The Seinäjoki Crocodiles (5-3) host the Helsinki Roosters (6-2) in a critical Finnish Maple League showdown, with both teams jockeying for postseason seeding and Seinäjoki fighting to avoid a late-season collapse that could jeopardize their playoff berth.
Playoff implications intensify
Seinäjoki, last year’s finalists, have stumbled with two losses in their last three games, including a narrow win over the league’s last-place Tampere Saints. A loss to the reigning champion Roosters would force Seinäjoki into a must-win Week 11 clash against Wasa Royals (8-8) for the final playoff spot. Helsinki, meanwhile, aims to solidify second place and home-field advantage in the playoffs, despite reshuffling their offensive line after losing starting running back Lassi Pajarinen to illness.
De’Anta Sipp against the red wall
Seinäjoki’s playoff hopes hinge on star running back De’Anta Sipp, whose league-leading 1,370 all-purpose yards (1,072 rushing, 51 receiving, 247 return) anchor their offense. The Roosters’ top-ranked run defense, dubbed the “red wall,” faces its toughest test yet in containing Sipp’s explosive playmaking. Helsinki’s defensive front, led by linebackers Charles Akanno and end Tylen Coleman, must disrupt Seinäjoki’s ground-centric strategy to force quarterback Justin Prostinak into high-pressure situations.
Justin Prostinak’s debut looms large
The Roosters’ offense introduces new American running back Justin Prostinak, signed after Pajarinen’s injury. Prostinak, a 2024 Kiel Baltic Hurricanes (GFL) veteran and former University of Wisconsin–Whitewater standout, brings versatility to Helsinki’s reshaped line. Offensive coordinator Kalle Karppinen emphasized Prostinak’s role: “We’ll use him in varied ways to add explosiveness for our playoff push.” Backup Ysufa Lehtinen’s return adds depth, but the absence of sack leader Joni Kotro weakens Helsinki’s pass rush.
Defensive adjustments and playoff urgency
Seinäjoki’s defense, coordinated by Jaime Hill, faces uncertainty against Helsinki’s retooled offense. The Crocodiles may deploy a three-line formation to counter the Roosters’ strong offensive line, but Prostinak’s dual-threat capability complicates their schemes. Seinäjoki’s recent defensive struggles (allowing 189 points) contrast sharply with Helsinki’s league-second 275 points scored, setting up a clash of momentum versus pedigree.
Previous meeting fuels rivalry
The Roosters won their Week 1 matchup 21-7, but Seinäjoki’s home-field advantage and desperation inject unpredictability. A Crocodiles victory would tighten the standings, while Helsinki aims to maintain a 70% probability of securing second place. With Seinäjoki’s playoff survival and Helsinki’s title defense ambitions on the line, Friday’s game promises high-stakes, physical football.