The East City Giants (2-7) snapped a seven-game losing streak with a gritty 26-18 victory over local rivals Helsinki Wolverines (1-7) at Giants Stadium in Myllypuro, avenging their Week 1 defeat and intensifying the battle to avoid last place in the Finnish Maple League.
Giants claim rivalry revenge
In a matchup dubbed the “jumbo derby” for its implications on the league’s bottom spot, the Giants overcame a 10-0 first-quarter deficit fueled by disciplined play from the Wolverines, who avoided penalties early. Momentum shifted when East City stopped a critical fourth-down attempt by Helsinki late in the first half, denying the visitors a scoring opportunity and igniting the home crowd.
Stewart’s spark cut short
East City quarterback Rayna Stewart III orchestrated two touchdown passes and a rushing score before exiting with a third-quarter injury. Backup Neo Nieminen stepped in seamlessly, guiding a decisive drive to extend the lead. The Giants’ offense capitalized on 338 total yards, outpacing Helsinki’s 342 in a tightly contested yardage battle.
Defensive duo dominates
Linebacker Felix Salonen (9.5 tackles, one interception) and safety Nolan Bernat (9 tackles, one interception) anchored East City’s resurgent defense. Salonen’s league-leading 48 tackles (seven ahead of Wasa Royals’ Raul Khalifa) solidified his Matti Lindholm Trophy candidacy. Bernat, returning from injury, sealed the win with a late interception. “This win was about pride,” Salonen said postgame. “We fought for each other.”
Laalo’s rebound effort falls short
Helsinki quarterback Rasmus Laalo rebounded from a 13-yard disaster against the Saints, throwing for 273 yards and two touchdowns. American receiver Joshua Youngblood starred with 193 receiving yards and a score, though a second touchdown was nullified by a penalty. Despite improved discipline (two penalties vs. their league-worst average), Helsinki’s late turnovers proved costly.
Relegation reality looms
The loss leaves the Wolverines needing wins against the playoff-bound Porvoon Butchers (8-0) or Kuopio Steelers (5-2) to escape last place. For East City, the victory offers temporary relief, but their injury-riddled roster (missing two starting linemen) faces an uphill climb to avoid the basement.