The defending champion Porvoo Butchers (1-3) will be trying to climb back into contention in Finland’s Maple League when they host the winless United Newland Crusaders (0-3) Thursday, June 13.
The Butchers find themselves in a precarious spot having won just one of their four games so far and actually remain in a playoff spot only because three teams have yet to win a game.
They stumbled right out of the gate dropping two in a row, losing 34-16 to the Seinäjoki 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 Kuopio Steelers 21-7. The Crusaders were manhandled by the Kuopío Steelers 62-14, and then by the Helsinki Roosters 63-7. However, they finally found their offense against the Crocodiles but their defense let them down as they lost, 63-41.
Watch live. United Newland Crusaders @ Porvoo Butchers, June 13, 17:30 CET (5:30 pm, 11:30 am EDT)
Butchers quarterback veteran Brandon Gwinner has thrown for 558 yards and six touchdowns in the four games with his favorite target being Adam Cofield who has hauled in 22 passes for 205 yards and two scores. Micky Kyei has caught 12 passes for 126 yards and two touchdowns. Kyei is the leading rusher for Porvoo with 26 carries for 123 yards but only one touchdown. Gwinner has kept the ball themself 23 times for 123 yards rushing with Cofield the third leading rusher on the team with 19 carries for 77 yards and a score.
For the Crusaders, Bryce Macina (Franklin University, NCAA Div. II) is behind center. In the three losses he has thrown for 674 yards and seven touchdowns. with Leonardo Sofoklis his leading receiver with 12 catches for 246 yards and four touchdowns. Moses Harries has caught14 passes for 131 yards and also rushed for 189 yards. Machina has 15 carries for 100 yards.
Although it is still early in the season, this is a critical game for both teams.