LIVESTREAM Finland: Porvoo Butchers @ Kuopio Steelers, August 14, 15:30 CET (3:30 pm, 9:30 am ET)
The Kuopio Steelers (6-0) will host the Porvoo Butchers (3-2) in this Finnish Maple League matchup. Kuopio is coming off of a huge win over the Helsinki Roosters, while the Butchers currently are fighting to hold on to their third seed in the standings. Expect the Steelers to play well in front of their home fans today, while Porvoo looks to measure themselves up against the league’s top team.
The star of Kuopio’s big win was clearly Le’Anthony Reasonover. Reasonover dominated the Roosters putting up an eye-popping 386 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns. Reasover’s elite acceleration allowed him to burn defenders as he pulled off both a 90-yard touchdown run and a 75-yard touchdown reception. Expect quarterback Joey Bradley to target Reasonver again today along with receivers Jeffrey Alexandre and Hannes Harju. Finnish veteran tailback Tuuka Lehtonen should also see plenty of touches spelling Reasonover today.
Porvoo Butchers @ Kuopio Steelers, August 14, 15:30 CET (3:30 pm, 9:30 am ET)
Defensively, the Steeler’s athletic defensive line will have to wrap up to tackle athletic Butchers quarterback Jabari Harris. Pass rusher Semmie Radji is eager to add to his stats as his five and a half sacks currently have him at first place in the Maple League. In the secondary, Adel Bafdile and Eero Vaija will look to continue to force turnovers as the two have combined for an impressive seven interceptions this season.
Quarterback Jabari Harris is a seasoned veteran of Finnish football leading the Butchers onto the field today. Despite a long list of notable games, Harris is coming off of one of his best outings, putting up 423 yards and six total scores against the Wasa Royals. Harris is sure to use his arm and his legs to move the sticks again today against an athletic Steelers defense. Expect the veteran passer to spread the ball around to Finnish talent Marcus Siskonen and Mikko Seppanen. Out of the backfield, Sean Mcallen is sure to see some more touches. Currently averaging over 100 all-purpose yards a game Mcallen has proven to be a legit playmaker in his first year playing in Finland. The Butchers also recently added Canadian receiver Brandon Ihanza a product of Saint Mary’s University. The 6’1 205lb receiver should add another dimension to an already explosive offense.
Finnish national team linebacker Timmi Nuikka has been the backbone of the Butchers defense racking up 34 tackles and two interceptions. However, linebacker Alvin Reels Jr. and defensive back William Stigzelius have also performed well as the team’s defensive imports have been swarming to the ball and forcing turnovers at a high rate. Look for the Butchers to try and rip the ball out against a run-heavy Steelers offense.
The Butchers have a chance to measure themselves today against the best team in Finland. The Butchers have a chance to make the postseason for the first time since 2018. Across the field, Steelers look to continue their success in front of their home crowd as they are determined to finish the regular season strong and repeat as champions.
Watch the game live here Porvoo Butchers @ Kuopio Steelers, August 14, 15:30 CET (3:30 pm, 9:30 am ET)
Kuopio Steelers Depth/roster
Porvoo Butchers roster
