The Edmonton Elks kept their playoff hopes alive on Saturday night, defeating the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 25-20 at Commonwealth Stadium. The victory marked Edmonton’s fourth straight win at home and snapped a 13-game losing streak to Winnipeg. But despite the celebration, a late-game decision by the Elks coaching staff could come back to haunt them in the playoff race.
Missed Opportunity in the Final Minutes
Heading into Week 19, Edmonton’s playoff math was clear. Because of an early-season loss to Winnipeg, the Elks needed to win by at least 13 points to tie the season series and gain control of the playoff tiebreaker. With a 25-10 lead late in the third quarter, it looked like they were on track to do just that.
But with just 10 seconds left and facing third-and-two from the Bombers’ 42-yard line, head coach Mark Kilam opted to punt instead of going for a potential insurance score. The decision sealed the win, but it also eliminated their chance to claim the crucial tiebreaker advantage over Winnipeg.
“Totally valid point, because we had the tiebreaker at a certain point late in the game,” Kilam admitted after the win. “We thought about it. It was always, ‘We’ve got to win first.’ We’ve got to do the right things to win the game, and then if we can control it late to make sure we maintain that, then let’s do that. The win was most important. I’m happy we got the dub.”
Quarterback Cody Fajardo didn’t appear to agree with the call. Broadcast cameras caught him gesturing toward Kilam, visibly wanting to stay on the field for a final push. When Winnipeg regained possession, they chose to protect their season-series advantage rather than go for the win, running a low-risk draw play as time expired.
Had the Elks scored on their final drive and converted a two-point attempt, they would have been in control of their own destiny. A win by 13 or more would have evened the season series, meaning Edmonton would only need to win one more game than Winnipeg in the final two weeks to make the playoffs.
Instead, their fate now lies elsewhere. Edmonton must win their last two games against the B.C. Lions and Calgary Stampeders, and hope Winnipeg loses both of their remaining matchups. The Blue Bombers are set to play the Roughriders and Alouettes to close the regular season.
“It’s just a big team win,” Kilam said. “Not the prettiest at times, but all three phases found a way against a good football team and kept the hope alive.”
Rankin and Special Teams Power the Offence
Despite the late-game debate, there were plenty of positives for the Elks. Running back Justin Rankin once again set the tone offensively, rushing for 138 yards and a touchdown on a night when the ground game carried the load. His 64-yard burst on the third play of the second half ignited the Commonwealth crowd and gave Edmonton its biggest momentum swing of the night.
Cody Fajardo managed the game efficiently, completing 13 of 24 passes for 142 yards while adding a rushing touchdown of his own. Kaion Julien-Grant led all receivers with 69 yards on three catches, while kicker Vincent Blanchard went two-for-two on field goals, including a 35-yarder in the first quarter.
The turning point came midway through the third quarter when Edmonton’s special teams made a massive play. After Winnipeg’s Javon Leake mishandled a punt, Kordell Jackson scooped up the loose ball and returned it 47 yards for a touchdown, giving Edmonton a 25-10 lead and a surge of energy heading into the fourth quarter.
Bombers Rally Late But Fall Short
Winnipeg looked sluggish early, but as they have so many times before, they found a way to claw back. Kicker Sergio Castillo opened the scoring with a 28-yard field goal and later added another from 34 yards to chip away at the deficit.
Quarterback Zach Collaros had a mixed outing, throwing for 202 yards, one touchdown, and two interceptions. He connected with Ontaria Wilson for a 35-yard touchdown midway through the fourth quarter to make it a one-score game. Running back Brady Oliveira was once again a force on the ground, tallying 117 rushing yards on the night.
Winnipeg’s final possession came with seconds on the clock and the ball near midfield, but the Bombers opted for a simple handoff to Oliveira rather than risk an interception on a deep heave. He picked up 29 yards before being tackled as time expired.
What’s Next
The Elks improved to 7-9 and remain mathematically alive in the playoff race, but they will need plenty of help to complete the comeback. Their next challenge comes on Friday, October 17, when they visit the B.C. Lions, who sit second in the West Division at 9-7.
Meanwhile, the Blue Bombers (8-8) return home to face the first-place Saskatchewan Roughriders (12-4) earlier that same evening. If Winnipeg wins, Edmonton’s postseason dreams will end before kickoff.
Still, for at least one more week, Edmonton’s hope lives on.
