The Seinäjoki Crocodiles (1-1) will travel to Helsinki to take on the Wolverines (1-2) in this Friday Night Maple League action.
With lots of football left to play this season, the Wolverines will are eager to keep their momentum after an impressive 27-22 win last week over the United Newland Crusaders. The visiting Crocodiles aim to get back in the win column after a heart-breaking 38-24 loss last Saturday to the Kuopio Steelers.
The Crocodiles are coming off a wild game in Kuopio where they battled all the way back from being down 0-17 to take a 24-17 lead in the third quarter. Unfortunately, Seinäjoki’s defense struggled to contain a skilled group of Kuopio receivers and the Crocodiles left with a 24-38 defeat. This week, expect running back Christian Powell to get over 30 touches. Powell’s strong legs and good vision make him one of the league’s most exciting players to watch. In the passing game, quarterback Zachary Whitehead will look to target former CFL receiver Benjamin Plu against an athletic Helsinki secondary.
Seinäjoki Crocodiles @ Helsinki Wolverines, July 9, 17:30 CET (5:30 pm, 11:30 am ET)
Nathaniel Robitaille and Jefferson Davis are two key players to watch in this Seinäjoki secondary. Robitaille was able to score on a 95-yard interception return last week, while Davis also earned the Crocodiles a possession with a savvy forced fumble. The turnover seeking secondary pairs well with run stuffing defensive end Filip Zacok and an experienced group of Seinajoki linebackers.
Coach Mattingly and the Wolverines showed their resilient attitude last week, converting an onside kick and scoring the game winning touchdown with 14 seconds left. Helsinki’s passing attack looked leaps and bounds better last week against the UNC Crusaders. Cedric Johnson was able to find his receivers Juuso Alakoski and Curtis Slater throughout the game. Star running back Breon Allen unfortunately suffered an injury in the last game and is doubtful to play today. Fans can expect running back Joonatan El Quacef to get some carries in his place.
Defensively, Dejion Lynch and Curtis Slater are two key fixtures in the Wolverines secondary. This week look for Arttu Ketonen to step up as Slater and Lynch have been playing both ways. The young safety led the Maple League with four interceptions last season and will look to pick off the Crocodiles quarterback tonight.
This game offers fans a great matchup as powerful running back Christian Powell will be lining up across two hard hitting Helsinki defenders in Dejion Lynch and Curtis Slater. As Seinäjoki showed last week, they have the talent to play at the Maple League’s highest level, but they will need to execute on the road against a fundamentally sound Helsinki team to get the win.
Watch the game live here. Seinäjoki Crocodiles @ Helsinki Wolverines, July 9, 17:30 CET (5:30 pm, 11:30 am ET)
Helsinki Wolverines Depth/Roster (Click to enlarge)
Seinäjoki Crocodiles Depth/Roster (Click to enlarge)
