The Edmonton Elks staged an impressive comeback to defeat the Calgary Stampeders 38-28 in a CFL matchup on Monday. Justin Rankin’s 50-yard rushing touchdown and Vincent Blanchard’s successful conversion put Edmonton in the lead with just over four minutes remaining in the Labour Day game. The Elks, with a record of 9-3, scored 24 points in the final 10 minutes of the game, marking their third consecutive victory.
Key players for the Elks included Kaion Julien-Grant and Austin Mack, who caught touchdown passes, while ShunDerrick Powell and Cole Snyder added rushing touchdowns. Blanchard contributed with a 52-yard field goal and five conversion points. On the other side, Jalen Philpot and Clark Barnes scored touchdown passes, and Quincy Vaughn added a short-yardage plunge for the Calgary Stampeders (5-7).
The Elks’ victory kept them at the top of the West Division, ahead of the Saskatchewan Roughriders (8-4), while the Stampeders remained at the bottom of the division, trailing behind the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the B.C. Lions, both with a 6-6 record. Elks quarterback Cody Fajardo had a solid performance, completing 17 of 31 passes for 181 yards and two touchdown passes, with one interception.
Despite trailing by 14 points with 10 minutes left in the game, Edmonton’s offense rallied, narrowing the gap with a six-play, 70-yard drive that concluded with Powell’s three-yard touchdown. The game saw intense action with turnovers and key plays, ultimately leading to the Elks’ impressive victory over the Stampeders. The two teams are set to face each other again in the upcoming game.
Weather conditions during the game included low clouds, gusty winds, and a temperature of 12°C. The game was preceded by a flyover featuring two CF-18 Hornets, adding to the excitement of the match. Both teams displayed determination and skill throughout the game, showcasing the competitive spirit of CFL football.
The Elks will have the opportunity to continue their winning streak as they prepare to host the Stampeders in the next game, promising another thrilling matchup between these fierce rivals.