Helsinki Roosters avenge earlier loss with commanding shutout of Wasa Royals

The defending champion Helsinki Roosters (5-2) delivered a ruthless response to their Week 2 defeat, overwhelming the Wasa Royals (4-3) 48–0 at home in a Finnish Maple League rematch defined by dominant rushing and suffocating defense.

Roosters dominate from opening drive
Helsinki struck immediately, building a 14-0 first-quarter lead behind touchdowns from running back Ville Hämäläinen and receiver Lassi Pajarinen. The offense maintained relentless pressure, scoring in all four quarters while amassing 209 rushing yards—a staggering improvement from their 6-yard ground effort in the teams’ prior meeting. Hämäläinen and Pajarinen each added second-half scores, while rookie Maxim Karila sealed the rout with his first career league touchdown.

Ground game resurgence fuels blowout
The Roosters’ revitalized rushing attack overpowered Wasa’s front seven, averaging 6.1 yards per carry. Quarterback Ambro Urjansso managed the game efficiently before ceding late snaps to backup Jerry Silomaa, while Pajarinen’s dual-threat performance (rushing TD, receiving TD) earned him Player of the Game honors.

Defensive clinic stifles Royals
Helsinki’s defense recorded four sacks, with linemen Alex Herriott, Christer Berg, and season-debutant Malek Jaradat each contributing takedowns. The unit held Wasa to 66 total yards—including a meager 10 rushing yards on 11 attempts by tailback Tom Suoste. Quarterback Elias Haapamäki struggled under constant pressure, throwing two interceptions (to Ami Lindfors, Gabriel Quigley, and Roni Viinamäki) while being sacked four times.

Royals’ offensive collapse
Once a ground-and-pound contender, Wasa produced their weakest offensive showing of 2024. Haapamäki’s 56% completion rate yielded just 54 passing yards, with receivers consistently blanketed by Helsinki’s secondary. Cornerback Tristan Rankin limited big plays through tight coverage, though linebacker Raul Khalifa provided a lone bright spot with 7.5 tackles.

Postgame context

• Helsinki head coach Tuomas Heikkinen confirmed the collapse of J’Kobi Reddick’s signing but hinted at imminent offensive reinforcements.
• Wasa offensive lineman Biron Rossel admitted to Ruutu: “We got outplayed in every phase. No excuses.”

Key stats

• Total yards: Helsinki 412, Wasa 66
• Turnovers: Wasa 2, Helsinki 0
• Third-down efficiency: Helsinki 8/14, Wasa 1/9

The Roosters reasserted their championship pedigree with this statement win, while the Royals must regroup quickly to stay in playoff contention. Both teams meet again in October, with Wasa desperate to salvage pride.