Seinäjoki Crocodiles hold off Wasa Royals 37-23 in Maple League clash

The Wasa Royals (2-7) pushed the Seinäjoki Crocodiles (6-3) deep into the fourth quarter Saturday, but the visitors answered every challenge and pulled away for a 37-23 victory at Kaarle Field in Vaasa in Finland’s Maple League.

Royals grab the early lead

The Royals struck first late in the opening quarter when quarterback Shazzon Mumphrey found Andrew McElroy in the end zone.

The Crocodiles answered early in the second as Arttu Blomqvist ran in the tying touchdown. Wasa moved back in front on a Karim Limam field goal, but Seinäjoki took control before halftime.

Maurico Porcha hauled in a touchdown pass from Christopher Fowler before Fowler added another score on the ground, sending the Crocodiles into the break with a 21-9 advantage.

Crocodiles build some breathing room

Fowler kept the pressure on after halftime, running in his second touchdown as Seinäjoki began opening up some distance.

The Royals, however, weren’t going away.

Mumphrey connected with Aaro Toikkanen for a touchdown to pull Wasa back into the game. Eetu Mäki-Maunus added a field goal for the Crocodiles, but Mumphrey responded by finding defensive lineman Martti Kass for a two-yard touchdown, cutting the margin to one score.

Fowler shuts the door

With Wasa threatening to complete the comeback, Fowler delivered again. The Crocodiles quarterback ran in his third touchdown of the afternoon, giving Seinäjoki the cushion it needed.

The Royals mounted one final drive, but Sifiso Salama intercepted Mumphrey to end the threat and seal the 37-23 victory.

Fowler finished 30 of 46 for 311 yards and a touchdown while adding three rushing scores. Porcha was his leading target with 13 catches for 137 yards and a touchdown, while Alex Jämsén added six receptions for 82 yards.

Mumphrey completed 21 of 44 passes for 182 yards and three touchdowns. McElroy caught 11 passes for 67 yards and a score, while Toikkanen had five receptions for 44 yards and a touchdown.

The win moves Seinäjoki to 6-3 heading into its regular-season finale against the Helsinki Roosters, while Wasa closes its season against the East City Giants.