The Helsinki Roosters wasted no time in letting the rest of the Finnish league know that they mean business as they scored four first quarter touchdowns en route to a 48-7 trouncing of the Wasa Royals in the opening game of Finland’s Maple League.
The Maple Bowl rematch seemed to be over almost right after it started
With quarterback Brandon Connette in superb form, Helsinki rolled up 116 yards of offense in the first 12 minutes of the game. Connette threw touchdown passes to Kimi Linnainmaa (2) and Alexander Wasiljeff while running back Henri Jussila scored on a 19 yard run.
The rout continued in the second quarter as Connette threw a four yard touchdown pass to his brother Adam Connette and Jussila ran one in again.
In between, Royals quarterback Isaac Fisher and the rest of the Wasa offense was having all kinds of problems. They did not cross midfield until early in the second quarter and turned the ball over on an interception and a fumble both of which led to Roosters touchdowns.
In fact, the Royals only decent drive stalled on the Helsinki nine yard line as time expired in the first half. At that point, the Roosters held a 42-0 lead.
WR Alexander Wasiljeff hauls in a touchdown pass.
With Roosters head coach Juha Hakala resting his imports in the second half, Helsinki still continued to roll with Finnish quarterback/wide receiver Miro Kadmiry calling the signals. He capped a 47 yard drive midway through the third quarter with a three yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Tommi Pinta to extend the lead to 48-0.
Late in the third quarter, trailing 48-0, the Royals marched 69 yards in 11 plays with Fisher finishing it off with a three yard run.
That was as close as Wasa got as the Roosters played ball control the rest of the game.
Helsinki outgained the Royals 392 yards to 188.
The Roosters do not play again in the Finnish league until May 28 when they face the Porvoo Butchers. Wasa returns to action May 20 when they take on the Butchers.