The Porvoo Butchers capped a historic undefeated season by defeating the Seinäjoki Crocodiles 52–21 in Maple Bowl XLVI at Bolt Arena in Helsinki, securing their eighth Finnish American football championship and completing a flawless 12-0 campaign.
Arrambide’s record-breaking performance fuels early rout
Quarterback Christian Arrambide delivered a masterclass, throwing six touchdown passes—a Maple Bowl record—while earning MVP honors. The Butchers stormed to a 28-0 first-quarter lead, overwhelming Seinäjoki’s defense with precision and explosiveness. Arrambide connected with Luukas Eerola (2 TDs), Micky Kyei (2 TDs), and Nathaniel Robitaille (2 TDs), while running back Christian Powell added a rushing score. By halftime, Porvoo led 31-7, silencing any doubt about their status as favorites.
Defense stifles Crocodiles’ attack
The Butchers’ defense complemented Arrambide’s brilliance, holding Seinäjoki’s offense to sporadic scoring. Cornerback Zahary Wright intercepted two passes, halting potential rallies. Seinäjoki’s De’Anta Sipp managed 100 rushing yards and a touchdown, while quarterback Brandon Kyles contributed a rushing TD and a 12-yard pass to Mahe Masselot, but the Crocodiles’ 21 points marked their lowest output in four Maple Bowl appearances.
Historic perfection etched in Finnish football
Porvoo became the first team since the 2016 Helsinki Roosters to complete an undefeated season, cementing their legacy as one of the Maple League’s most dominant squads. The victory also extended Seinäjoki’s Maple Bowl losing streak to four games, a stark contrast to their 2021 championship triumph.
Trench dominance sets the tone
The Butchers’ offensive line, led by John Paul Flores, neutralized Seinäjoki’s vaunted pass rush. Sack leader Charles Akanno, who set a regular-season record with 14.5 sacks, was limited to one tackle. Porvoo’s protection allowed Arrambide to exploit mismatches, particularly targeting Eerola, whose 95-yard touchdown in the third quarter epitomized the team’s big-play prowess.
Legacy secured for Butchers’ core
For Powell, the win erased years of postseason heartbreak after three prior Maple Bowl losses. His 117 rushing yards and touchdown symbolized Porvoo’s balanced attack, which amassed 520 total yards. The Butchers’ 31 first-half points tied a Maple Bowl record, while their 52 total points rank second all-time.
Crocodiles left searching for answers
Seinäjoki, playing in its 11th Maple Bowl, fell to 1-4 against Porvoo in championship games. The Crocodiles’ rebuilt roster, featuring only five starters from their 2024 finalist team, struggled to match the Butchers’ depth. Despite Sipp’s resilience, Seinäjoki’s defense allowed touchdowns on six consecutive drives, a stark departure from their regular-season form.
The Butchers’ triumph reinforces their status as Finland’s premier football program, while Seinäjoki faces an offseason of reflection after another title-game disappointment.