No surprises in stats leaders as Finland’s Maple League reaches mid season
Finland’s Maple League has reached its midpoint with the unbeaten Helsinki Roosters leading the league. Roosters players also occupy the most number of spots – five – in the 20 available in our Top 5 categories. The Wasa Royals follow them with four players among the Top 20 while the Hämeenlinna Huskies and Tampere Saints have three each.
Passing
Helsinki Roosters quarterback Brandon Connette has picked up where he left off in the German Football League in 2016 and tops all passers by a wide margin having thrown for 1,657 yards and 21 TDs. He is followed by Justin Sottilare of the Wasa Royals who has 1,237 yards while Hämeenlinna Huskies head coach and quarterback Stan Bedwell is not far behind in third with 1,205 yards and 15 TDs. Jordan Moore, of the Porvoo Butchers, who is now out for the year, still remains 4th with 751 and Tampere Saints QB Raleigh Yeldell is 5th with his 567 yards passing.
Receiving
Wasa Royals receiver RJ Long has been the favorite target of QB Justin Sottilare and has hauled in 32 passes for 511 yards to lead the league. But Bernard Luster of the Helsinki Roosters is right behind with his 492 yards and eight TDs. Timothy Thomas of the Roosters following at 391 yards while the Porvoo Butchers Mikko Seppanen is 4th with 314. Stan Bedwell’s favorite receiver with the Huskies is Roman Runner who is 5th with 314 yards and 5 TDs.
Rushing
The 4th place Porvoo Butchers are keeping pace with the top 3 teams thanks in part to running back Darion Hall who amassed 656 yards rushing and 7 TDs in 4 games before suffering a season-ending injury. Josh Quesada of the Turku Trojans follows him with 418 yards while the Vaasa Royals Tom Suoste is 3rd with 325. Tampere Saints Portuguese RB Juzz Tiny has only carried the ball 40 times but has 290 yards rushing, good for 4th. Rounding out the top 5 is Jaycen Taylor of the Roosters with his 289 yards and 4 TDs.
Tackling
Vaasa Royals LB Chris Young has been helping to keep his team in games with his defensive play and leads with league with 42.5 tackles. IIkka Koiranen of the Turku Trojans is 2nd at 40.5 tackles while Huskies LB Tahj Jones has 35 tackles, good for 3rd. Tampere Saints Tony Baloon has recorded 31 tackles while Ilya Redin of the Roosters also has 31.
