The Edmonton Elks secured a 23-18 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Thursday at Princess Auto Stadium, marking their first 3-0 start to a season in nine years. The win also snapped a losing streak in Winnipeg dating back to 2018.
Key Performances
Quarterback Cody Fajardo completed 25 of 35 passes for 267 yards, one touchdown, and no interceptions. Running back Justin Rankin added 106 rushing yards on 15 carries and scored a touchdown, extending his league-leading rushing total. The Elks outgained the Bombers in net yards 388-363 and won the turnover battle 3-2.
For Winnipeg, quarterback Zach Collaros went 24 of 33 for 290 yards, two touchdowns, and no interceptions. Receiver Nic Demski caught six passes for 92 yards, while kicker Sergio Castillo converted only one of three field goal attempts.
Game Summary
Edmonton struck first with a seven-play, 100-yard drive capped by a Rankin rushing touchdown, his fourth of the season. After a fumble by Bombers running back Brady Oliveira, linebacker Brock Mogensen recovered and lateralled to Tyrell Ford for a combined 56-yard return, setting up a 15-yard field goal for a 10-0 lead. Another Winnipeg fumble, recovered by Elks linebacker Joel Dublanko, led to a quarterback keeper by Cole Snyder to push the lead to 17-0.
Castillo missed two field goals before Tim White caught a 26-yard touchdown pass to cut the lead to 17-7 at halftime. A kickoff single and a 53-yard field goal by Castillo brought the Bombers within 17-11. Oliveira then gave Winnipeg its first lead with a 14-yard touchdown reception, making it 18-17. T.J. Luther answered with an eight-yard touchdown catch with under a minute left to put Edmonton ahead 23-18, and a failed two-point conversion left the final margin at five points.
Injuries and Notes
Bombers receiver Ontaria Wilson left the game after attempting to tackle Mogensen on the fumble return. Elks defensive lineman Jordan Williams exited with 8:47 remaining in the fourth quarter. The Elks' last 3-0 start came on July 14, 2017, when they began the season 7-0.
