Sunday is a semi-final matchup Finland’s Maple League playoffs between the number two seeded Wasa Royals and the number three seeded Helsinki Wolverines. Both teams have faced a lot of adversity this season but have a chance to make up for it and be in the Maple Bowl. These two teams faced off in week two of this season with the Royals winning 36-26. That matchup would’ve been a lot closer if Helsinki’s quarterback Chris Forcier hadn’t have gotten injured. Look for both teams to play with unparalleled energy and passion in this week’s playoff game.
The visiting Helsinki Wolverines have won two games in a row going into the playoffs. Last week they beat their crosstown rivals the Helsinki Roosters 32-20 in ab emotional Thursday night game. The Wolverines have adjusted their offense to feature dynamic athlete Micky Kyei at running back. Kyei spent most of the season playing receiver and defense back and was not getting many touches in the early part of the season. Last week he exploded for 118 yards and 3 touchdowns and averaged 7.4 yards per carry. The rushing duo of quarterback Chris Forcier and Micky Kyei could be the difference in this matchup. It will be interesting to see how Wasa’s defense reacts to the new wrinkle in the Wolverines offense.
Helsinki Wolverines @ Wasa Royals, Sept. 6, 16:30 EEST (15:30 CET, 09:30 ET)
Defensively the Wolverines have played great football since they gave up 70 points to the Kuopio Steelers in week 3. Defensive Back Arttu Ketonen who lead the Maple League in interceptions this season had some thoughts on this weeks game:
“The new defensive system and the way we have been playing the last few weeks are going to make this game much tougher for the Royals than in week 2.”
The Royals stumble into the playoff on a two-game loosing streak. They have lost the last two games by a combined 61 points, and will need to improve their play if they want to beat a hot Wolverines team. The good news is they are at home and this should be a advantage as the Wolverines have a long bus ride to Vaasa. The last two weeks the Royals offense has been struggling scoring only 43 points many of which coming in garbage time. Quarterback Brandon Gwinner had some thoughts on the teams recent struggles and their semi-final matchup:
“We have the same mindset every game, unfortunately the last two weeks have been not how we planned, but it happens. I know for a fact it won’t be like that anymore. I’m excited for the rematch, they are running things differently on defense. We are still in the same situation on offense but we are ready and we are confident in our game plan.”
Defensively the Royals will need linebacker Zachary Blair and the rest of the unit to step and try and stop the Wolverines rushing duo of Chris Forcier and Micky Kyei. Blair had 2.5 tackles and a forced fumble against the Steelers last week. The Royals will need to win at the line of scrimmage and stuff the running lanes if they want to be in this year’s Maple Bowl
This Sunday’s Playoff matchup features two teams in opposite positions. The Royals started off 3-0 but they have not looked good the last two weeks. On the other hand, the Wolverines have won two games in a row and have a lot of momentum and confidence going into this game. Look for this to be another close and exciting game just like it was in week 2 the first time these teams met.
Watch the game live here. Helsinki Wolverines @ Wasa Royals, Sept. 6, 16:30 EEST (15:30 CET, 09:30 ET)
Wasa Royals starting lineup and roster
Helsinki Wolverines starting lineup and roster
