Don't count the Edmonton Elks out quite yet.

With two games remaining on the season, the Green and Gold won themselves another week of playoff dreams with their latest victory at Commonwealth Stadium, a victory that secured a 4-game winning streak at home for the first time since 2019. To top it off the Elks also broke a streak in the process, ending a 13-game losing streak to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers that dates back to 2019 as well, their last win vs the Bombers that came at the end of the 2018 season. A full day of sports in Edmonton combined with cold and wet conditions may have only yielded 15,013 fans, but the folks that did show were treated to an exciting game that will be remembered for quite some time.

TAILGATE REPORT

October 11th had been circled on our calendars for quite some time as the 2025 Elks Tailgate Chili Cook-Off was scheduled as soon as the CFL Regular Season Schedule was released in 2024. Despite the less than ideal conditions, hundreds of CFL fans flocked down to Edmonton's pre-game party in Lot B to taste and judge the many chili's made by fellow fans, the third annual event of it's kind made possible thanks to the Edmonton Elks, sponsors and the fans themselves, 170 fans voting for their favourite Chili before the game.

After 3 hours of fun outside of Commonwealth, sports fans marched towards the gates to witness the heavyweight showdown on the turf.

GAME RECAP

The game started as a battle for field position but ended as a back-and-forth affair. Despite a slow start for the Double E featuring a missed field goal and multiple stalls on offensive drives, the Elks managed to find rhythm and momentum thanks to critical plays from the offense and defense, a Cody Fajardo rushing touchdown and then a J.J. Ross interception near the end of the half. The ensuing field goal attempt would result in a Rouge to send the Elks to the lockers with a 11-10 lead at the half.

The second half started much better for the Elks. A gamble on 3rd Down propelled Justin Rankin from Edmonton's side of the 55-yard line to put the Elks up 18-10. After a battle for field position, Special Teams would get their chance to impact the game with their own fumble due to a stripped ball, Elks DB Kordell Jackson recovering the ball for a "Scoop-and-score" to excite the Green and Gold fans in the stadium, a 25-10 lead as the 4th Quarter approached. However, the Elks wouldn't be able to hold the 15-point lead for long as a K Sergio Castillo field goal would inch the Bombers closer to a comeback. As desperation mounted with less than 10 minutes left in the game, QB Zach Collaros threw his second interception of the game, a pick by Kenny Logan Jr. to give the Elks the ball once again. Unfortunately the pick would not result in points, and with a highlight reel touchdown catch from Ontaria Wilson moments later, the Bombers had life and momentum as the clock counted down, a 25-20 score posted on the board. The defense found a way to lock it down, and despite questionable calls and no easy way to secure the win, the Elks managed to keep Winnipeg at bay to claim victory with 25-20 being the final score.

It's tough to say where the Elks would be without some of these talented athletes on the roster. While Zach Collaros did indeed struggle in his role at pivot, the Elks also had a well-built plan and executed accordingly against a team that has dominated them for years. Where Cody Fajardo struggled to complete passes with 13 completions on 24 attempts, Justin Rankin made up for his play with 18 carries for 138 yards and 1 touchdown, Fajardo posting the other rushing touchdown on the day. WR Kaion Julien-Grant topped the receiving leader board with 3 catches on 4 attempts for 69 yards, WR O.J. Hillaire was targeted the most, catching 5 balls on 10 attempts to notch 51 yards on the day.

The defense also did their job, interceptions coming from both Kenny Logan Jr. and JJ Ross, both defenders posting 4 defensive tackles in addition to their interceptions. Brock Mogenson topped the leader board with 6 defensive tackles, Joel Dublanko right behind him with 5 of his own and both players achieving tackles for losses.

Even though K Vincent Blanchard struggled on field goals missing 2 of 3 attempts, P Jake Julien made up for it in punts with 9 boots to average 43.1 yards on the day, his longest being a 55-yard boot. DB Kordell Jackson saved what could have been a game-changing strip by getting the ball back and running it into the endzone.

THE FAN SIDE

As a fan in the stands, it's tough to ask for more from the team as a win at home trumps all. The team did need to win by 2 touchdowns or 14 points in order to own the tiebreaker against their Blue and Gold rivals, but ending a losing streak that has lasted for 7 years is a relief of it's own, a signal that the era of futility may finally be over for the Edmonton Elks and their dedicated fan base. It's been a long 5, 6, maybe even 7 years for a fanbase that has been through so much hardship, a name change and poor management before and after ultimately resulting in where the Elks are today.

The narrative is finally changing for the Edmonton Elks, who have now proven that they can compete with any team in the CFL. A team that started the year with an identity crisis has slowly risen from the ashes, climbing their way out of an 0-6 hole to remain relevant in the playoff race right down to the second-last week, a feat that they haven't accomplished in 7 years. Even if they come up short this season, the team on the turf has progressed unlike any other season in the 4 seasons previous. Larry and Deb Thompson entered ownership as fans themselves, executing the chages and restoring the traditions that made this team successful in the past, another major factor in the success we're seeing today. The return of Ed Hervey and the hiring of Mark Kilam have proven to be the right choices, President Chris Morris spearheading the campaign in the first year of his role as well. While there is still much work to do in order to make their way back to the Grey Cup, the Edmonton Elke are trending in the right direction in multiple ways.

NEXT UP: EDMONTON ELKS @ BC LIONS OCTOBER 17 2025

The Edmonton Elks are storming into BC Place in Vancouver, British Columbia with playoff dreams alive and some momentum on their side. The BC Lions have their own pride and playoff implications on the line, a win that could propel them to 2nd in the West to secure a home playoff game. The Elks need a win in order to keep their postseason hopes alive, otherwise the Winnipeg Blue Bombers will clinch a spot in the dance should the Elks suffer defeat to the Lions on Friday. The stakes have never been higher and with both teams fighting for their playoff lives, expect fireworks under the Friday Night Lights.

Buckle Up!