LIVESTREAM Finland: Porvoo Butchers @ Wasa Royals, 17:30 CET (5:30 pm, 11:30 am ET)
The Wasa Royals (1-3) will be hosting the Porvoo Butchers (2-2) in tonight in this Friday night Maple League football matchup in Finland.
The Royals are coming off of a thrilling home win and are looking to make it two in a row in front of their home fans. The visiting Butchers, however, see this game as a must win as the playoffs creep closer.
Porvoo’s offense revolves around dual-threat quarterback Jabari Harris. The veteran signal caller sits second in the league in total offense averaging 150 yards passing a game along with 50 yards rushing. Harris will look to find his favorite domestic receivers in Mikko Seppanen, Marcus Siiskonen, and Sami Nikkinen. On the ground, Harris and running back Sean Mcallen average over a hundred yards a game making them tough to defend against. The two will look to have success on running the ball today as the Royals run defense has struggled this season.
Porvoo Butchers @ Wasa Royals, 17:30 CET (5:30 pm, 11:30 am ET)
Defensively, Alvin Reels Jr. has been a standout player for Porvoo. The former Hungarian League star has played well in his first season in the Maple League finding ways to impact the game in coverage or against the run. Reels Jr’s athleticism pairs well with veteran linebacker Timi Nuikka, who has recorded two interceptions and leads the team with 30 tackles in four games. Look for Nuikka to be around the ball again tonight as the Royals rely on their run game to move the sticks.
Fans at Kaarlen Stadium erupted last week as the clock hit triple zeroes. Wasa had finally earned their first win of the season, defeating their rivals the Seinajoki Crocodiles to come out victorious in the historic Bothnia Bowl. The Royals offense was centered around quarterback Brandon Gwinners running ability. Tommy Kaczocha gives the athletic quarterback a receiver he can trust on the outside. In the backfield, young Nico Barrow has been blossoming as his role continues to grow in the offense. Look for Barrow and Gwinner to get lots of carries tonight.
Wasa’s defense played well last week as Finnish talents Peter Lundstrom and Victor Manty stepped up to earn the rivalry win. Tommy Kaczocha came up big in the clutch and was able to seal up the game with a leaping interception. Look for former Miami Dolphins defensive lineman Ray Lima to be a force in the trenches yet again today as the Butchers will be eager to run the ball early and often.
With a win today, the Royals would be right back in the playoff race. However, this Butchers‘ squad is determined to get back to winning after losing two straight games to the Helsinki Roosters. Expect Butchers quarterback Jarbari Harris to put on a show as he and head coach Jim Nendel have high expectations for this Porvoo team.
Watch the game live here. Porvoo Butchers @ Wasa Royals, 17:30 CET (5:30 pm, 11:30 am ET)
Wasa Royals Depth chart/roster (click to enlarge)
Porvoo Butchers depth chart/roster (click to enlarge)
