In the final weekend of play in Finland’s Maple League before the Midsummer break, the Seinäjoki Crocodiles kept pace with the league leaders with an easy 67-0 shut out win over the winless Kotka Eagles.
With the victory, Seinäjoki moves into a tie for second place in the standings with the Helsinki Wolverines, separated only by the points differential, while the Eagles suffered their fourth straight lopsided loss, and their second shutout.
The Crocodiles were explosive from the jump, scoring their first 33 points in the first quarter, mostly thanks to the performance of running back Christian Powell. He outdid his previous week with 160 rushing yards, 22 receiving yards, three rushing touchdowns and a receiving touchdown.
Seinäjoki quarterback Zachary Whitehead also had an exceptional game completing 16 out of 20 passes for 230 yards and a whopping seven touchdowns, three of which went to wide receiver Joel Särkelä, who also had 101 receiving yards. Whitehead’s other four touchdowns went to Anttoni Lampivuo, Janne Sarkela, Santuu Salmi and the aforementioned Christian Powell.
As has been the case for most of the season, the Eagles never truly had a chance as Seinäjoki’s defense was suffocating from start to finish. The immense pressure was led by Last Chance U star and defensive tackle Emmitt Gooden, who had six and a half tackles.
The attack from the Crocodiles was felt by Eagles’ quarterback Niko Hannula who had a rough showing on the day. He only threw for 24 yards total and was able to complete four of his 13 passes. Two of those incomplete passes ended up in the hands of defensive backs, Aatu Tuokko and Saidou Jallow.
Both teams will be off for a midsummer break. The third place Crocodiles won’t play again until Friday July 1 against the Porvoo Butchers. The last place Eagles on the other hand will have three weeks of rest until they play against the Helsinki Wolverines on Saturday July 9.