It’s Championship weekend in Finland’s 1st division! The famous Spagettimalja, Spaghetti Bowl, is being played Saturday night with the Kotka Eagles facing off against the UNC Crusaders. Both teams are hungry to hoist up the trophy after a short five game regular season.
The championship is a rematch of the week 4 matchup in which the Eagles won 17-14 at home. The game was 17-0 for Kotka at the half but a second half surge by the Crusaders almost gave them the come-from-behind victory. We are expecting another close game between these two teams.
The Kotka Eagles come into the game with an impressive 6-0 record. They dominated the Pori Bears last week winning 48-0 in the semi final game. The Eagles are led by their long-time quarterback Niclas “Nesi” Carpelan who has thrown for 1,478 yards and 26 touchdowns in only six games. Kotka’s offense has been on fire this year averaging 48 points a game this season. Carpelan and the Eagles are looking to win back-to-back championships this season!
Spaghetti Bowl Kotka Eagles v. UN Crusaders, Sept. 5, 19:00 EEST (18:00 CET, 12 ET)
For the UNC Crusaders, they enter the championship with a 4-2 record. Their two losses come from close games against Tampere Saints and Kotka Eagles. Last week, the Crusaders won 44-34 against the Saints in the semi-finals. A large part of their success has come from British running back Raymond Sobowale. Sobowale is a bruising running back who previously played for the London Warriors. This season for the Crusaders he has rushed for an astounding 753 yards and 11 touchdowns in five games. Sobowales thoughts on the championship.
“All we need to do as a team is stay focused and execute our game plan. Eliminate penalties which have been killing us, then everything will follow through.”
The Crusaders defense will need to step up against Kotka and their potent passing attack if they want to be champions at the end of this game! Look for both teams to play with unmatched energy and passion in this championship game!
Watch the game live here. Spaghetti Bowl Kotka Eagles v. UN Crusaders, Sept. 5, 19:00 EEST (18:00 CET, 12 ET)
Click on images to enlarge.
Kotka Eagles starting lineup and roster
United Newland Crusaders starting lineup and roster
