Finland: Playoff redemption and rivalry collide as Kuopio Steelers host Seinäjoki Crocodiles in semifinal showdown

| American Football | 09/05/2025

The Kuopio Steelers and Seinäjoki Crocodiles collide in Friday’s Finnish Maple League semifinal, reigniting a playoff rivalry defined by physicality and high stakes, with Kuopio seeking redemption for last year’s semifinal upset and Seinäjoki eyeing another championship berth.

Steelers lean on ground dominance, revenge narrative
Kuopio enters as favorites after a 31-17 regular-season victory on August 9, fueled by running back Ethan Greenfield’s 210-yard, two-touchdown explosion. The Steelers’ offensive line overpowered Seinäjoki’s defense, creating lanes for Greenfield’s 10-yard-per-carry average. Head coach Michael Mattingly emphasized motivation from last year’s semifinal loss: “They beat us here last year. We have extra drive to reclaim our place in the finals.” Kuopio’s balanced attack, featuring quarterback KHari Lane’s efficient play-action passing (198 yards, 2 TDs in August), aims to exploit a Crocodiles secondary vulnerable to misdirection.

Crocodiles bank on defense, offensive adjustments
Seinäjoki, buoyed by a late-season bye week, relies on its league-elite defense to contain Kuopio’s ground game. The unit, anchored by linemen Charles Akanno and Tylen Coleman, must improve its August showing, where it managed just one sack and allowed 250 rushing yards. Offensively, quarterback Brandon Kyles seeks redemption after a 9-of-21, 82-yard struggle in the teams’ first meeting. While running back De’Anta Sipp (85 yards, 2 TDs in August) remains pivotal, Seinäjoki’s lack of backfield depth could prove costly if Kuopio keys on him.

Key factors: Trenches and turnovers

  • Kuopio’s offensive line vs. Seinäjoki’s front seven: The Steelers’ ability to replicate their 250-yard rushing performance will dictate tempo.
  • Quarterback efficiency: Lane’s play-action precision vs. Kyles’ need to leverage receiver Justus Virtanen (5 catches, 48 yards in August).
  • Turnover battles: Seinäjoki’s defense, which forced two turnovers in their August loss, must create short-field opportunities.

Legacy on the line
A Steelers win would advance them to their first final since 2021, cementing Greenfield’s MVP-caliber season. For Seinäjoki, a victory avenges their 2023 Maple Cup loss and extends their three-year finals streak. With physicality guaranteed and history looming, Friday’s clash hinges on which team better imposes its identity: Kuopio’s relentless ground game or Seinäjoki’s defensive resilience.

American Football International is your source for news and updates about American Football outside the United States!