Finland: Porvoo Butchers dominate defending champion Helsinki Roosters to reach Maple Bowl

The Porvoo Butchers overwhelmed the Helsinki Roosters 44-14 in a Maple League semifinal rout at Porvoo Central Field, advancing to their first championship game since 2017 behind a suffocating defense and Christian Powell’s three-touchdown showcase.

Early stumble sparks Butchers’ surge
After a botched opening kickoff return pinned them at their 10-yard line, the Butchers quickly erased doubts with a five-play scoring drive capped by quarterback Christian Arrambide’s precision throws. Momentum exploded when defensive back Zachary Wrigh intercepted Roosters quarterback Ambro Urjansson’s first pass, returning it for a pick-six and a 13-0 lead within three minutes. Helsinki, reigning champions but rattled, saw Urjansson throw four interceptions—two by Micky Kyei—as their offense sputtered.

Powell’s ground dominance breaks Roosters
Running back Christian Powell shredded Helsinki’s vaunted defensive front, grinding out 151 rushing yards on 17 carries, including three touchdowns. The Butchers’ offensive line provided immaculate protection, allowing Arrambide (67% completion rate, 260 passing yards) to exploit seams with deep throws. Receiver Luukas Eerola emerged as Arrambide’s primary target, amassing 179 receiving yards and earning MVP honors.

Roosters’ self-inflicted wounds compound struggles
Helsinki’s fleeting bright spots—Justin Prostinak’s improved rushing and Bryce Nunnelly’s deep routes—were undone by penalties and turnovers. Urjansson’s second interception, snagged by Kyei, squandered a red-zone opportunity, while Prostinak failed to counter Powell’s physicality. The Roosters’ defense, typically disruptive, registered zero sacks and allowed 411 total yards.

Defensive masterclass seals historic win
The Butchers held Helsinki scoreless in the second half, with Kyei’s second interception and a fourth-quarter goal-line stand epitomizing their dominance. Powell’s final touchdown—a 12-yard burst—extended the lead to 37-14, deflating Helsinki’s resolve. Postgame, Kyei credited his unit’s preparation, while Roosters wing Santtu Vehkomäki acknowledged uncharacteristic errors derailed their title defense.

With the victory, Porvoo advances to Maple Bowl XLVI against the Seinäjoki Crocodiles on September 13 at Helsinki Bolt Arena. The Butchers, now 12-0, aim to cap a historic season by dethroning the league’s elite, their balanced attack and opportunistic defense positioning them as title favorites.