Finland: Kuopio Steelers overpower Seinäjoki Crocodiles in pivotal Maple League clash
The Kuopio Steelers (5-2) solidified their playoff positioning with a decisive 31-17 home victory over the Seinäjoki Crocodiles (5-3), leveraging a dominant second-half surge to overcome a competitive first-half battle at Väinölänniemi Stadium.
Steelers’ ground game overwhelms Crocodiles
Running back Ethan Greenfield delivered a career-best performance, rushing for 210 yards on 21 carries with two touchdowns, including a 53-yard breakaway score. His efforts anchored a Kuopio offense that amassed 250 rushing yards, overpowering Seinäjoki’s defensive line duo of Charles Akanno (one sack) and Tylen Coleman. The Steelers’ offensive line neutralized the Crocodiles’ pass rush, allowing quarterback KHari Lane to complete 12 of 19 passes for 198 yards and two touchdowns. Wideouts Nicolas Kuikka (4 catches, 45 yards, 1 TD) and Samuli Iso-Möttönen (3 catches, 51 yards, 1 TD) capitalized on play-action opportunities created by Greenfield’s dominance.
Crocodiles’ offensive struggles persist
Seinäjoki’s offense sputtered despite a valiant first half. Quarterback Brandon Kyles managed only 9 completions on 21 attempts for 82 yards, failing to connect with new French receiver Mahe Masselot (2 catches). Running back De’Anta Sipp provided brief sparks with 85 rushing yards and two touchdowns, but the Crocodiles converted just 2 of 10 third downs. League-leading scorer Justus Virtanen (5 catches, 48 yards) was held without a touchdown for the first time this season.
Key moments and turning points
After a tightly contested first half (17-10), Kuopio seized control in the third quarter. Greenfield’s 4-yard touchdown capped a 10-play, 69-yard drive, extending the lead to 24-10. Seinäjoki responded with Sipp’s 17-yard score early in the fourth, but Lane’s 6-yard TD pass to Kuikka sealed the game. The Crocodiles’ final drive stalled at midfield, epitomizing their red-zone inefficiency.
Defensive stands define second half
Kuopio’s defense clamped down after halftime, limiting Seinäjoki to 98 total yards in the final two quarters. Linebackers consistently disrupted Kyles’ timing, while the secondary held Masselot to minimal impact.
Playoff implications
The win keeps Kuopio, now sitting firmly in third, in contention for home-field advantage, while Seinäjoki drops to fourth in the standings. The Crocodiles must regroup ahead of a critical matchup against the Helsinki Roosters, while the Steelers face the Porvoon Butchers in Week 8.
