Finnish Maple League Week 10: Playoff positioning on the line in regular-season finale

With just two weeks remaining in the Finnish Maple League regular season, the playoff picture is beginning to take shape, but the battle for position is far from settled. The Kuopio Steelers moved to the top of the standings with a dramatic 35-33 victory over the Seinäjoki Crocodiles, while the Helsinki Roosters extended their winning streak to four games with a 47-7 rout of the Wasa Royals. The Porvoon Butchers also stayed firmly in the race after beating the East City Giants 48-10. Week 10 now features three games with major implications for playoff positioning.

Thursday, August 13

Helsinki Roosters (4-3) @ Tampere Saints (2-5)

Few teams have changed the direction of their season as dramatically as the Roosters. After opening 0-3, Helsinki has won four straight and is coming off its most convincing performance of the year, a 47-7 victory over Wasa. Ambro Urjansson threw for 253 yards and four touchdowns in that win, with all four scores going to Corintheus Edmonds.

The Roosters now head to Tampere looking to keep their surge going and strengthen their playoff position against the Saints.

Saturday, August 15

Porvoon Butchers (5-2) @ Wasa Royals (2-5)

The Butchers appear to be hitting their stride at exactly the right time. Porvoon rolled past the East City Giants 48-10 last week as Donovan Isom completed 14 of 21 passes for 231 yards and four touchdowns. Christian Powell added 111 yards and two touchdowns rushing while also leading the Butchers with five catches for 44 yards and another score.

The situation is much more urgent for the Royals, who have dropped five straight after their 47-7 loss to Helsinki. Wasa needs to find some offense quickly against a Porvoon team still very much in the race near the top of the standings.

Saturday, August 15

Kuopio Steelers (6-2) @ Seinäjoki Crocodiles (5-2)

For the second straight week, the Steelers and Crocodiles meet with first place and playoff positioning hanging in the balance.

Kuopio grabbed the upper hand last Saturday with a 35-33 victory in a game that went down to the final moments. Joshua Mack rushed for 135 yards and two touchdowns, while Iiro Pekkarinen’s two field goals proved crucial in the two-point win.

The Crocodiles actually outgained Kuopio 373-277, with CJ Fowler throwing for 270 yards and Mauricio Porcha catching 13 passes for 170 yards and three touchdowns.

Now the series shifts to Seinäjoki, where the Crocodiles get an immediate opportunity to answer.