Porvoon Butchers edge Helsinki Roosters in Maple League thriller

The unbeaten Porvoon Butchers (4-0) held off a late surge by the defending champion Helsinki Roosters (3-2) in a tense 28-26 victory at Porvoo Central Field, solidifying their position atop the Finnish Maple League standings.

Butchers’ defensive line prevails
Porvoon’s defensive front neutralized the Roosters’ vaunted pass rush, limiting them to just two sacks despite their league-leading 19 sacks entering the game. Quarterback Christian Arrambide (174 yards passing, 1 TD) operated under consistent protection, while running back Christian Powell (155 yards, 1 TD/Game MVP) exploited gaps for critical rushing yards. The Butchers’ 410-yard offensive output, though outgained by Helsinki’s 426 yards, proved more efficient in decisive moments.

Turnovers seal Roosters’ fate
Three turnovers doomed Helsinki’s comeback efforts. A pivotal interception by Porvoon defensive back Jalen Todd halted a fourth-quarter drive deep in Butchers territory, preserving a narrow lead. The Roosters also lost two fumbles, while Porvoon committed zero turnovers. “We capitalized on their mistakes,” Powell noted postgame. “Defense gave us the edge.”

Urjansson’s valiant effort falls short
Helsinki quarterback Ambro Urjansson delivered a strong performance, completing over 60% of passes for 334 yards. However, red-zone struggles and pressure from Porvoon’s defense limited scoring opportunities. Running backs Lassi Pajarinen and Ville Hämäläinen were held under 100 combined rushing yards, stifling the Roosters’ ground game.

Late drama at Porvoon Central Field
Trailing 28-23 with four seconds remaining, Helsinki scored a last-second touchdown but failed the two-point conversion. A botched onside kick attempt sealed their fate, denying Urjansson a final Hail Mary opportunity. “We fought hard, but small errors cost us,” Urjansson said. “Credit to Porvoo—they made fewer mistakes.”

Standings implications
The win grants Porvoon a critical head-to-head tiebreaker over Helsinki, which could prove decisive in playoff seeding. The Butchers now face the Seinäjoki Crocodiles on July 20, while the Roosters aim to rebound against the Tampere Saints.

Key takeaway
Porvoon’s ability to withstand Helsinki’s offensive firepower—while exploiting turnovers—underscores their title credentials. For the Roosters, refining red-zone execution and ball security will be priorities moving forward.

Source: Vaahteraliga