The Edmonton Elks secured a dramatic 32-29 victory over the Montreal Alouettes in their home opener, marking a significant milestone as they remain undefeated at the start of the CFL season for the first time since 2019. The match, which unfolded under rainy conditions on Saturday, saw Elks quarterback Cody Fajardo score the decisive touchdown in overtime, while Montreal’s Davis Alexander experienced the first loss of his starting career.
Elks Take Control Early
The Alouettes set the tone for the match early on, with José Maltos Díaz kicking a 50-yard field goal just six and a half minutes into the first quarter. As the game progressed, Montreal extended their lead with a five-yard rushing touchdown from Travis Theis before further adding to their score with a 38-yard field goal from Maltos Díaz, following an interception thrown by Fajardo.
Edmonton found their rhythm just before halftime, as Fajardo connected with Austin Mack for a nine-yard touchdown pass, reducing the deficit to 13-7.
A Surge in the Second Half
The Elks came out strong in the third quarter, with Justin Rankin finding a gap to sprint 36 yards for a touchdown, putting Edmonton in front for the first time. Rankin continued to shine, displaying remarkable resilience as he stumbled before breaking free for a 47-yard touchdown, although the ensuing conversion attempt was unsuccessful.
Vincent Blanchard then added a 36-yard field goal to extend Edmonton’s lead, but Montreal responded quickly with a 37-yard field goal from Maltos Díaz, keeping the pressure on the Elks.
Climax of the Contest
A pivotal moment occurred when Montreal fumbled a punt at their own 11-yard line, allowing Kordell Jackson of the Elks to recover. This set up another field goal from Blanchard, increasing Edmonton’s lead to six points. However, Alexander was not to be outdone; he launched a 34-yard touchdown pass to Tyler Snead, bringing the Alouettes within three points.
As the clock wound down, Maltos Díaz nailed a 31-yard field goal to send the game into overtime, tying the score at 26-26.
Overtime Drama
In the extra period, the Alouettes initially took the lead with another field goal from Maltos Díaz. However, a stroke of fortune for Edmonton came when Rankin’s fumble was ruled to have last touched an Elks player before going out of bounds. Seizing the opportunity, Fajardo dashed six yards into the end zone for the winning touchdown, sealing a thrilling victory for the Elks.
Looking Ahead
Following this nail-biting encounter, the Alouettes will host the Ottawa Redblacks next Sunday, while the Elks are set to visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Thursday.
Why it Matters
This victory not only boosts the Elks’ confidence as they aim for a successful season, but it also highlights the resilience of a team that has faced challenges in recent years. With a promising start, the Elks look poised to make their mark in the CFL, while the Alouettes, despite the loss, will be keen to bounce back and maintain their competitive edge in the league.