In this penultimate week of regular season football in Finland, the undefeated Kuopio Steelers (10-0) will host the Porvoo Butchers (4-6) in this Friday night Maple League matchup. Both teams are looking to finish the regular season strong before their plans vary.
As a team, the Steelers looked dominant once again last week defeating a solid Crocodiles team 27-8 on the road.
Porvoo Butchers @ Kuopio Steelers August 19, 17:30 CET, (5:30 pm, 11:30 am ET)
The Steelers defense leads the league with 36 sacks in 10 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 be keyed in one stopping the Butcher mobile quarterback Brandon Gwinner.
Offensively, running back Leanthony Reasnover ran for 161 yards and four touchdowns last week against the Crocodiles. The Steelers have the Maple League’s best rushing attack averaging over 200 yards a game on the ground.
The Porvoo Butchers are coming off of a 49-42 shootout victory over the UNC Crusaders. Quarterback Brandon Gwinner ran for 111 yards along with two touchdowns while also adding two scored and 132 yards passing. Former Tennessee State (NCAA DI FCS) running back Seth Rowland also played well rushing for two scored and 143 yards. The Porvoo offense revolves around veteran Mikko Seppanen and the rushing duo of Rowland and Gwinner.
Defensively, veteran Timi Nuikka, Anthony Figueroa, and the rest of the Butchers will look to contain a fierce Steelers running game offense and create turnovers.
Watch the game live here. Porvoo Butchers @ Kuopio Steelers August 19, 17:30 CET, (5:30 pm, 11:30 am ET)
