The Helsinki Roosters will host the Helsinki Wolverines (0-1) in this capital city rivalry game as Finland’s Maple League heads into its second weekend of play.
The Roosters are looking to start their season off with a win and get back in contention after missing the playoffs in 2020’s condensed season. Meanwhile, the cross-town Wolverines lost their season opener and will have show improvement if they want to replicate the success that brought them to the championship Maple Bowl last season.
The Roosters enter the 2021 season with head coach Juha Hakala at the helm, the mostly Finnish roster fittingly includes the Maple League’s only Finnish starting quarterback in Miro Kadmiry. Kadmiry has proven his talents can hang with those of American imports throwing for 50 touchdowns in 2019. Returning to the Roosters offense is an experienced group of receiver and offensive lineman led by Arttu Erkkilä and Richard Laine. Former JMU (NCAA D1 FCS) receiver Lorenzo joins the talented core of playmakers. The Roosters’ run game has a chance to be one of the league’s best, as Finnish talent Karri Pajarinen and veteran import Andrecus Lindley could be a dangerous duo out of the backfield behind a experienced offensive line with championship pedigree. Look for the Roosters to pound the rock tonight and challenge this Wolverines defensive line team up front.
Helsinki Wolverines @ Helsinki Roosters, June 17, 17:30 CET (5:30 pm, 11:30 am ET)
On defense, Okko Outinen and Cameron Gruel return to the defensive line providing a stable and experienced pass rush. Behind them linebacker Akseli Olin and defensive back Arttu Pajarinen also return. One new addition to this defense is former San Diego State (NCAA D1) defensive back Kevin Walcott. Expect this defensive line to get pressure on the Wolverines quarterback as they look to take advantage of an offense that struggled in week one.
The Wolverines lost their season opener 6-14 last week in Porvoo. Defensively, last year’s runner ups played well, as new secondary members Curtis Slater and Dejion Lynch made big hits and were able to contain this Butchers offense. At the line of scrimmage defensive lineman Benjamin Egbudiwe and Jonis Heikkinen will have to play well to hold off the blocks of an experienced Roosters offensive line.
Offensively however, the Wolverines must show improvement from last week. A pick six, another interception, eight completions for 67 yards, and zero touchdowns will not get it done in the passing game. Look for coach Mattingly to use the athletic quarterback Cedric Johnson who has mostly played receiver in his career more as a runner in today’s game. One bright spot for this offense was Breon Allen. The former ECU Pirate (NCAA D1) ran for 135 yards and a touchdown. Look for Allen to be the engine of this offense while the passing game develops.
This game offers fans a great chance to see a 2021 Roosters team eager to get back to the top of the Maple League where they sat for so for so long. On the other hand, the Wolverines are looking to respond after a disappointing start to their season. Fans can expect these two rivals to produce a hard fought passionate game tonight.
Watch the game live here. Helsinki Wolverines @ Helsinki Roosters, June 17, 17:30 CET (5:30 pm, 11:30 am ET)
Helsinki Roosters roster & depth chart
Helsinki Wolverines roster & depth chart
