Bahamian professional American football player Mavin Saunders made his debut in the Vaahteraliiga (Maple League) for the Helsinki Wolverines on Saturday, but they fell 14-6 to the Porvoo Butchers at Central Field in Porvoo, Finland.
The former tight end who now plays as a wide receiver finished the game with one reception for a two-yard gain. He said that it’s going to be tough for them in the beginning because his team is using a former wide receiver as the quarterback, and needs some time to adjust.
“It was a battle,” Saunders said. “Offensively, we are struggling because we have a quarterback who is in his first year playing in that position. As an offense we are just trying to put things together, making it easier for him.”
The Wolverines’ offense was only able to finish with 67 combined yards with quarterback Cedric Johnson finishing 8-for-26 with two interceptions. He didn’t have a touchdown pass.
The first four drives for the Wolverines ended with a fumble, a turnover on downs, an interception and a punt.
Like in Spain, Saunders said he is being doubled and tripled teamed by opposing defenses. Despite the tough coverage on him, the Bimini native said he was happy to be back on the field and is hopeful that they can still make the playoffs. He is not looking specifically to build his statistics but wants his team to win games.
“It’s good to be back on the field. The only frustrating thing is being doubled and tripled team and just running around all game. It comes with it. I look at it as a sign of respect and hopefully we can still make plays and the team steps up and win some games to make it into the playoffs,” Saunders stated. “Teams are trying to take me completely out the game and force other guys to make plays and we didn’t make enough plays.”
The Wolverines got on the scoreboard at the 1:46 mark in the second quarter when running back Breon Allen scored a touchdown. The extra point attempt was blocked. The Butchers led 7-6 at that point.
The score remained the same heading into the fourth quarter. A rushing touchdown by the Butchers with 2:20 left in the game put them up 14-6, which ended up being the final score of the game.
Asked about the difference from playing in Spain and in Finland, Saunders said it is a minor adjustment.
“For me it’s the same thing – if they have two or three guys who guarding me, it makes no sense for the quarterback to throw me the ball or anything like that because someone else should be open. The only difference is that my quarterback in Spain was a veteran quarterback. He knew how to take advantage of someone else being open. He would set plays up where if they run two or three guys with me then someone else would be wide open. Here in Finland, we are trying to get to the same point where if there are two or three guys on me, someone else should be open. We have to be able to hit those guys,” said Saunders.
The former Florida State University (FSU) and University of Kansas collegiate player and his Wolverines will have to put that game behind them and get ready to hit the gridiron tomorrow when they play the Helsinki Roosters at the Velodrimi in Helsinki, Finland.
“Hopefully, offensively, we do not turn the ball over that much. This team is better than the last one we just played. I hope we can find a way to get a win by moving the ball better offensively and making better decisions,” Saunders stated.
This game will kick off at 11.30 a.m. Eastern Standard Time (EST) and live stream at https://afi.tv/.
The post Saunders, Wolverines fall in season opener appeared first on The Nassau Guardian.
source https://thenassauguardian.com/saunders-wolverines-fall-in-season-opener/
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