Kuopio Steelers claimed second straight Mapple Bowl title

Kuopio Steelers took their second consecutive championship by defeating Helsinki Roosters in Lahti Stadium in the Mapple Bowl XLII with a score of 14-0 (7-0). The game on wet field became a duel between two tough defenses.

The winner of the regular season of the Maple League, Steelers, took a clean win over Roosters in Lahti. The defenses of both teams played a good game, but only one of the teams managed to keep their own end zone clean and deserved a win on Sunday. Maple Bowl XLII was the second consecutive final in which the Kuopio Steelers’ defense keeps the opponent at zero. At the end of the 2020 season, the Steelers also beat the Helsinki-based Wolverines at the same Lahti Stadium with a score of 21-0.

The first touchdown was scored by Steelers LB Maurice Wright Jr. In the second quarter, the American forced the ball to the zone with 2 yard run. In the regular season of the Maple League, Wright Jr ran with the ball 15 times, nine of which ended up in the end zone.

Wright Jr was awarded the MVP of the game on Sunday and earlier in the afternoon the man had already been named Player of the Year of the Maple League. Wright Jr. said the choices were a great honor for him, but without the men who played alongside him and good coaching, his game wouldn’t be at the level it was through the season either.

On the 3^rd quarters Hannes Harju caught a 19-yard pass from Joey Bradley for the final touchdown.

Kuopio Steelers has now won championship twice in a row.  Before Steelers, Helsinki Roosters took 8 consecutive titles.

Game statistics: Steelers-Roosters 12.09.2021