On a Saturday night in Saskatchewan, the Edmonton Elks found new heights and a new result for the first time this season, defeating the Roughriders in dramatic fashion to send the Green and Gold faithful into a frenzy.
GAME RECAP
THE FAN SIDE
As a fan, you felt some hope for the Edmonton Elks with Tre Ford at quarterback, and that's not saying anything bad about McLeod Bethel-Thompson; Tre Ford opens up the field for the offense simply due to his dangerous scrambles. His 5 rushing plays amounted to 46 rushing yards, usually gaining a first down on those plays. The offensive line seems to play better with Ford at quarterback, giving a clear path for running back Javon Leake to run in 3 touchdowns on Saturday. Ford found 2 touchdowns of his own with 252 passing yards on 18 completions, only missing 4 passes on the night.
Even though Saskatchewan had multiple injuries ailing their team, quarterback Shea Patterson still found a way to post impressive numbers on the Elks with 22 completions on 38 attempts amounting to 306 passing yards, 2 touchdowns and 1 interception.
Overall the Elks found a way to make all 3 phases click at the same time, a rare occurrence for a team that finds more ways to lose than win. One of the biggest stories, however, is the rise of Javon Leake as a patient-yet-explosive running back with a penchant for touchdowns, adding a bit of controversy at that position once Kevin Brown returns from injury. Boris Bede made his 2 field goals, Jake Julien nailed multiple punts within the 10-yard zone, the defense posted 3 sacks and the offense posted 5 touchdowns, so you can't ask for more of a complete game from the Double E in their 42-31 victory.
There's no doubt that fans will want to see minimal changes from last Saturday to this Sunday, and rightfully so. Any major changes would indicate either injury or issues, and Head Coach Jarious Jackson has already indicated that he's starting the players that find success, so expect Leake and Ford to retain their roles for Sunday's contest.
NEXT UP: EDMONTON ELKS VS BC LIONS
The Edmonton Elks return home to defend Commonwealth Stadium against the BC Lions on Sunday, August 11th at 5PM. In the past this match up may have fans watching from home, but today this fanbase has some renewed faith and excitement thanks to the latest Elks win, so expect a bigger and louder crowd at the stadium Edmonton calls home. With BC missing their star quarterback and Edmonton suddenly surging, the elusive home win is finally in sight once again.
Antler Up!