The Edmonton Elks showcased their resilience and determination in a captivating home opener, defeating the Montreal Alouettes 32-29 in overtime on a rainy Saturday afternoon. Quarterback Cody Fajardo, demonstrating his prowess, scored the decisive touchdown himself, while running back Justin Rankin made a significant impact with two rushing touchdowns. This win marks the Elks’ first 2-0 start to a Canadian Football League (CFL) season since 2019, signalling a potential shift in the team’s fortunes.
Fajardo’s Leadership Shines
Cody Fajardo, who previously mentored Montreal’s quarterback Davis Alexander, proved he still has what it takes to lead a team to victory. Following the game, Fajardo expressed pride in his team’s grit, stating, “We’re a gritty team, we’re going to find ways to win here. We already knew we were a good football team, I think what this does is it puts the rest of the league on notice that this isn’t the same Edmonton Elks team from a couple of years ago. The standard has changed here.”
The Elks’ head coach, Mark Kilam, echoed Fajardo’s sentiments, acknowledging the collective effort of his players. “It was a good team win. It took all three phases, everybody in that locker room. Guys had to dig deep,” he remarked. “We stuck together and found ways to make plays late in the game.”
A Close-Call for the Alouettes
For the Alouettes, the loss marked a disappointing moment for Alexander, who had aimed to extend his record of consecutive starter victories to 14, a feat previously achieved by Bo Levi Mitchell in 2016. Reflecting on the match, Alexander noted, “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.”
The game began with Montreal taking an early lead, as José Maltos Díaz successfully kicked a 50-yard field goal just six and a half minutes into the first quarter. The Alouettes extended their advantage with a touchdown from Travis Theis shortly before halftime, putting them ahead 13-7 as the teams went into the break.
Elks Fight Back
The Elks turned the tide in the second half. Rankin electrified the crowd with a 36-yard touchdown run just three minutes into the third quarter. He followed this up with another impressive 47-yard rushing touchdown later in the same period. Despite the missed convert, Edmonton had successfully shifted the momentum.
As the fourth quarter unfolded, both teams exchanged field goals, with the Alouettes clawing back into the game. A pivotal moment occurred when Montreal fumbled a punt, allowing the Elks to capitalise with a 13-yard field goal by Vincent Blanchard. Yet, Alexander responded with a powerful 34-yard pass to Tyler Snead, bringing the Alouettes within three points.
The tension escalated as Maltos Díaz levelled the score with a 31-yard field goal as time expired, forcing the game into overtime.
Overtime Drama
In the extra period, the Alouettes initially took the lead with another field goal from Maltos Díaz. However, fortune favoured the Elks as a crucial call went their way when Rankin’s fumble was deemed to have been last touched by an Edmonton player before going out of bounds. Seizing the moment, Fajardo charged into the end zone from six yards out, securing a dramatic victory for the Elks.
Montreal’s head coach, Jason Maas, expressed pride in his team’s performance despite the loss, highlighting their resilience in overcoming a ten-point deficit to force overtime. “That ball on the sidelines, if it gets tapped out our way, we win the ball game right there. Unfortunately, it didn’t, and they made one more play and sealed the victory,” he lamented.
Upcoming Fixtures
Looking ahead, the Alouettes will host the Ottawa Redblacks, who are seeking their first win of the season, on Sunday, June 28. Meanwhile, the Elks will travel to face the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Thursday, aiming to maintain their perfect start to the season.
Why it Matters
This victory not only boosts the Elks’ confidence as they strive to redefine their identity within the league but also signals to their rivals that they are a formidable contender this season. As the Elks continue to build on their momentum, the potential for a remarkable turnaround in their fortunes could invigorate both the team and their dedicated fan base, making them a team to watch in the coming weeks.
