In a dramatic showdown on a rainy Saturday evening, the Edmonton Elks clinched a hard-fought 32-29 victory over the Montreal Alouettes in their home opener, marking a triumphant start to the CFL season. Quarterback Cody Fajardo, who previously mentored Alouettes’ quarterback Davis Alexander, showcased his skills by scoring the decisive touchdown, while Justin Rankin contributed significantly with two rushing touchdowns.
A Historic Start for the Elks
This win signifies a promising beginning for the Elks, who have now secured a 2-0 record in the CFL for the first time since 2019. Fajardo expressed his satisfaction with the team’s performance, stating, “We’re a gritty team; we’re going to find ways to win here. This isn’t the same Edmonton Elks team from a couple of years ago. The standard has changed here.” His words underline the shift in momentum for a franchise that has faced challenges in recent seasons.
Elks head coach Mark Kilam echoed Fajardo’s sentiments, praising the collective effort of his squad. “It was a good team win. It took all three phases, and everyone in that locker room had to dig deep,” Kilam remarked. The Elks’ resilience was evident as they battled through adversity to secure the victory against a formidable opponent.
Alouettes’ First Loss
The Alouettes, now sitting at 2-1, witnessed Alexander suffer his first defeat as a starter in regular-season play. The young quarterback, who was part of the 2023 Grey Cup-winning team alongside Fajardo, had aimed to tie the CFL record for consecutive starts with a victory at 14, previously set by Bo Levi Mitchell in 2016. Following the loss, Alexander reflected on the match, saying, “The record is what the record is…I’m not glad to have lost, but I’m glad to get that record talk out of the way. Let’s just go play 15 more.”
A Game of Twists and Turns
The opening quarter saw the Alouettes take an early lead with a 50-yard field goal from José Maltos Díaz, followed by a touchdown from Travis Theis just before halftime. Despite Montreal’s initial dominance, the Elks managed to narrow the gap with a late touchdown from Fajardo to Austin Mack, bringing the score to 13-7 at the half.
The second half saw the Elks surge ahead, with Rankin showcasing his speed and agility to score two sensational rushing touchdowns. However, the Alouettes fought back fiercely, with Maltos Díaz scoring another field goal, ultimately tying the game at 26-26, sending it into overtime.
In the extra period, Maltos Díaz opened with a 33-yard field goal for Montreal, but Fajardo’s decisive six-yard run clinched the victory for Edmonton, leaving the crowd in rapture.
Coaches’ Perspectives
Montreal’s head coach Jason Maas acknowledged the intensity of the match, stating, “It was a great fight… Unfortunately, it didn’t go our way, and they made one more play to seal the victory.” He commended his players for their determination, particularly their ability to rally from a ten-point deficit in the fourth quarter.
Looking Ahead
The Alouettes will host the Ottawa Redblacks, who are still seeking their first win, while the Elks are set to visit the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Thursday. Both teams will be eager to build on their current momentum, with the Elks aiming to maintain their undefeated status.
Why it Matters
This thrilling match not only sets the stage for an exciting CFL season but also highlights the transformation of the Edmonton Elks under new leadership. Their victory against the Alouettes signals a resurgence in the team’s performance and ambition, potentially shifting the dynamics of the league. As fans rally behind a reinvigorated squad, the implications for both teams could be profound, shaping the narratives of the upcoming matches and the broader CFL landscape.
