LIVESTREAM Finland: Seinäjoki Crocodiles @ Helsinki Roosters, August 20, 15:30 CET, (3:30 pm, 9:30 am ET)

| American Football | 08/20/2022

The Helsinki Roosters (7-3) host the Seinäjoki Crocodiles (7-3) in this week’s marquee Maple League game.

Both teams are battling for the second seed and the potential of a home playoff game. Because of a 24-12 week 5 loss in Seinäjoki, the Roosters will need to beat the Crocodiles by 12 or more points however to earn that right. 

The Crocodiles are coming off of a tough 27-8 loss to the defending champion Kuopio Steelers last week. In that game, the Crocodiles kept things close for a half before the Steelers pulled away. Running back Christian Powell should get more touches as Seinäjoki’s biggest weapon only had 13 carries in the loss last week. At quarterback, Anthony Whitehead must step up if Seinäjoki wants a win today. Whitehead has been to find Joel Sarkela and Anttoni Lampivuo this season but will need to play more consistently to bring another dimension to this offense.

Seinäjoki Crocodiles @ Helsinki Roosters, August 20, 15:30 CET, (3:30 pm, 9:30 am ET)

Former “Last Chance U” star and University of Tennessee (NCAA DI) defensive lineman Emmit Gooden has stood out this season.  The former junior college All-American along with Arthur Pinheiro, Seth Zins, Fillip Zacok make for a fierce defensive line that needs to play well today. If Seinäjoki’s defensive line can step up they give themselves a good chance of defeating this Roosters team. 

The Roosters will be keyed in on Christian Powell this week and hope to slow down one of Europe’s best running backs. Homegrown defensive lineman Christer Berg, linebacker Taavi Aronpaa, Kaleb Wezdenko, and veteran Cam Gruel should be able to cause problems for the Crocodiles offensive line. In the secondary, Emory Polley and Nolan Bernat hope to get their hands on any errant passes as the Crocodiles like to throw the ball deep often. 

Offensively, quarterback Bryce Stancomb hopes to find Aymeric Nicault and a group of young receivers to bring some consistency to a up and down offense this season. If Helsinki needs a spark expect them to play Ambro Urjansson. The former quarterback has lined up at receiver, running back, and quarterback this season making an impact all over the field.

Watch the game live here. Seinäjoki Crocodiles @ Helsinki Roosters, August 20, 15:30 CET, (3:30 pm, 9:30 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