Friday Night Lights came calling for the CFL teams from Saskatchewan and Edmonton, marking a meaningful night on the CFL schedule. With playoff implications on the line for both teams, the Elks and Roughriders clashed in Saskatchewan for a second time this year.

   In this week's edition of The Turnover, we'll look at what was an extremely entertaining game for fans of both teams and the CFL.

GAME DAY VIBES

   With Tre Ford at the helm, Edmonton Elks fans have been feeling a great amount of hope on Game Days. With playoff contention chances still alive, the Green and Gold faithful have been waking up with excitement on Game Day, and Friday was no different for us at The Elks Herd. I worked my 9-5, wearing the new Turf Traditions cap with pride throughout the day. Once we ate dinner and posted our EE Roll Call on X, we settled in for what would be a very exciting football game.

GAME TIME

   The Edmonton Elks have been starting their games hot lately, however in this game, the Elks started with a stalled drive. Punter Jake Julien performed his usual booming punt routine, but Saskatchewan returner and running back Mario Alford had the answer with a long return to put the Riders in great field position. With some more help from Morrow, the Riders would score on a Brett Lauther field goal. 3-0 Riders.
   Tre Ford and the Elks would try to move the ball into Riders territory but once again, had to punt the ball away. Saskatchewan quarterback Jake Dolegala, with a reciever down field, would attempt a long stab into Elks territory, only to have the ball bobble into the hands of EE defensive back Marcus Lewis, giving the Elks possession again with haste, but moments later the Elks would do the same, this time a ball bobbled off the hands of running back Kevin Brown and into those of the Riders. Dolegala went to work and managed a touchdown pass to Shawn Bane, putting the Riders up 10-0 with seconds left in the first quarter. With zeros on the clock and the ball in their possession, the Elks managed to make holes for Brown to begin a successful night of rushing.
   After the Elks pushed the ball closer to the endzone early in the secind quarter, quarterback Taylor Cornelius tossed a trick-play ball to his new favourite reciever, defensive lineman AC Leonard for the touchdown, making it a 10-7 game with the Dean Faithfull PAT. From there, the Riders managed to construct another drive that resulted in a field goal. With the help of reciever Eugene Lewis, coupled with the legs of Kevin Brown, Edmonton returned the favour with a Faithfull field goal. The Riders would try to regain a 6-point lead, but a Lauther field goal would come up short to end the half, a 13-10 affair with a potential injury to Kevin Brown.
   The third quarter came with hope, something we haven't been able to say very often this season. Brown marched back onto the field and through the Roughriders once again. With wind in their sails, the Elks managed another field goal to tie the game, but Dolegala and company wouldn't let the score last long, with a drive that ended with a pass to Tevin Jones for a Saskatchewan touchdown, 20-13 with the PAT.
   Between Tre Ford and Kevin Brown, the Elks rushing system began to exploit the Riders defense, with Brown scoring a rushing touchdown to tie the scoreboard at 20-20. As the clock wound down on the third quarter, the Riders would score another touchdown, a repeated process for Dolegala and Bane, making the score 27-20 to finish to finish the quarter.
   The fourth quarter saw the Elks come to life. With good blocking from the offensive line, Brown was able to charge down the field to gain much-needed yards. Tre Ford would then scramble out of the pocket and a tackle, throwing a beautiful pass to Lewis for an Elks touchdown, 27-27 with the PAT. After another failed Saskatchewan drive, the Elks charged back down the field and with a Ford rush into the endzone, the Elks finally gained the lead at 34-27. After a Jake Julien "coffin corner" punt, the Riders allowed a safety when EE defensive lineman Jake Ceresna exploded through the offensive line and sacked Dolegala in the Riders endzone, giving the Elks a 36-27 lead that would go untouched for the remainder of the game. The Edmonton Elks secured the win, keeping their playoff hopes alive for another week.

3 THOUGHTS:

1. This was the most consistent Edmonton Elks game we've seen yet. We saw big throws, consistent rushing and even special teams had a decent night. Overall, this was a great team win.

2. The Elks exploited the weaknesses but credit to Dolegala. The Elks managed to run all over the Riders, a performance that delighted most EE fans.
3. PLAYOFF HOPES ARE STILL ALIVE!!! The weekend ended with unfavorable outcomes for the Elks, but the playoff hopes are still indeed alive.

Bonus: KEVIN BROWN THOUGH!!! Brown finally had an explosive night, with 175 rushing yards and an added 12 recieving yards, capped with 1 touchdown.

FOR FANS FROM FANS

   This game gave EE fans just about everything. For the second game in-a-row, the Elks have snatched victory from the jaws of defeat, proving that this team finally has what it takes to become a true contender, which is honestly unexpected considering how the season started. While many fans mentioned playoffs, the consensus is that this team is fun to watch, with or without playoff implications. Achieving an entertaining product seemed like a pipedream just 6 games ago, so it's safe to say everyone that cheers Green and Gold feels that this team has finally reached the light at the end of the tunnel. And boy, this light is warm and delightful.

ON TAP: EDMONTON ELKS VS BC LIONS

   The Edmonton Elks will try to avoid a season sweep against the BC Lions at Commonwealth Stadium on Friday, September 22nd at 7:30PM. The Elks have failed to score on BC in the previous two matches, so Friday has pride on the line. The 1st Annual Edmonton Elks Tailgate Chili Cook-Off is happening 2 hours before kickoff, so be sure to visit Lot A on the West Side to vote for your favourite chili! Go Elks!

Catch The Elks Call live on Wednesdays or Thursdays at 8:30PM Mountain on our YouTube, or on Edmonton Sports Talk, Fridays at 8:00PM.