LIVESTREAM Finland – Thursday Night Football: Wasa Royals @ Seinäjoki Crocodiles, May 23, 17:30 CET (5:30 pm, 11:30 am EDT)
The Seinäjoki Crocodiles (1-0), 2023 Finnish finalists, will play host to the Wasa Royals (0-1) at Wirokit Stadium as the Maple League enters its second weekend of play.
The last time these two teams met was in the Maple League semifinals last year when the Crocodiles defeated Wasa 28-14.
Seinäjoki opened the season with a solid 34-16 victory over the defending champion Porvoon Butchers while the Royals lost 28-12 to the Helsinki Roosters.
Crocodiles quarterback Christian Arrambide threw for a modest 136 yards and one touchdown in the win over Porvoon last week while veteran running back Christian Powell set the tone with 108 yards rushing and a touchdown. Defensively, Seinäjoki was led by Arttu Tapola who had 7.5 tackles and defensive lineman Charles Akanno who collected five tackles and caused all kinds of problems for the Butchers and was named player of the game.
Watch live. Wasa Royals @ Seinäjoki Crocodiles, May 23, 17:30 CET (5:30 pm, 11:30 am EDT)
For the Royals, new quarterback Theo Landers struggled after arriving in Finland just days after winning the Spanish championship with the Las Rozas Black Demons. Still, he tossed two touchdown passes in his Maple League debut and with another week of practice under his belt will no doubt be in better sync with his receiving corps which includes the always dangerous Alpha Jalloh. Running back Tom Suoste carried the load for Wasa rushing for 169 yards on 31 (!) carries. Expect to see the reliance on the ground game continue. Landers used his legs in helping the Black Demons win their second straight title in Spain so expect more of the same once he is comfortable.
On defense, Viktor Mänty racked up six tackles for the Royals while last season’s sack king, DeMarco Artis had four assisted tackles but no sacks.
Based on last week’s results, the home team Crocodiles enter the game as early favorites but with Landers and receiver Alpha Jalloh getting another week of practice together, the Royals could surprise.
Watch live. Wasa Royals @ Seinäjoki Crocodiles, May 23, 17:30 CET (5:30 pm, 11:30 am EDT)
