LIVESTREAM FINLAND: United Newland Crusaders @ Porvoo Butchers, August 27, 16:30 CET (4:30 pm, 10:30 am ET)
The Porvoo Butchers (4-3) will host the UNC Crusaders (2-5) in the regular-season Maple League finale for both teams.
For the Butchers, the postseason awaits them as they’ve done enough to lock up the third seed in the playoffs. Meanwhile, the Crusaders will end their season today but are finishing the season strong, riding a two-game win streak.
The Crusaders enter Porvoo red hot. After defeating the Wasa Royals two weeks ago, the Crusaders downed the previously unbeaten Kuopio Steelers in a 58-50 shootout. That game included an offensive explosion that features a few stars. Quarterback Robert Johnson led the way throwing for 578 yards and five scores. Unsurprisingly, Johnson’s favorite target was his younger brother Cedric Johnson who finished the game with 275 yards receiving and three touchdowns. Irish receiver Finn Kearns and running back Kam Harris both added big plays to put up 58 points against the league’s top defense. If the Crusaders can bring that same potent passing attack on the road in Porvoo expect them to finish their season on a three-game win streak and lots of momentum going into the off-season.
United Newland Crusaders @ Porvoo Butchers, August 27, 16:30 CET (4:30 pm, 10:30 am ET)
Defensively, the Crusaders showed a ton of fight as many of their players went both ways. The defensive unit was able to do just enough to get the win grabbing an interception and holding the leagues leading rushing to under 100 yards. Karri Salonen forced a fumble while Hungarian defender Zoltan Golita was able to pluck a pass out of the air for an interception. Today, the Crusader’s defense will have to contain a multitude of Porvoo receivers and an athletic quarterback in Jabari Harris.
Butchers quarterback Jabari Harris has put on a show this season throwing for 1,344 yards and 13 touchdowns while adding 295 yards and five scores on the ground. Harris combines with Sean Mcallen to create a dangerous backfield that can torch defenses using the speed options and zone-read plays. Mcallen has put up 1,144 yards and eight touchdowns making him one of the league’s best big-play threats. At receiver, Brandon Izhanza, Mikko Seppanen, and Marcus Siskonen give Harris plenty of options on the outside.
The Butchers defense has a tough challenge today facing a talented Crusaders passing offense. Expect Brandon Izhanza to play in the defensive backfield as well as William Stigzelius need to be able to cover a skilled group of Crusaders receivers. Expect linebacker Alvin Reels Jr. to rush the passer often today in order to hurry Robert Johnson and disrupt a Crusaders offense that has a ton of confidence right now.
The Crusaders bring their two-game win streak on the road eager to show that they are a team to watch next season. Across the field, the Butchers are determined to defend their home turf and make some noise in the postseason as they have already locked up the third seed in the playoffs.
Porvoo Butchers depth chart
United Newland Crusaders depth chart
