Bombers Suffer Shocking Defeat in Edmonton Dropping to 8-8 This Season
The Edmonton Elks achieved a significant 25-20 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, keeping their CFL playoff aspirations alive. This crucial win took place on a chilly Saturday night in front of 15,013 fans at Commonwealth Stadium, where temperatures hovered around 4°C.
Key Game Highlights
Elks running back Justin Rankin made headlines with a remarkable 64-yard touchdown run, showcasing his playmaking ability. This came after Kordell Jackson scored a second touchdown on a 47-yard run following a fumble recovery. These two pivotal plays shifted the momentum and set the Elks on a winning path.
Elks’ Road to Playoffs
- Current Record: 7-9
- Last Place in West Division
- Need to win final two games for playoff qualification
Despite starting the season with a 1-6 record, the Elks have shown resilience, winning three of their last five matches. They need victories in their upcoming games, including a crucial matchup against the Calgary Stampeders, to secure a playoff position for the first time since 2019.
Close Contest
The victory for the Elks does not come without challenges. Winnipeg’s late-game surge saw them narrow the gap with a field goal and a touchdown catch by Ontaria Wilson. However, the Elks’ defense stepped up, preventing the Bombers from capitalizing further.
Player Performances
- Justin Rankin: 18 carries for 138 yards
- Cody Fajardo (Elks QB): 13 of 14 passes completed
- Zach Collaros (Bombers QB): 22 of 34 passes completed, one touchdown, two interceptions
Defensively, Kordell Jackson highlighted the Elks’ strong play, emphasizing the execution of their strategies learned in practice. Coach Mark Kalim expressed his confidence in the defense, urging them to seize control in critical moments.
Weekend Matchups
The Blue Bombers, now at an 8-8 record, will host the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Friday, October 17. The Elks will also play that day, visiting the B.C. Lions in search of a vital victory to boost their playoff hopes.
As the season draws to a close, both teams face critical challenges as they jockey for playoff positions. Edmonton must solidify its gameplay to overcome its early-season struggles while Winnipeg looks to improve its performance heading into the postseason.
