LIVESTREAM Finland: Helsinki Roosters @ Helsinki Wolverines, July 21st, 17:30 CET, (5:30 pm, 11:30 am ET)

| American Football | 07/21/2022

In a battle of crosstown rivals, the Helsinki Roosters(4-3) will take on the Helsinki Wolverines (5-2) in this historic Maple League rivalry.

The Roosters would love to pull off the upset tonight and help their playoff seeding. Across the field, the Wolverines are still in the hunt for the second spot and a home playoff game.

Helsinki Roosters @ Helsinki Wolverines, July 21st, 17:30 CET, (5:30 pm, 11:30 am ET)

These two rivals already met once this season as the Wolverines defeated the Roosters 26-16 in mid-June. 

Last week, the Wolverines offense played well putting up 48 points again Porvoo. Veteran quarterback Jabari Harris had an excellent game totaling 325 yards and five scores. Tonight he’ll be looking to spread the ball out to  RJ Long, along with former CFL Global Draft pick Sebastian Sagne, Belgian pass catcher Martin Emos, Finnish talent Matias Tuominen, and bruising running back William Young.

Defensively, head coach Michael Mattingly will be keyed in on stopping the Roosters’ dangerous passing game. Defensive backs Eric Irvin, Curtis Slater, and newly added Darius Lewis matchup well with the Roosters receivers. In the trenches, the Wolverines defensive line features James Perrineau, Ville Valasti, Benjamin Egbudiwe, and Jonis Heikkinen, all should be able to make some plays today against the Roosters offensive line. However, the Wolverines defense looked sloppy last week as the talented group is looking to turn it around after an underwhelming performance a week ago. 

The Roosters won two weeks ago moving their record to 4-3. Quarterback Bryce Stancomb hopes to get the ball into the hands of playmakers Noland Bernat and Amro Urjansson. Last time out, Urjansson, a converted quarterback, had 110 yards and two touchdowns. Expect him to get plenty of touches again tonight. 

Defensively, homegrown defensive lineman Christer Berg has played well for the Roosters this season. Linebacker Taavi Aronpaa and veteran Cam Gruel have also been playing well lately. In the secondary, Emory Polley and Nolan Bernat hope to get their hands on any errant passes as the Wolverines like to throw the ball deep often.

LIVESTREAM Finland: Helsinki Roosters @ Helsinki Wolverines, July 21st, 17:30 CET, (5:30 pm, 11:30 am ET)

Alex is a former NCAA and semi-pro American football player who is now located in London, where he works in digital marketing. His goal in writing for AFI is to stay involved with the game that has given him so much. Alex enjoys covering leagues and