Maple League Week 7 Preview

Time for another week of Maple League action, though this one has half of the teams enjoying a bye-week (as the writer did last week, life happens). One of the games is a high-tier matchup, and the other one might bring us a surprise. Up to the reader which one is which one.

East City Giants (1-4) – Wasa Royals (3-2)

Credit: Laura Helminen

Little week 7 starts with the East City Giants hosting the Wasa Royals in Myllypuro. The Giants are eager to get the second win of the season, and the Royals need to strengthen their position in the playoff-race.

The Giants have troubles with finishing their plans. Apart from their sweet victory against the Saints a few weeks ago, their performance hasn’t hit the mark they may have expected. Young receiver Daniel Rubinstein appears to have a connection with the QB Rayna Stewart III, but that’s all there is in terms of ECG’s success.

The Royals are an intriguing team this year. They started the season undefeated, but once facing winning teams their losing streak started. Their defense and special teams play is in good hands of one Alpha Jalloh, but he cannot be the only one who carries the success of the team. The offense needs to play their part, and the ball needs to find its way to Gabriel Quigley’s hands more often.

AFF Players to Watch

East City Giants LB #6 Panu Moilanen

East City Giants WR #1 Daniel Rubinstein

Wasa Royals LB #2 Viktor Mänty

Wasa Royals WR #6 Leonardo Sophoclis

Seinäjoki Crocodiles (4-1) – Porvoo Butchers (5-0)

Credit: Laura Helminen

The second (and final) match of the week is between the league top dogs. We are all hyped to see Sir Christian Powell face his old team, Seinäjoki Crocodiles, while wearing the all-white swag-dripping visitor uniform of Porvoo Butchers. Both teams are also featured in the Ballers International Top 10 plays of the week 6, curated by yours truly, check it out here https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GLoJK7Pur98

The Seinäjoki Crocodiles are back on where we’re used to have them after a little wobbly start of the season with major changes in the lineup. The Crocs have especially dangerous defensive lineup with Akseli Syrjänen snatching interceptions whenever he’s near the passing play target.

The Butchers have remained as the Maple League favorite and are still undefeated. Last week they probably had the scoring record of the season with their 21-72 win over the Tampere Saints. The Butchers’ QB Christian Arrambide has a bunch of preferred targets both running and passing, and the WR Nathaniel Robitaille has proved his dangerousness during the last couple of games. Last week we also saw top defensive performances, like LB Jalen Todd’s Pick 6.

This will clearly be the matchup of the week and if any team can break the Butchers’ winning streak, it’s the Crocodiles.

AFF Players to Watch

Seinäjoki Crocodiles DB #20 Akseli Syrjänen

Seinäjoki Crocodiles RB #16 De’Anta Sipp

Porvoo Butchers LB #40 Jalen Todd

Porvoo Butchers WR #3 Micky Kyei

Come join us in witnessing Finnish football stories online or via Ruutu, and always better if you can make it live to the Stadium. Contact us on our socials and let us know your expectations of the upcoming matchups!

East City Giants – Wasa Royals, Myllypuro nurmi, Helsinki, Saturday July 27th at 2:00

Seinäjoki Crocodiles – Porvoo Butchers, Wirokit Stadium, Seinäjoki, Saturday July 27th at 6:30