The Helsinki Roosters (6-3) exploded out of the gate and kept the Tampere Saints (2-7) at arm’s length the rest of the way, earning a 49-30 Maple League victory at the Helsinki Velodrome to keep their hopes of securing home-field advantage in the playoffs alive.
Kivisaari strikes twice
The Roosters wasted no time putting points on the board. Ambro Urjansson connected with Ville Kivisaari for a 75-yard touchdown in the opening minute to put Helsinki in front.
On the Saints’ next possession, Oskari Tapola intercepted Christopher Howard, and Helsinki immediately cashed in. Urjansson went back to Kivisaari, who struck again from 33 yards out.
Tampere answered quickly. Howard found Logan Collier, who broke loose for a long touchdown to pull the Saints back into the game.
The back-and-forth continued, but the Roosters carried a 34-18 advantage into halftime.
Photo: Elina Castrén
Roosters keep piling up yards
Urjansson kept the Helsinki offense moving, finishing 14 of 22 for 199 yards, four touchdowns and no interceptions. In addition to Kivisaari’s two scores, he threw touchdown passes to Santtu Vehkomäki and Rene Rautiainen.
The Roosters were just as dangerous on the ground. Lassi Pajarinen ripped through the Tampere defense for 141 yards and two touchdowns on only 10 carries, while Freddie Brock added 108 yards and a score on 18 attempts.
Altogether, Helsinki piled up 247 rushing yards.
Saints keep fighting
The Saints continued answering whenever Helsinki threatened to put the game completely out of reach.
Howard threw for 249 yards and three touchdowns, with Collier catching five passes for 115 yards and a score. Kimi Tuomi and Jere Markkinen also hauled in touchdown passes.
Konsta Mäenpää gave Tampere another weapon on the ground, rushing for 98 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. The Saints finished with 193 rushing yards and 294 through the air, but three Howard interceptions helped prevent them from closing the gap.
Helsinki stays in the hunt
The victory keeps the Roosters in contention for a home playoff game heading into the final weekend of the regular season.
Helsinki will close against the Seinäjoki Crocodiles, while Tampere finishes its regular season against the Porvoon Butchers.