New rushing leader as Finland’s Maple League heads into final three games

AFI | American Football | 07/28/2017

Graphic: Igor Lazarevic

With three games left in Finland’s Maple League the Helsinki Roosters still top the league and now boast leaders in two of the four key categories as Jaycen Taylor has now become the rushing leader. But the top four teams – Roosters, Porvoo Butchers, Hämeenlinna Huskies and Wasa Royals – still dominate the key stats categories.

(Stats do not include Wasa Royals-Porvoo Butchers July 27 game)

Passing

Helsinki Roosters quarterback Brandon Connette continues to top all passers having thrown for 2,284 yards and 30 TDs. Hämeenlinna Huskies head coach and quarterback Stan Bedwell is not far behind in second with 2,248 yards and 23 TDs. He is followed by Justin Sottilare of the Wasa Royals who has 2,114 yards while Tampere Saints QB Raleigh Yeldell is 4th with his 1,062 yards . Jordan Moore, of the Porvoo Butchers, who is now out for the year, still remains 5th with 751.

Receiving

Wasa Royals receiver RJ Long has been the favorite target of QB Justin Sottilare and has hauled in 929 yards in receptions to lead the league. Hämeenlinna Huskies receiver Roman Runner has jumped up from 3rd to 2nd with 680 yards while Bernard Luster of the Helsinki Roosters has 565 yards and 9 TDs. while Timothy Thomas of the Roosters follows in 4th with 553. Niko Lester of the Huskies has now entered the list in 5th with his 463 yards.

Rushing

Jaycen Taylor of the Roosters has taken over top spot in rushing with his 196 yards against the Butchers and now has 790 yards rushing. Porvoo Butchers running back Ricky Stevens has climbed into 2nd with a pair of outstanding games and has 790 yards. The injured Darion Hall who amassed 656 yards rushing and 7 TDs in 4 games before suffering a season-ending injury is 3rd. Josh Quesada of the Turku Trojans follows him with 612 yards while Vaasa Royals Tom Suoste is 5th with 566.

Tackling

Vaasa Royals LB Chris Young has been outstanding for his team in 2017 and leads with league with 64 tackles. IIkka Koiranen of the Turku Trojans is 2nd at 53 tackles while Ville-Valtteri Suojanen of the Turku Trojans now occupies 3rd with 51 tackles. Helsinki Roosters linebacker Sebastian Karbin has moved into 4th with 50 tackles while Huskies LB Tahj Jones has 45.5 tackles, good for 5th.