LIVESTREAM Finland: Helsinki Wolverines @ Lohja Crusaders, Aug. 1, 17:30 CET (5:30 pm, 11:30 am EDT)

| American Football | 08/01/2024

The Helsinki Wolverines (1-8) and Lohja Crusaders (1-8) clash in the Finnish Maple League Thursday Night Football game.

In the only other meeting between the two teams this season, Helsinki beat the Crusaders 41-39.

The Crusaders are coming off their first win of the season after they defeated the Wasa Royals 41-37 last week. Otherwise they have had a tough year. They were manhandled by the Kuopío Steelers 62-14 in the opening week of play, and then by the Roosters 63-7. However, they finally found their offense against the Seinäjoki Crocodiles but their defense let them down as they lost, 63-41. The Butchers whipped them 46-0 before they lost to the Royals 32-20. They lost a close one, 41-39 to the Helsinki Wolverines before another lopsided loss to the Crocodiles, 63-8.

The Wolverines were beaten 46-6 by the Kuopio Steelers to open the season and then 37-14 by the Crocodiles. After the lopsided loss to the Roosters they lost 41-27 to the Wasa Royals and then were blanked 63-0 by the Porvoo Butchers. They finally won their first game defeating the United Newland Crusaders 41-39 a month ago but fell again to the Royals, this time by a score of 42-28. In their latest game, they were whipped 56-3 by a surging Butchers squad.

Watch live. Helsinki Wolverines @ Lohja Crusaders, Aug. 1, 17:30 CET (5:30 pm, 11:30 am EDT)

For the Crusaders, Bryce Macina (Franklin University, NCAA Div. II) is behind center. He has thrown for 1,792 yards and 19 touchdowns. with Oskari Suoniemi his leading receiver with 49 catches for 662 yards and 10 touchdowns. Moses Harries has caught 33 passes for 335 yards and also rushed for 692 yards (second in the Maple League) and three scores.

For the Wolverines, quarterback Rasmus Laalo has struggled completing 138 of 276 passes for 1,384 yards and eight touchdowns in the nine games he has played but he has been picked off a league high 18 times. His key target has been Kevin Adams who has 59 catches for 783  yards and three touchdowns. Niko Kantonen had 19 receptions for 158 yards and a score. Running back William Young leads the team in rushing with 387 yards on 72 carries.

Watch live. Helsinki Wolverines @ Lohja Crusaders, Aug. 1, 17:30 CET (5:30 pm, 11:30 am EDT)

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