The Wasa Royals (3–0) solidified their status as Finnish Maple League contenders with a decisive 37–17 home victory over the Helsinki Wolverines (1–2) at Kaarle Field, leveraging three kick-return touchdowns to overcome offensive struggles and remain undefeated.
Special teams dominance fuels Royals’ victory
The Royals rewrote the game’s narrative through elite special teams execution. Return specialist Alpha Jalloh electrified the crowd with two kick-return touchdowns, while Gabriel Quigley added a third score off a 46-yard punt return. These explosive plays masked Wasa’s ground-game woes, as their rushing attack managed just 83 yards on 12 attempts. Quarterback Elias Haapamäki maintained composure under pressure, throwing two touchdowns without turnovers or sacks behind a stout offensive line.
Wolverines’ offensive strides fall short
Helsinki quarterback Rasmus Laalo delivered his best performance of 2025, completing 16/29 passes for 193 yards and two touchdowns (Joshua Youngblood, Matias Tuominen). The Wolverines outgained Wasa 269–246 total yards, with Tuominen adding 65 receiving yards and a score. However, two critical turnovers – including an interception by Royals defender Roni Viinamäki – halted momentum. Defensive lineman Tyran Dixon stood out for Helsinki with 7.5 tackles, but the unit couldn’t contain Wasa’s return-game explosiveness.
Defensive standouts shape momentum
- Royals: Linebacker Raul Khalifa anchored the defense with 6.5 tackles, while Quigley (9 receptions, 114 yards) dominated as Haapamäki’s primary target.
- Wolverines: Defensive back Kaapo Viuha notched a pass breakup, but the secondary allowed 161 aerial yards.
Red-zone disparities prove decisive
The Royals converted all three red-zone opportunities into touchdowns, contrasting sharply with Helsinki’s 2/4 efficiency. A goal-line stand by Wasa early in the second quarter forced a Wolverines field goal, preserving a 20–10 halftime lead that set the tone for defensive resilience.
Looking ahead
The Royals travel to Seinäjoki to face the Crocodiles for their first Bothnia Bowl clash of 2025, aiming to address rushing inconsistencies. The Wolverines face the Porvoon Butchers on Thursday, seeking to reignite their playoff hopes behind Laalo’s improved aerial chemistry.