LIVESTREAM Finland: Helsinki Roosters @ Kuopio Steelers, August 26, 17:30 CET, (5:30 pm, 10:30 am ET)

| American Football | 08/26/2022

The Kuopio Steelers look to cap a perfect regular season with a quality win against the second place Roosters in front of their home fans. If the Roosters can pull off the upset, they will secure themselves a home playoff game next week, making their return to the Maple Bowl an easier feat. 

Helsinki Roosters @ Kuopio Steelers. August 26, 17:30 CET, (5:30 pm, 10:30 am ET)

These two teams met back in May for the league kickoff game, as the Steelers cruised to a 49-20 win in Helsinki. 

The Steeler’s defense leads the league with 37 sacks in 11 games. Linebacker Colby Campbell, along with returning Steelers defenders Ikeem Allen (Miami OH), Jani Lindqvist, Roni Laine, and Iro Pekkarinen make for a tough unit to score against. This week that same unit will be keyed in one stopping the Rooster’s mobile quarterback Bryce Stancomb. 

Offensively, running back Leanthony Reasnover ran for 112 yards and two touchdowns last week against the Butchers. The Steelers have the Maple League’s best rushing attack averaging over 200 yards a game on the ground.When they do pass, Maple Bowl champion quarterback Joey Bradley will target fullback Ville Lindsten, and receivers Isaac Marshall and Hannes Harju.

The Roosters are coming off of a huge win against the Seinäjoki Crocodiles dominating another playoff team 41-14 last week.  Quarterback Bryce Stancomb threw for 342 yards and avoided turnovers. Running back Lassi Pajarinen continues to emerge as Helsinki’s go to guy rushing for 93 yards and a touchdown while adding another 50 yards receiving.  

Defensively, Helsinki will look for key players Christer Berg, Taavi Aronpaa, Kaleb Wezdenko, and veteran Cam Gruel to step up against the league best rushing attack. In the secondary, Emory Polley and Nolan Bernat hope to get their hands on any passes up for grabs like to throw the ball deep often.

LIVESTREAM Finland: Helsinki Roosters @ Kuopio Steelers, August 26, 17:30 CET, (5:30 pm, 10:30 am ET)

Alex is a former NCAA and semi-pro American football player who is now located in London, where he works in digital marketing. His goal in writing for AFI is to stay involved with the game that has given him so much. Alex enjoys covering leagues and