In an electrifying showdown marked by resilience and determination, the Edmonton Elks edged past the Montreal Alouettes 32-29 in overtime during their home opener on a rain-soaked Saturday. Quarterback Cody Fajardo, demonstrating his leadership, scored the decisive touchdown while Justin Rankin excelled with two rushing touchdowns, showcasing the Elks’ revival and signalling their intent to be a formidable force in the Canadian Football League (CFL) this season.
A Historic Start for the Elks
This victory marks a pivotal moment for the Elks, as they begin the CFL regular season with a 2-0 record for the first time since 2019. Fajardo, who previously served as the mentor to Montreal’s quarterback Davis Alexander, emphasised the significance of this win. “We’re a gritty team, we’re going to find ways to win here,” he stated. “This isn’t the same Edmonton Elks team from a couple of years ago. The standard has changed here.”
Elks head coach Mark Kilam echoed this sentiment, praising the collective effort that led to the 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.”
Alouettes’ Streak Snapped
The loss for the Alouettes, who now hold a record of 2-1, handed Alexander his first defeat as a starter in the regular season. The young quarterback had been vying for a piece of CFL history, aiming to equal Bo Levi Mitchell’s record of 14 consecutive wins as a starter. Despite the disappointment, Alexander remained philosophical. “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,” he commented after the game.
Montreal opened the scoring with a 50-yard field goal from José Maltos Díaz early in the first quarter, setting the tone for a competitive match. The Alouettes extended their lead just before half-time with a rushing touchdown from Travis Theis, but Edmonton responded with a touchdown pass from Fajardo to Austin Mack, closing the gap to 13-7 at the break.
A Rollercoaster of Emotions
The second half saw a shift in momentum as the Elks surged into the lead, driven by Rankin’s impressive 36-yard run for a touchdown. The momentum continued as Rankin found the end zone again, this time with a staggering 47-yard dash, putting Edmonton ahead 19-13. However, the Alouettes quickly responded, with Maltos Díaz adding a field goal and Alexander connecting with Tyler Snead for another touchdown, pushing the game into a nail-biting overtime scenario.
As the clock expired in regulation, Maltos Díaz successfully converted a 31-yard field goal, tying the game at 26-26, and forcing the extra period. The Alouettes began overtime with another field goal, but Fajardo’s decisive run sealed the Elks’ victory, marking a significant turning point for the franchise.
Reflection on the Game
Montreal’s head coach, Jason Maas, expressed pride in his team’s grit. “We were down 10 points in the fourth quarter and managed to crawl back into the game. I’m very proud of that,” he reflected, alluding to the intense nature of the match that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
As the season progresses, the Elks will look to build on this momentum while the Alouettes aim to regroup before their next match against the Ottawa Redblacks.
Why it Matters
This victory not only reinforces the Elks’ resurgence in the league but also serves as a warning to other teams that they are no longer to be underestimated. With Fajardo at the helm and a newfound confidence, the Elks are poised to challenge for a playoff spot, potentially transforming the competitive landscape of the CFL. As fans eagerly await the next match, this game will be remembered as a pivotal moment in the Elks’ journey back to prominence in Canadian football.