Friday August 14th marks three straight weeks of Friday night football in Finland’s Maple League, as the Seinäjoki Crocodiles will be visiting the Wasa Royals in a highly anticipated rivalry matchup. The teams will be competing for the Botnia Bowl. Currently the Crocodiles have the Botnia Trophy after sweeping the series in 2019.
The Crocodiles are storming into week three with a ton of momentum after blowing out the Helsinki Roosters 34-13 last week behind big plays in all phases of the game. Running back Christian Powell set the tone for the Crocs rushing for 145 yards and 3 touchdowns. Quarterback Spencer Cutlan was much improved in week two throwing 1 touchdown and no interceptions. Cutlan was able to find wide receiver Nathaniel Robitaille on a slant route, which Robitaille took the distance. Seinäjoki’s offensive line also deserves a lot of credit after paving the way for an excellent day on the ground and allowing no sacks. Powell’s thoughts on the upcoming rivalry game:
“It’s a huge game! Three years in I realize how important this specific game is, especially for the local guys. It means to much so we’re looking forward to it.”
Seinäjoki Crocodiles @ Wasa Royals, Aug. 14, 18:30 EEST (17:30 CET, 11:30 ET)
Defensively Alex Germany was a ball hawk for the Crocodiles last week making an interception and recovering a fumble. Germany scooped up the loose ball and lateraled it to Robitaille who took it 85 yards for a touchdown. Seinäjoki will be relying on the league leader in tackles linebacker Jaska Varinen to step up again after an impressive nine-tackle performance against the Roosters.
The host Wasa Royals are currently one of two undefeated teams in the league. The Royals won last week 36-26 in Helsinki against the Wolverines. The last six quarter of football the Royals have had one of the most explosive offenses in the country. Quarterback Brandon Gwinner and running back Tom Suoste combined for over 200 yards rushing for the second week in a row. In the passing game wide receiver Alpha Jalloh is making a case for MVP of the league. Jalloh showed once again in week two that he is one of the most dynamic players in the country racking up 213 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. Brandon Gwinner had some thoughts on the Rivalry:
“Playing against the Crocodiles is a big rivalry for this city and the team. Rivalry games always bring out extra emotions and I’m really excited to be a part of it.”
The Royals defensive unit was aided last week by an injury to opposing Wolverines quarterback Chris Forcier last week. Royals defensive back Rufail Khalifa did an excellent job in coverage last week and had a key pass break up in the end zone. Wasa also added American linebacker Zachary Blair (UVA Wise: NCAA D2) who will be back be playing in his second game for Wasa this season on Friday. Blair had 31 tackles in 4 games for the Royals in 2019.
Friday night is a huge rivalry game in the Maple League! These two teams are from the same region of Finland and will be competing for the enormous wooden Botnia Bowl trophy. Look for the both coaching staffs to have their players ready to go in this marquee matchup.
Watch the game live here. Seinäjoki Crocodiles @ Wasa Royals, Aug. 14, 18:30 EEST (17:30 CET, 11:30 ET)
Click here to access live game stats.
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Wasa Royals starting lineup
Seinäjoki Crocodiles starting lineup
