The Young Ones!
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| Mac Daddy- our Comic genius! |
This
was the title of a very funny British Comedy from the 1980s and is at times an
appropriate analogy to our team as many times what happens on the field and off
is comical. Yet the difference between a comedy based upon four young college
students and young Finnish players playing at the top level of American
football in Finland breaks down in the reality of our young ones and what they
have accomplished. Although it may seem like a script from a studio our young
players are creating real drama!
With the
retirement of amazing players this season from the Butchers came a void in
experience. As a result the national pundits placed us as coming in 6th
place in the Maple League this season. I know that many of the leaders in our
organization hoped that we might somehow make it to the playoffs. What has
actually transpired is quite remarkable. As we head into the last game of the
regular season against the Oulu Northern Lights we find ourselves in a tie for
first place and an 8-1 record. We have already locked up a home game in the
playoffs next week and the # 2 seed, due to our loss early on in the season to
the Crocodiles. While we have heralded the late season return of some veterans
such as Tommi Padatsu, Marko Luoma, and
Ville Palikainen the young players on this team continue to lead. I am not
minimizing the effect of these veteran players, but rather illuminating the
growth of the young Finns who have shown Sisu! I want you to meet some of them as they are the heart of our quest for
an unprecedented 7th consecutive national championship.
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| Arttu Celebrates! |
Arttu
Tennberg moved this season from our left tackle spot to center on the offensive
line. As the center he has taken on a huge leadership role. While Pasi Lautala and Sami Moilanen provide
amazing expertise, Arttu has become the leader of the line. He understands
everyone’s assignment and is a coach on the field for our other young lineman
such as Haris Budzalek who is developing in his own
right to be a great player for the future. But Arttu has displayed incredible
skills on the offensive line. He has a big frame and can put on more weight as
he develops. His footwork is amazing and he has the talent to play college
football in the United States. Our hope is to get him there next year, which
would be a blow to the Butchers but great for him and the development of the
Finnish game.
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| Niko Roiko |
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| Roiko sets the tone against the Roosters! |
Niko
Roiko returned last year in June after a year at a high school in the San Juan
Islands in Washington State. He immediately stepped into a role on our defense
as a safety anmd played a significant role in our championship role.
Unfortunately he was injured in a B Junior game and missed the playoffs as a
result. This year he worked out hard in the off season and has come back better
than ever. He has matured into a formidable force in the secondary delivering
huge hits and becoming a leader for our entire defense. While Tero Kontiainen is
our leader as the Mac backer Niko has led the secondary this year. His running
mate at the safety position has matured even more in the last year.
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| Toni Wrapping up Squilini |
Toni
Nystrom also spent last year in the states at a high school in St. Louis,
Missouri. With the loss of Sampsa Mahkonen this year Toni has had to become a full
time starter. I knew he could do it but he has exceeded my expectations. He has
a great nose for the ball and has made some incredible touchdown saving
tackles, even running down Anthony Squillini, one of the better receivers in
the league, on one play last week. He is fearless in taking on running backs
and will deliver as good as he gets. Toni has also been drafted in as our
backup quarterback and has done a great job with his opportunities there. Both
Toni and Niko also have the talent to play college football so we will see
where they end up. They are a joy to coach as they work hard, are reliable and
deal with criticism in a positive way by improving. They are as much a key for
our success as anyone on the team.
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| Niko Pennanen Celebrates with Toni Haukkamaa |
Niko
Pennanen is another of the young studs. Niko has had a challenging year as he has
played all over the place. Running back, corner, outside linebacker and nickel
back are all places he has had to play. While there are some games he has not
started because of the defense we are running to start the game he is my 12th
starter. He has done a phenomenal job of learning all the different roles and
brings toughness to the team that is usually found in older players. He is
currently in the army and so is balancing that responsibility with playing on
the team and is so reliable that it makes a coach smile. He has improved
throughout the season and fills many roles for us! All of them, crucial to our
success.
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| Micky Kyei hauling in another pass. |
On the
offensive side of the ball has been Micky Kyei who also spent last year in the
US at a high school in Minnesota. He is one of the fastest players in the
league and has been a dominating force in the Juniors as a running back. He has
played some there for us this year but needs a bit more size to endure the
inside running game. We have also used him at the slot receiver where he has
become a true threat. He has good hands and his quickness creates mismatches
against linebackers. He has drawn double and triple coverage at times this
season allowing other receivers to be freed up.
One of those receivers is another of our young studs, Phung Nguyen.
Phung rivals Micky’s speed and
they complement each other well. He not only can catch the deep ball but
catches the tough balls over the middle as well. These two players have very
different styles but create huge problems for opposing defenses.
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| Phung with another huge catch |
There are others who are also
contributing in a huge way for our team this year, but these players are not
only stand outs on the field but are also becoming leaders. That is a trait
that we need more of as these young players take over from the veterans and
continue the run that has been started for them. This will be their team and
they will need to step into the roles vacated by former champions. I look
forward to seeing their careers develop but also to see them continue this
Cinderella season to a championship! And that is not a joke or a comedy routine!
Jim
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