Finland’s Maple League.
The Butchers will be looking to bounce back after giving up a 28-7 lead against the Wasa Royals last week. On a positive note Quarterback Jabari Harris showed that the Butchers offense is not one to be taken lightly. Harris is currently one of the league’s leading rushers after gaining 188 yards and two touchdowns on the ground last week. The Butchers punished the Royals for over 200 yards on the ground. Through the air they will be leaning on wide receivers Miko Seppanen and Kristian Natunen to make big plays on Saturday.
Kuopio Steelers @ Porvoon Butchers, Aug. 8, 16:30 EEST (15:30 CEDT, 9:30 EDT)
Harris on this week’s game:
“I’m excited about this weeks game vs the Steelers. Its our first home game, and we get to go against one of the best teams in the country! They have a lot of talented players that we get to test ourselves against this week.”
Defensively, big plays killed the Butchers last week. They will need their defensive line to step up and improve the teams run defense after allowing over 300 yards rushing to the Royals. That being said Butchers linebacker Timi Nuikka was a force in week one, racking up 3 tackles, one for a loss, and a key interception.
The visiting Kuopio Steelers are coming off of one of their biggest wins in years after upsetting the Roosters 43-34. One of the keys to the upset was new import running back Lamar Carswell (Trine University, Indiana). Carswell used his speed and tough running style to rack up 104 yards rushing and 4 total touchdowns. Quarterback Seth Peters also did a excellent job of distributing the ball, completing passes to six different receivers. The Steelers offense could be aided by their newly acquired offensive lineman Lane Acheampong formerly of the Potsdam Royals (Germany). A concern for the Steelers will be their point after touchdown unit, which scored only one point on six attempts last week.
Defensively, the Steelers did a great job forcing five turnovers in last week’s win. This included a 36-yard pick six by Tino Ndongo. The Steelers could be reinforced by new signings on defense this week as the club announced the signing of linebacker AJ Wentland (Dresden Monarchs). Wentland led the German Football League in tackles the last two seasons. Another former Dresden Monarch joining the team will be French defensive back Maxine De Falcis. Kuopio’s pass rush is looking to be disruptive again after hurrying and sacking the roosters quarterback multiple times last week. Edge defender Semmie Radji who had a critical sack in the 4th quarter of last week’s game offered some thoughts on this week’s match up.
“I go into every game expecting to win so personally I don’t feel no type of way, but I’m happy for the team of course. We showed that we handle adversity the right way as a team and defense so that’s a good look.”
Saturdays game will be a great look at how both teams respond to their different week 1 results. It will be interesting to see how the new players mesh for Kuopio and how the Butchers can adjust after a poor second half last week.
Watch the game live here. Kuopio Steelers @ Porvoon Butchers, Aug. 8, 16:30 EEST (15:30 CEDT, 9:30 EDT)
Porvoon Butchers Roster (Click to enlarge)
Kuopio Steelers Roster (Click to enlarge)
