Seinäjoki Crocodiles edge Kuopio Steelers in overtime thriller to reach Maple Bowl
The Seinäjoki Crocodiles secured a dramatic 31-28 overtime victory over the Kuopio Steelers in the Maple League semifinals, advancing to the championship game behind kicker Akseli Syrjänen’s clutch 31-yard field goal and a resilient defensive stand.
Overtime heroics seal victory
After regulation ended 28-28, the Steelers’ first overtime possession stalled, forcing a 42-yard field goal attempt. Defensive lineman Tylen Riley-Coleman blocked Iiro Pekkarinen’s kick, setting the stage for the Crocodiles’ decisive drive. Quarterback Brandon Kyles methodically moved the offense to the 14-yard line, where Syrjänen—who also recorded the game’s lone interception—coolly split the uprights to clinch the win.
Sipp’s ground dominance and late-game grit
Running back De’Anta Sipp anchored the Crocodiles’ offense, grinding out critical yards and scoring the game-tying touchdown with 0:01 left in regulation. His effort capped a 12-play, 78-yard drive highlighted by Justus Virtanen’s contested 34-yard catch at the Steelers’ 2-yard line, a play that survived scrutiny despite protests of an incompletion. Sipp finished with 132 rushing yards, complementing Kyles’ 221 passing yards and two touchdowns (Virtanen, Djibryl Aliamane).
Defensive standouts stifle Steelers’ stars
The Crocodiles neutralized Kuopio’s All-League running back Ethan Greenfield, limiting him to 64 rushing yards—a stark drop from his 210-yard performance in their regular-season meeting. Linebackers Charles Akanno and Luka Hietala combined for 12 tackles, while the defense forced two first-half turnovers to offset quarterback KHari Lane’s 282-yard, three-touchdown outing.
Even stats, decisive execution
Both teams amassed near-identical yardage (396-395), but the Crocodiles capitalized on red-zone efficiency and error-free play. Kuopio’s early fumbles and the blocked overtime kick proved pivotal, overshadowing Lane’s prolific passing and Noah Choate’s 112 receiving yards. For Seinäjoki, the victory extends their quest for a fifth Maple Bowl title, blending clutch special teams, defensive resolve, and Sipp’s workhorse brilliance into a semifinal classic.
