The Elks secured a vital 25-20 win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers with two impressive third-quarter touchdowns and a strong fourth-quarter defense, keeping Edmonton’s slim CFL playoff hopes alive. Justin Rankin’s 64-yard touchdown run on a third-down play, along with Kordell Jackson’s 47-yard touchdown after recovering a fumble, led the Elks to victory in front of a crowd of 15,013 on a chilly and wet evening in Edmonton.
Despite a challenging start to the regular season at 1-6, the Elks must win their remaining two games, including a crucial matchup against the Calgary Stampeders, to clinch a playoff spot for the first time since 2019. With their third win in five games, Edmonton improved their record to 7-9, trailing the Bombers by only two points in the West Division standings. However, Winnipeg currently holds the tiebreaker due to their previous victory over the Elks.
The game-changing plays came from Rankin’s explosive run and Jackson’s fumble recovery touchdown, extending the Elks’ lead. The team’s defense stepped up in the final minutes, thwarting Winnipeg’s attempts to close the gap. Despite the Bombers’ efforts, including Ontaria Wilson’s remarkable touchdown catch, costly penalties hindered their comeback.
Edmonton’s coach praised the team’s resilience and execution, emphasizing the importance of practicing for such critical moments. Winnipeg’s running back acknowledged Edmonton’s performance and highlighted the element of luck that favored the Elks in the game. Quarterback statistics showed Cody Fajardo’s efficiency for Edmonton and Zach Collaros’ efforts for Winnipeg.
Looking ahead, the Blue Bombers will face the Saskatchewan Roughriders, while the Elks will take on the B.C. Lions on the upcoming matchday. The win keeps Edmonton’s playoff hopes alive as they continue to fight for a postseason berth in the competitive CFL season.