LIVESTREAM: Finland – Helsinki Roosters @Helsinki Wolverines, Thurs. July 4, 6p (5p CEDT, 11a EDT)

The undefeated (4-0) Helsinki Wolverines will play host to crosstown rivals and defending champions, the Helsinki Roosters (3-1) July 4 as Finland’s Maple League heads into its fifth week of play.

The Wolverines have opened the season with four convincing wins, beating the Kuopio Steelers 54-21 last week and handing the Wasa Royals a 27-13 defeat the week before. The had started the year downing the Seinäjoki Crocodiles 47-29 and then rolling over the Tampere Saints 66-27.

For the Wolverines, head coach, offensive coordinator and starting quarterback Robert Johnson (Texas Tech) is the key to the offense and has thrown for 1,184 yards and 16 TDs and along with running back William Young, who is averaging 94.8 yards a game, presents opposing defenses with problems.

The Roosters dropped their opening game of the season, losing 57-41 to the Kuopio Steelers, but then reeled off three in a row downing the Wasa Royals 28-7, Seinäjoki Crocodiles 29-21 and the Porvoo Butchers 53-20.  Roosters running back Karri Pajarinen leads the league in rushing averaging 137 yards a game in the three games he has played. In the game against the Butchers, he ran amok, rushing for 200 yards and a touchdown. Quarterback Miro Kadmiry is the third leading passer in the Maple League having thrown for 970 yards and a league-best 17  touchdowns in the four games.

These are the two best teams in Finland and this battle for first will be the game to watch this weekend.

Watch the game live here. Helsinki Roosters @Helsinki Wolverines, Thurs. July 4, 6p (5p CEDT, 11a EDT)