The Helsinki Roosters (5-3) made it five straight wins Thursday night, pulling away from the Tampere Saints (2-6) for a 49-20 victory at Pyynikki and securing their position ahead of the Saints in the Finnish Maple League playoff race.
It wasn’t nearly as comfortable as the final score suggests. Tampere caused problems early and stayed within striking distance through much of the game before the Roosters took complete control down the stretch.
Saints make Roosters work early
The night started badly for Helsinki when an awkward bounce on the opening kickoff allowed the Saints to recover the ball. Tampere took advantage and grabbed the early lead.
The Roosters gradually settled down behind quarterback Ambro Urjansson and running back Freddie Brock, who was playing only his second Maple League game. A frantic finish to the second quarter saw both teams score touchdowns in the final five seconds, with Helsinki carrying a 21-14 advantage into halftime.
That seven-point margin still left everything to play for.
Helsinki pulls away
The Saints stayed close before the Roosters finally broke the game open, scoring the final four touchdowns.
Urjansson finished with 228 passing yards and four touchdowns while completing 60 percent of his attempts despite throwing two interceptions. Brock and Lassi Pajarinen each scored twice as five different Helsinki players found the end zone.
Anssi Ruohonen was perfect on all seven extra-point attempts, while the offensive line kept Urjansson clean throughout the night without allowing a sack.
Photo: Laura Helminen
Defense finishes the job
The Helsinki defense also made life increasingly difficult for Tampere quarterback Christopher Howard, sacking him three times. Toni Mälkki accounted for 2.5 of those sacks, while Zach Wright added an interception.
Tampere running back Konsta Mäenpää was a bright spot with 125 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. Logan Collier also scored, highlighted by a 57-yard play, while Raafael Uotila reached the end zone.
But penalties repeatedly stalled the Saints, who were flagged 21 times for 119 yards.
For the Roosters, the turnaround continues. After beginning the season 0-3, the defending champions have ripped off five consecutive victories and head toward the postseason playing their best football of the year.