Elks Game Notes 11.0: Edmonton hosts Argonauts in Saturday matinee

The Edmonton Elks suffered their largest loss of the season against the league-leading, 8-1 Montreal Alouettes. Montreal’s dynamic duo of Tyson Philpot and Tyler Snead combined for 15 catches, 277 yards, and 4 touchdowns, effectively silencing any debate regarding the best team in the CFL. Quarterback Davis Alexander led the charge, finishing 22-of-28 for 352 yards, 4 touchdowns, and 1 interception, resulting in a stellar 152.7 efficiency rating. Additionally, Travis Theis proved effective on the ground, recording 14 carries for 100 yards, including two runs of over 20 yards. Despite the result, the Elks saw bright spots in Austin Mack, who hauled in 9 catches for 110 yards and a touchdown against his former team, and Tyrell Ford, who recorded his fourth and fifth interceptions of the season. This contest marks the conclusion of the first half of the season for the Elks, having now completed their regular-season series against BC, Ottawa, and Montreal. The team remains hopeful for a rematch against the Alouettes in November.

Week 11 of the CFL season features 4 playoff implicating battles: 

• Game 1: BC at Calgary Stampeders — Aug. 13: The Lions head over the Rockies on a short week, looking to join a three-way tie in the West Division and push for a playoff spot or crossover berth. On the other hand, the Stampeders return to McMahon Stadium following a three-game road trip, aiming to secure sole possession of third place in the West Division. It is playoff-style football in August, and this matchup promises to be explosive.
• Game 2: Ottawa Redblacks at Winnipeg Blue Bombers — Aug. 14: One streak is destined to end this week. The winless Redblacks are embarking on the second leg of a three-game road trip as they continue their search for that elusive first victory. Conversely, the Bombers return from a bye week eager to snap a two-game skid and climb into third place in the West Division.
• Game 3: Toronto Argonauts at Edmonton Elks — Aug. 15: This matchup sees Chad Kelly and the Toronto Argonauts arrive at Commonwealth Stadium to face their second consecutive Alberta opponent, as they look to solidify their second-place standing in the East Division. Meanwhile, the Elks return home following their toughest stretch of the season, eager to bounce back and get their momentum back on track. 
• Game 4: Saskatchewan Roughriders at Hamilton Tiger-Cats — Aug. 15:  The Tiger-Cats return home on a three-game losing streak, but they may have found their starter in Kennesaw, Georgia’s Harrison Frost. The Roughriders, however, are no strangers to an early frost and will be looking to push the Ti-Cats further out of the playoff picture, potentially leaving them on the outside looking in behind other crossover contenders.

The Lead: What a difference a week makes. After battling for first place just last week, the Elks now find themselves in a high-stakes matchup between two of the league’s top-tier teams. The Argonauts enter the contest as one of the CFL’s most dangerous squads, fueled by a high-octane, gunslinger mentality. Expect a dynamic offensive display, as these two teams will likely combine for over 800 yards of total offense while exhausting every aerial tactic in their respective playbooks.

CFL Leaders Takeaways: Elks category leaders through Week 10 in the CFL:

• Field goals (25)
• Opponent field goals (17)
• Opponent yards/play (6.73)
• Interceptions (14),
• Opponent pass efficiency (93.5),
• #3 ranked defence
• #6 ranked Special Teams

The Rankin File: Last week, Justin Rankin averaged an impressive 8.9 yards per carry on his seven attempts, yet he saw zero targets in the passing game… a statistical outlier not seen since September 7, 2024. As we look ahead, will this be the week Rankin receives the increased volume and offensive involvement needed to reignite the Most Outstanding Player conversation he was driving earlier this season?

The Strategic Matchup: The success in this game won’t hinge on a single individual matchup, but rather on two critical tactical areas. For the Elks, the defensive secondary must focus on aggressive pass breakups and knockdowns to disrupt the Argonauts’ passing attack. Conversely, Toronto’s path to victory lies in limiting Edmonton’s production on first down. Ultimately, this may be a game decided by turnovers; if the Elks force Toronto to earn every yard while maintaining discipline and avoiding costly penalties, they should emerge as the victors.

ElksNation Game Notes
(Downloadable version at the bottom)

Inside the Numbers                                                                                                                                                            .

1294 – This is regular season game 1294 for the Elks (716-559-18…home 408-232-7…road 308-327-11) since 1949 (excludes 1938 & 1938 WIFU seasons)              

• Record vs Toronto 56-49-1 (home 34-18-1…in Toronto 22-31-0)
• Record vs Mike Miller Coached Teams 0-0-0…inaugural game…see: Did You Know… 

The last 10 (Regular Season Games)                                                                                                                               .

• Elks are 6-4 in the last 10 games (2 game losing streak) 
• Elks are 7-3 in the last 10 games at home (1 game losing streak)
• Elks are 5-5 in the last 10 games vs Toronto (1 game losing streak)
• Elks are 8-2 in the last 10 games vs Toronto in Edmonton (2 game winning streak)
• Elks are 5-5 in the last 10 games played on Saturday (3 game losing streak)
• Elks are 5-5 in the last 10 games played on Saturday at home (1 game losing streak)
• Elks are 3-7 in the last 10 games played on Saturday vs Toronto (4 game losing streak)

Elks Streaks                                                                                                                                                                        .

6 – Elks have won 6 consecutive games when leading at halftime

– W 19-17 Jul 17, 2026 vs BC: Halftime Score Edm 16 BC 7

– W 40-17 Jul 9, 2026 vs Ott: Halftime Score Edm 16 Ott 7

– W 23-18 Jun 25, 2026 at Wpg: Halftime Score Edm 17 Wpg 7

– W 20-21 Jun 6, 2026 at Ott: Halftime Score Edm 13 Ott 10

– W 25-20 Oct 11, 2025 vs Wpg: Halftime Score Edm 11 Wpg 10

– W 27-25 Sep 27, 2025 vs Sask: Halftime Score Edm 11 Sask 3

8 – Elks have won 8 consecutive games when leading after 3 quarters

– W 36-34 Jul 23, 2026 at Sask: 3^rd Qtr Score Edm 27-21        

– W 19-17 Jul 17, 2026 vs BC: 3^rd Qtr Score Edm 19 BC 7

– W 40-17 Jul 9, 2026 vs Ott: 3^rd Qtr Score Edm 16 Ott 14

– W 23-18 Jun 25, 2026 at Wpg: 3^rd Qtr Score Edm 17 Wpg 11

        – W 32-29 OT Jun 20, 2026 vs Mtl: 3^rd Qtr Score Edm 20 Mtl 13

        – W 29-21 Jun 6, 2026 at Ott: 3^rd Qtr Score Edm 19 Ott 10

        – W 25-20 Oct 11, 2025 vs Wpg: 3^rd Qtr Score Edm 25 Wpg 13

        – W 27-25 Sep 27, 2025 vs Sask: 3^rd Qtr Score Edm 

8 – Elks have won 8 consecutive games when Justin Rankin rushes for 100+ yds

– W 40-17 Jul 9, 2026 vs Ott: 14 for 107 yds, 2 TD

– W 23-18 Jun 25, 2026 at Wpg: 15 for 106 yds, 1 TD

– W 32-29 OT Jun 20, 2026 vs Mtl: 18 for 179 yds, 2 TD

– W 29-21 Jun 6, 2026 at Ott: 13 for 102 yds, 1 TD

– W 25-20 Oct 11, 2025 vs Wpg: 18 for 138 yds, 1 TD

– W 31-19 Sep 6, 2025 vs Cgy: 16 for 204 yds, 2 TD

– W 39-33 Jul 6 2025 vs Ott: 12 for 105 yds, 1 TD

– W 23-18 Oct 12 2024 at Cgy: 10 for 140 yds, 1 TD 

3 – The Elks have won 3 consecutive games when TOP is 35:00+ minutes

– W 29-21 Jun 6, 2026 at Ott: 35:20

– W 33-16 Aug 11/2024 vs BC: 35:39

– W 30-20 Aug 27, 2023 vs Ott: 35:58

11 – Cody Fajardo has passed for a TD in 11 consecutive games. He is 6-5-0 with 18 TDs & 11 Ints. His personal best is 16 games

6 – The Elks defense has had an interception in 6 consecutive games

Did You Know….                                                                                                                                                                 .

-Mike Miller becomes the 25^th Argonaut Head Coach the Elks franchise has faced. Only 6 prior Head Coaches have won their first game in this series

– John Rauch 24-16, Aug 29 1973

– Joe Moss 22-10, Oct 5 1974

– Dennis Meyer 31-14, Oct 10 1992

– Jim Barker 20-16, Sept 26 1999

– ‘Pinball’ Clemons 34-21, Sept 22 2000

– Marc Trestman 34-26, Sept 16 2017

– Special Note: Lou Agasse had an 8-8 tie Sept 16, 1961

Review of Elks of last game                                                                                                                                          .                                                                                                               

Edmonton at Montreal – August 8, 2026 – Alouettes 48 – Elks 30 

57 – In a game delayed for 65 minutes for weather, 31,757 fans witnessed the back end of a home-and-home series where the visitors came out on top by 2 points. Saskatchewan short yardage QB, Tommy Stevens ran the show with 3 rushing TDs. The series split leads to a Week 21 battle in Regina where these two West Division contenders may settle playoff match-ups 

9 – Austin Mack had 9 receptions for 110 yds

6 – Brendan O’Leary-Orange had 6 receptions for 56 yds

3 – TJ Luther had 3 receptions for 38 yds

62 – Justin Rankin had 7 carries for 62 yds, 0 receptions

231 – Cody Fajardo went 21/35 for 231 passing yards with 2 TD, 1 Int

34 – Javon Leake had 2 punt returns for 34 yds

5 – Nick Anderson led the team with 5 defensive tackles

2 – Robbie Smith & D.K. Bonhomme led Elks players with 2 special team tackles

0 – Elks had no sacks. 

28:29 – Elks had the ball for 28:29 (by Qtr: (1) 6:39 (2) 7:12 (3) 6:32 (4) 8:06).

1 – Vincent Blanchard was 1/2 in FG Attempts and 2/2 in converts.

Review of Elks and Argonauts in 2025                                                                                                                             .   

Toronto at Edmonton – August 15, 2025 – Argonauts 20 – Elks 28 

6 – It was a back-and-forth ball game with 6 lead changes with the Elks going ahead late in third quarter and closing it out outscoring the Argos 12-3 in the final frame. Vincent Blanchard had 16 of the teams 28 points.

7 – Steven Dunbar Jr. had 7 receptions for 64 yds with 1 TD

5 – Kurleigh Gittens Jr. had 5 receptions for 48 yds 

179 – Justin Rankin had 13 carries for 92 yds, 5 receptions for 87 yds 

273 – Cody Fajardo went 25/31 for 273 passing yards with 1 TD, 1 Int 

56 – Javon Leake had 5 punt returns for 33 yds, 1 kickoff returns for 23 yds 

9 – Joel Dublanko led the team with 9 defensive tackles

2 – Eteva Mauga-Clements and Brock Mogensen led Elks players with 2 special team tackles

1 – Brandon Barlow and Kordell Jackson had 1 sack 

28:55 – Elks had the ball for 28:55 (by Qtr: (1) 6:18 (2) 5:49 (3) 7:13 (4) 9:35).

4 – Vincent Blanchard was 4/6 in FG Attempts and 2/2 in converts.

Edmonton at Toronto – September 13, 2025 – Argonauts 31 – Elks 30 

1 – This game came down to the last play. The Elks lead going into the fourth quarter 24-14 but the Argos score a TD to bring the Elks lead down to 3. Blanchard makes a FG increasing the lead to 6 but the Argos score another TD to go ahead by 1. Blanchard hits another FG to go ahead by 2 with 74 seconds left. The Argos maneuver the ball to the Elks 41 yd line where Liram Hajrullah makes his third FG of the game with no time left on the clock. 

5 – Kaion Julien-Grant had 5 receptions for 61 yds for 1 TD

6 – O.J. Hiliare had 6 receptions for 49 yds

35 – Justin Rankin had 12 carries for 27 yds, 2 receptions for 8 yds for 1 TD

229 – Cody Fajardo went 25/28 for 229 passing yards with 2 TD, 0 Int 

125– Javon Leake had 3 punt returns for 36 yds, 4 kickoff returns for 89 yds 

7 – Royce Metchie led the team with 7 defensive tackles

2 – Kenneth Logan Jr., Leonard Johnson, and Jacob Plamondon led Elks players with 2 special team tackles

2 – Jonathan Kongbo had 2 sacks 

31:58 – Elks had the ball for 31:58 (by Qtr: (1) 9:49 (2) 6:58 (3) 7:07 (4) 8:04).

3 – Vincent Blanchard was 3/3 in FG Attempts and 3/3 in converts.

Season Series:     ARGONAUTS 1     –     ELKS 1

Elks Records vs Toronto                                                                                                                                                    .

Grey Cups – Edmonton vs Toronto                                                                                                                                .

1952– Toronto 21 Edmonton 11 – Tor HC Frank Clair Edm HC – Frank Filchok

1982 – Edmonton 32 Toronto 16 – Edm HC – Hugh Campbell –Tor HC -Bob O’Billovich

1987 – Edmonton 38 Toronto 36 – Edm HC – Joe Faragalli – Tor HC -Bob O’Billovich

1996 – Toronto 43 Edmonton 37 – Tor HC Don Matthews – Edm HC Ron Lancaster

Elks Milestones                                                                                                                                                                 .

16– Justin Rankin needs 16 rushes to tie Damon Allen for 20^th on the EE All-Time Rushes List (406)

2 – Justin Rankin needs 2 rushing yards to tie C.J. Gable for 17^th on the EE All-Time Rushing Yards List (2431)

11 – Justin Rankin needs 11 rushing yards to tie Eric Blount for 16^th on the EE All-Time Rushing Yards List (2440)

20 – Justin Rankin needs 20 rushing yards to tie Blake Marshall for 15^th on the EE All-Time Rushing Yards List (2449)

29 – Justin Rankin needs 29 rushing yards to tie Michael Soles for 14^th on the EE All-Time Rushing Yards List (2458)

3 – Justin Rankin needs 3 rushing TDs to tie Neil Lumsden for 12^th on the EE All-Time Rush TD List (24)

80 – Javon Leake needs 80 punt return yards to tie Gregg Butler for 11^th on the EE All-Time Punt Return Yards List (1623) 

94 – Javon Leake needs 94 punt return yards to tie Emilio Fraietta for 10^th on the EE All-Time Punt Return Yards List (1637)

7 – Javon Leake needs 7 punt returns to tie Howie Schumm for 16^th on the EE All-Time Punt Returns List (139)

1 – Javon Leake needs 1 punt return TD to tie Tony Tompkins, Tristan Jackson & Eddie Brown for 3^rd on the EE All-Time Punt Return TDs List (3)

2 – Javon Leake needs 2 punt return TDs to tie Winston October for 2^nd on the EE All-Time Punt Return TDs List (4)

40 – Javon Leake needs 40 kickoff return yards to tie Stephen Jones for 7^th on the EE All-Time Kickoff Yards List (2342)

6 – Javon Leake needs 6 kickoff returns to tie Tristan Jackson for 7^th on the EE All-Time Kickoff Returns List (109)

7 – Javon Leake needs 7 kickoff returns to tie Stephen Jones for 6^th on the EE All-Time Kickoff Returns List (110)

3 – Vincent Blanchard needs 3 points to tie Eddie Brown for 27^th on the EE All-Time Scoring List (252)

9– Vincent Blanchard needs 9 points to tie Ed Hervey for 26^th on the EE All-Time Scoring List (258)

13– Vincent Blanchard needs 13 points to tie George McGowan for 25^th on the EE All-Time Scoring List (262)

2026 Elks Leaders                                                                                                                                                              .                                                                                                                                                                     

Justin Rankin                                                                                                                                                               .

Cody Fajardo                                                                                                                                                                      , 

Cody Fajardo Milestones                                                                                                                                                   .

157 – Cody Fajardo needs 157 passing attempts for 3000 Career Passing Attempts (3000)

50 – Cody Fajardo needs 50 passing yards to tie Bernie Faloney for 24^th on CFL All-Time Career Passing Yards List (24,264)

379 – Cody Fajardo needs 379 passing yards to tie Russ Jackson for 23^rd on CFL All-Time Career Passing Yards List (24,593)

Vincent Blanchard                                                                                                                                                               .                     

Defensive Breakdown                                                                                                                                                          .