Two questions need to be answered in Week 21: Who was the last team invited to the CFL playoff tournament… the Winnipeg Blue Bombers or Calgary Stampeders, and which team was playing the BC Lions or Toronto Argonauts in the Division Demi-Final games?
Winnipeg defeated BC and made the playoffs while the Riders defeated the Edmonton Elks to send them to BC while punting Winnipeg to Toronto. The Elks and Riders game unfortunately looked like a pre-season game with 29 penalties for 261 yds. The game was played in 40 km/h prairie wind, scoring was at a premium and in a game where 3 touchdowns were score, no converts were made. The good news for the Elks, Taylor Powell has some promise at QB and it was wonderful to see Javon Leake back with 118 multi-purpose yards. The 81 regular season games are done. The playoff brackets have been set and now it is time to crown a champion.
CFL Semi Finals:
- East Semi Final: Winnipeg Blue Bombers at Toronto Argonauts: Saturday, Oct. 31: Regarding the quarterback situation, the visiting Blue Bombers are led by future CFL Hall of Famer Zach Collaros. During last week’s must-win contest, Collaros struggled; the offense only began to produce consistently after he exited the game late in the third quarter. Dru Brown subsequently accounted for 31 points in just over 18 minutes of play, effectively securing Winnipeg’s playoff berth. Depending on Collaros’s health, head coach Mike O’Shea will ultimately determine which quarterback provides the team with the best opportunity to advance.
The Argonauts face a similar dilemma. While Chad Kelly has been the league’s premier quarterback this season, his availability remains uncertain due to a leg injury. Nick Arbuckle serves as a capable alternative, possessing significant experience in high-stakes matchups. Ultimately, this contest may hinge on the rushing production of Brady Oliveira for the Blue Bombers versus the Argonauts’ deep receiving corps. Given the stakes, it would not be surprising to see the game decided by a veteran placekicker in the closing moments. - West Semi Final: Saskatchewan Roughriders at BC Lions: Saturday, Oct. 31: These two teams kicked off the season against one another on June 13. The Riders won the first matchup 27-21, while the Lions claimed the subsequent two meetings, 30-16 and 31-24. Given these results, it is likely the winner will reach the 30-point mark, with the loser staying within striking distance. With the game being played indoors, weather will not be a factor, which should benefit both squads. It promises to be an entertaining contest where ball security will likely dictate the outcome. Could this be the final game for either Sean Whyte or Trevor Harris?
The Lead: The Elks have earned the bye week and will be at home, prepping for both teams, the weather, and getting into a championship frame of mind. With the path to the Grey Cup officially solidified, the focus now shifts to intensive film study and physical recovery. This time is crucial for the coaching staff to finalize game plans for potential opponents while ensuring that key players return to full health. As the city of Edmonton prepares to host the West Final, the organization remains locked in, prioritizing tactical discipline and the elite-level execution that characterized their dominant run to the top of the division..
Elks Team Award Winners:
- Most Outstanding Player: Cody Fajardo, QB
- Most Outstanding Defensive Player: Malik Carney, DL
- Most Outstanding Lineman: David Beard, C
- Most Outstanding Special Teams Player: Vincent Blanchard, K
- Most Outstanding Canadian: Joel Dublanko, LB
- Most Outstanding Rookie: T.J. Luther, WR
- David Boone Award: Royce Metchie, DB
CFL Award Winners:
- Jane Mawby Tribute Award: Molly Campbell – Calgary Stampeders
The Strategic Matchup: It doesn’t matter who wins the semi-final matchup; the Elks have lost the regular-season series to both potential opponents. Luckily, all teams are 0-0 once the playoffs begin, and the Elks are ready to defend the Concrete Castle. Who had this on their BINGO card at the beginning of the year?
ElksNation Game Notes:
