LIVESTREAM FINLAND: Helsinki Wolverines @ Kuopio Steelers, July 2nd, 15:30 CET, (3:30 pm, 9:30 am ET)
In this highly anticipated rematch, two of the Maple Bowl favorites line up against each other for the second time this season as the 3-1 Helsinki Wolverines take on the undefeated Kuopio Steelers.
The last time these two squads met, the Steeler’s defense dominated the Wolverines on their home turf winning 15-0. Helsinki hopes to be able to knock off the defending champs at their home stadium and shake up the Finnish Maple League.
Leading the fierce Steelers defense is newcomer Colby Campbell. The longhaired defender is a former D1 (Duke Blue Devils) talent that has played well since arriving in Finland in week two. In four games so far, Colby has 21 tackles and two sacks. 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.
Helsinki Wolverines @ Kuopio Steelers, July 2nd, 15:30 CET, (3:30 pm, 9:30 am ET)
Offensively, running back Leanthony Reasnover leads the way for the Steelers rushing for 145 yards a game. Spelling Reasnover is veteran Tuuka Lehtonen chipping in over 73 yards a yard in his own right. When they do pass, the savvy veteran Joey Bradley will target Ville Lindsten, Isaac Marshall, and Hannes Harju. Last time out against the Wolverines, Kuopio ran for 103 yards led by Reasnover.
The Wolverine’s offense has some solid reinforcements for their rematch against Kuopio as they’ve recently added offensive lineman Noah Ramirez and Paul-Henry Minzeni. Also, speedy receiver Sebastian Sagne is back on the field after missing extended time with an injury Sagne is a 6’2 receiver with blazing speed. The Finnish pass-catcher was drafted by the CFL back in 2021 and has played for the Frankfurt Universe and Dresden Monarchs in the GFL.
Quarterback Jabari Harris hopes to involve Sagne with receivers RJ Harris and Martin Emos. Harris along with coach Michael Mattingly hope the revamped Wolverines offense can put up some point against the league’s top defense.
Expect the athletic Helsinki secondary of Eric Irvin, Curtis Slater, and Colby Burton (Hawaii NCAA DI) to cause problems for the Steelers offense. This tough secondary is complemented well with a fierce defensive line featuring James Perrineau, Ville Valasti, Benjamin Egbudiwe, and Jonis Heikkinen. If Helsinki can stop the run, they could pull off the upset.
Watch the game live here on AFI.tv. Helsinki Wolverines @ Kuopio Steelers , July 2nd, 15:30 CET, (3:30 pm, 9:30 am ET)
