The Uppsala 86ers from Sweden host the Helsinki Roosters in the second game of a home and away series between the two teams in the Northern European Football League Group round at Österängens IP in Uppsala.
Uppsala QB Kieran McDonagh Photo: Jarmo Vehkomäki
The Roosters won the first game with 41-27, April 1st, in Helsinki. For Uppsala to advance to the NEFL final on May 20-21, they need to beat the Roosters by 15 points or more.
The 86ers have played two games in the Swedish Super Series so far in 2017 and find themselves at 1-1. They opened the season with a convincing 33-7 win over the Tyreso Royal Crowns but then suffered a disappointing 55-20 defeat at the hands of the defending Swedish champion Carlstad Crusaders.
The Roosters have yet to play a regular season game.
Helsinki QB Brandon Connette Photo: Jarmo Vehkomäki
Helsinki quarterback Brandon Connette, the leading passer in the German Football League in 2016 will put the 86ers secondary to the test. He threw for 231 yards and three touchdowns in Game 1.
In that first game, Uppsala rolled up 477 yards in offense but quarterback Kieran McDonagh was picked off four times, one for a touchdown. Running back Victor St Pierre Laviolette rushed for 151 yards and two touchdowns and must perform at the same level for the 86ers to have a chance.
Roosters receiver Timmy Thomas caught five passes for 146 yards and two touchdowns in the first game and will be a key target for Connette today.