In a thrilling encounter on a rainy Saturday, the Edmonton Elks showcased their resilience and determination, edging out the Montreal Alouettes 32-29 in a gripping overtime finish. Quarterback Cody Fajardo not only proved he remains a formidable force on the field but also demonstrated the depth of talent within his team, with Justin Rankin contributing two crucial touchdowns. This victory marks a significant moment for the Elks, who have started the CFL season with a 2-0 record for the first time since 2019.
A Battle of Quarterbacks
The game unfolded as a riveting clash between two quarterbacks with a shared history. Cody Fajardo, who previously mentored Davis Alexander during their time together on the Montreal Alouettes’ Grey Cup-winning squad in 2023, demonstrated his experience and skill against his former apprentice.
“It was pretty impressive the way that we gutted it out. We’re a gritty team, we’re going to find ways to win here,” Fajardo commented after the match. “We already knew we were a good football team, and 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.”
Meanwhile, Alexander faced the disappointment of his first career loss as a starter in a regular-season match, falling short of equalling the CFL record for consecutive wins at 14, a feat held by Bo Levi Mitchell since 2016.
A Game of Momentum Shifts
The Alouettes initially seized control of the game, with José Maltos Díaz kicking a 50-yard field goal halfway through the first quarter. They extended their lead when Travis Theis rushed in a five-yard touchdown just before halftime, leading 13-0. However, the Elks finally broke through with a nine-yard touchdown pass from Fajardo to Austin Mack, closing the gap to 13-7.
Momentum shifted dramatically in the second half. Rankin made a remarkable 36-yard touchdown run, followed by another spectacular 47-yard sprint to the end zone, putting the Elks ahead. Yet, the Alouettes responded with a series of pivotal plays, including a crucial fumble recovery and a last-minute field goal that sent the game into overtime, illustrating the competitive spirit that defined the match.
Overtime Drama
In the extra session, the stakes escalated. The Alouettes kicked a 33-yard field goal to take a brief lead, but the Elks were determined to seal the win. Following a fortunate bounce that allowed the Elks to retain possession after a fumble, Fajardo charged six yards into the end zone for the decisive score.
“It was a great fight, all the way through into overtime, up until the last play,” said Montreal head coach Jason Maas, reflecting on his team’s commendable effort. “I’m very proud of our guys for fighting. We were down 10 points in the fourth quarter, being able to crawl back and put it into overtime, obviously I’m very proud of that.”
Looking Ahead
The Alouettes will look to bounce back as they host the Ottawa Redblacks, who are still seeking their first win, on Sunday, June 28. Meanwhile, the Elks prepare for a challenging away game against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Thursday, eager to continue their winning streak.
Why it Matters
This victory not only signifies a promising start for the Edmonton Elks but also reflects a significant turnaround for a team that has struggled in recent seasons. Fajardo’s leadership and the team’s collective effort highlight a renewed spirit within the locker room, potentially reshaping their trajectory in the highly competitive CFL landscape. As the season progresses, this match could be a pivotal moment for the Elks, setting the tone for their aspirations of returning to the playoffs and beyond.
