Finland: Helsinki Roosters host Wasa Royals with playoff race tightening

The Helsinki Roosters (3-3) host the Wasa Royals (2-4) Saturday in a Maple League matchup that could have a major impact on the playoff race, with the Roosters riding a three-game winning streak and the Royals looking to repeat their earlier 15-6 victory over Helsinki.

After opening the season with three straight losses, the defending champion Roosters have completely changed the direction of their season. The Royals, meanwhile, have dropped four in a row after beginning the year 2-0 and need to turn things around quickly.

Roosters have found their stride

The Roosters enter Saturday as one of the league’s hottest teams. Their three consecutive wins have lifted them back to .500 and into fourth place, with last week’s 43-35 victory over the East City Giants continuing their climb up the standings.

The defense played a major role in that win, recording 10 sacks, and Helsinki will look for another disruptive performance against a Wasa offense still adjusting to a new quarterback.

The Roosters will also introduce Freddie Brock, the 24-year-old former Georgia State and Oklahoma State running back. His arrival gives Lassi Pajarinen another option in the backfield as Helsinki heads into the final stretch of the regular season.

Royals searching for a turnaround

The Royals know they can beat the Roosters after taking the first meeting 15-6, but plenty has changed since then. Wasa has lost four straight and once again enters the weekend with a reshuffled roster.

Quarterback Shazzon Mumphrey will make his second start after having limited preparation time before his debut against the Seinäjoki Crocodiles. He should be more comfortable with the offense this time, although the absence of Bruno Escobar removes one of his receiving options.

Neiko St Clair and Romello Herbin, both recently with the Oulu Northern Lights, have joined the roster and could provide immediate help.

Helsinki looking to keep rolling

Saturday offers the Roosters an opportunity to erase another piece of their difficult start while continuing their push up the standings. For the Royals, the margin for error is getting smaller.

Wasa won the first meeting, but the team it faces Saturday looks considerably different from the one it beat earlier in the season.