LIVESTREAM Finland: Helsinki Wolverines @ Helsinki Roosters, June 16th, 17:30 CET (5:30 pm, 11:30 am ET)

The Helsinki Roosters take on their cross-town rivals the Helsinki Wolverines in a highly anticipated Thursday night matchup.

Historically the Roosters have dominated the series but the tide may be changing this year as the Wolverines field a talented squad looking to take over the capital city’s football scene.

The Roosters fell to 2-2 last week after a 24-12 road loss to the Seinäjoki Crocodiles. In that game, quarterback Bryce Stancomb and the Helsinki offense, particularly the ground game. struggled. In total, the Roosters were held to an abysmal minus one yard rushing.  Expect the Roosters offense to bounce back in this game.

Defensively, homegrown defensive lineman Christer Berg has played well in the Rooster’s first three outings. The National team defender hopes to continue this success against an elusive quarterback in Jarbari Harris. In the secondary, Emory Polley and Nolan Bernat hope to get their hands on any errant passes as the Wolverines have been airing it out to make big plays all season.

LIVESTREAM Finland: Helsinki Wolverines @ Helsinki Roosters, June 16th, 17:30 CET (5:30 pm, 11:30 am ET)

The Wolverines, on the other hand, come into this game hot off of a blowout 76-7 win in Kotka. Quarterback Jabari Harris played well, connecting with receiver RJ Harris early and often. Running back Jonathan El Ouacef also looked good rushing for 136 yards. Belgian receiver Martin Emos could also be a factor after putting up two catches for 52 yards and a score in his debut last week. 

Defensively, however, the Wolverines have looked in-sync this season especially in the front seven. Expect the athletic secondary of Eric Irvin, Curtis Slater, and Colby Burton to cause problems for the Roosters offense. This tough secondary is complemented well with a fierce defensive line featuring James Perrineau, Ville Valasti, Benjamin Egbudiwe, and Jonis Heikkinen. Linebacker Joseph Kordus was a standout last week making several big hits while recording two interceptions. These veterans would love nothing more than to knock off the once mighty Roosters at home. 

In one of the most hyped games of the Maple League, the Roosters hope to keep the little brother Wolverines out of second place and hand them a second loss. For the Wolverines, they can put themselves in a good playoff position with a win tonight. 

Watch the game live here. Helsinki Wolverines @ Helsinki Roosters, June 16th, 17:30 CET (5:30 pm, 11:30 am ET)

 

Alex is a former NCAA and semi-pro American football player who is now located in London, where he works in digital marketing. His goal in writing for AFI is to stay involved with the game that has given him so much. Alex enjoys covering leagues and