The Wasa Royals (0-2) will host the Kuopio Steelers (2-0) in this Saturday afternoon Maple League action in Finland.
These two teams met the first week of the season with Kuopio winning handily, 35-3.
The Steelers are looking to complete the sweep as they travel across the country to western Finland for the second time in three games. Wasa on the other hand will be aiming to show some improvement today at home after struggling through the first two games of the season.
Wasa’s quarterback Brandon Gwinner was the leader one of Finland’s most exciting offenses in 2020. This year however, Gwinner and Royals have struggled to score as they’ve put up only a field goal through eight quarters. Fans can expect the Royals offense to improve as talented running backs Nico Barrow and Tom Suoste continue to mesh with an experienced offensive line and a talented quarterback. If they want a chance at beating the defending champions this offensive will have to get into the endzone.
Kuopio Steelers @ Wasa Royals, July 10, 15:30 CET (3:30 pm, 09:20 am ET)
Linebacker Sam Dickey has been glue holding this Wasa defense together. The former Kenyon College Lord (NCAA D3) is averaging nine tackles a game. Former Miami Dolphins defensive lineman Ray Lima should play better as he adjusts to the European game. Safety Tommy Kaczocha is another staple of this defense. The hard hitting safety will have the tough task of containing an explosive group of Kuopio pass catchers. Expect the passionate veteran to bring something extra to today’s game as he faces off against his former team.
The Steelers were able to get the win last week in a back and forth affair with the Seinajoki Crocodiles. After going up 17-0, turnovers helped Seinajoki comeback and take a 24-18 lead late in the third quarter. Fortunately for Kuopio, Finnish talents Tuuka Lehtonen and Hannes Harju helped them pull away in the fourth quarter and cruise to a double digit victory. This week, expect quarterback Joey Bradley to target French receiver Jeffrey Alexandre. Running back Le’anthony Reasover and a powerful Steelers offensive line should be able to move the ball against a Wasa defense that struggled against them in their prior matchup this season.
Defensively, Kuopio was able to contain the Royals back on June 19th. Linebackers Maurice Wright Jr and Samme Radji flew to the ball making yards hard to come by. Defensive tackle Ikeem Allen (Mami OH: NCAA D1) is eager for this rematch as he was able to run unchecked in the Wasa backfield in their prior matchup. Look for Allen, and fellow pass rushers Aatu Suhonen and Janni Lindqvist to be putting pressure on Gwinner for four quarters today.
The visiting Steelers have a ton of momentum after coming out of the blocks and are looking like the team to beat once again in 2021. The Wasa Royals have performed poorly in their first two games and have a chance to at redemption today as there is still plenty of time for them to turn things around this season.
Watch the game live here. Kuopio Steelers @ Wasa Royals, July 10, 15:30 CET (3:30 pm, 09:20 am ET)
Wasa Royals Depth
Kuopio Steelers Depth/roster (click to enlarge)
