The defending champion Porvoo Butchers (4-3) pay a visit to Lohja to face the Crusaders (0-7) as Finland’s Maple League enters the eighth round of play
The Butchers enter this game on a three-game winning streak including a solid 24-8 win last week over the league-leading Kuopio Steelers.
The Crusaders are still looking for their first win. They were manhandled by the Kuopío Steelers 62-14 in the opening week of play, and then by the Roosters 63-7. However, they finally found their offense against the Seinäjoki Crocodiles but their defense let them down as they lost, 63-41. The Butchers whipped them 46-0 before they lost to the Royals 32-20. They lost a close one, 41-39 to the Helsinki Wolverines before another lopsided loss to the Crocodiles, 63-8.
The Butchers stumbled right out of the gate dropping two in a row, losing 34-16 to the Crocodiles and then 28-7 to the Helsinki Roosters. They finally rebounded beating the Wasa Royals, pounding them 50-13 but then lost to the Steelers 21-7. They finally found their offense whipping the Crusaders 46-0 and the Wolverines 63-0 before the win against the Steelers.
Watch live. Porvoo Butchers @ Lohja Crusaders, July 18, 17:30 CET (5:30 pm, 11:30 am EDT)
For the Crusaders, Bryce Macina (Franklin University, NCAA Div. II) is behind center. He has thrown for 1,483 yards and 15 touchdowns. with Oskari Suoniemi his leading receiver with 37 catches for 501 yards and seven touchdowns. Moses Harries has caught 25 passes for 253 yards and also rushed for 574 yards and two scores.
Butchers quarterback veteran Brandon Gwinner has thrown for 1,439 yards and 17 touchdowns in the seven games with his favorite target being Adam Cofield who has hauled in 35 passes for 303 yards and four scores. Mikko Seppänen has 29 catches for 352 yards and three touchdowns while Luukas Eerola has caught 21 passes for 442 yards and seven touchdowns. Micky Kyei is the leading rusher for Porvoo with 62 carries for 320 yards but only two touchdowns.
The Butchers have listed offensive linemen Justus and Joonatan Asovaara, who missed the last game as well, as doubtful this week as well. They have also placed defensive back Rod Sylvestre as well as Adam Cofield as doubtful but that could change before kickoff.