Finland: Seinäjoki Crocodiles stun Helsinki Roosters in defensive masterclass
The Seinäjoki Crocodiles (6-3) avenged last season’s Maple Bowl defeat and a Week 1 loss by overpowering the Helsinki Roosters (6-3) 24-15 at Wirokit Stadin, fueled by a relentless defense that held the reigning champions to -3 rushing yards and forced four sacks.
Crocodiles defense stifles Roosters in statement win
Seinäjoki’s defense, coordinated by Jaime Hill, dominated from the start, limiting Helsinki to zero first downs until the final minutes of the second quarter. Linebacker Charles Akanno recorded three sacks (11.5 season total), while defensive MVP Luka Hietala added four tackles and a sack. Safety Aatu Tuokko anchored the secondary with 6.5 tackles and two interceptions, suffocating Helsinki quarterback Ambro Urjansson, who threw two picks and was sacked four times.
Balanced offense complements defensive effort
Quarterback Brandon Kyles led Seinäjoki’s offense with 162 passing yards and 46 rushing yards, including two touchdowns. Star running back De’Anta Sipp added 96 rushing yards, though Seinäjoki’s 306 total yards (144 rushing, 162 passing) underscored a methodical, grind-it-out approach. Kyles briefly left the field after a late hit but returned to seal the win.
Roosters’ new signing fails to ignite ground game
Helsinki’s debut of American running back Justin Prostinak backfired, as the Roosters finished with -3 rushing yards. Prostinak managed three yards on seven carries, while Urjansson’s 24 pass attempts yielded two interceptions and minimal momentum. Injuries to linemen Aki-Petteri Aho, Joni Kotro, and Arttu Vesterinen exacerbated Helsinki’s struggles, with the offense mustering only a late fourth-quarter surge.
Playoff implications intensify
The win secures Seinäjoki’s postseason berth, while Helsinki’s second straight loss in Ostrobothnia (following a defeat to the Wasa Royals) leaves the Roosters clinging to a 70% probability of second place. Both teams now shift focus to Week 11, with Seinäjoki facing the Royals in a playoff positioning duel and Helsinki taking on the Tampere Saints in a battle to retain home-field advantage.
