Hopes of a strong start to Monday’s Labour Day Classic were dashed early for the Edmonton Elks.
By halftime, they faced an 18-7 deficit against their provincial rival Calgary Stampeders. But as they have so many times before — and teams have for years — late game comeback changed their hopes, and a 50 yard touchdown run by Justin Rankin with four and a half minutes left in the game secured a 38-28 win.
“We’re a sixty minute team,” Rankin told TSN after the game.. “We find ways to win, regardless of what the first half looks like.
“That’s something we take pride in.”
The game was truly a tale of two halves for Edmonton. The first quarter of the game would see them go down 4-0, and it wasn’t until there was five minutes left in the first half they would get their first first down of the game.
Already down 11-0 after Stamps receiver Jalen Philpot scored a 38-yard touchdown, the Elks would take advantage of finally moving the chains, marching 65 yards down the field. At the Stampeders’ six yard line, Fajardo would find receiver Kaion Julien Grant for a touchdown, cutting the lead to 11-7.
Edmonton’s next drive was far from ideal, lasting just two plays before Fajardo was intercepted by Stamps defensive back Anthony Johnson. It led to a 32-yard Stamps drive to close the first half, capped off by a Quincy Vaughn touchdown to make it 18-7 before the half.
“We came out slow coming off the bye week,” said Elks quarterback Cody Fajardo to TSN after the game. “We talked to the guys at halftime, and then we responded.
“There’s not many things sexy about this team, but we find ways to win.”
Things didn’t get better right away in the second half. After receiving the opening kickoff, Calgary marched 74-yards down the field, capping off the drive with a 35-yard receiving touchdown by Clark Barnes, making it 25-7.
While Edmonton was held to a two-and-out on their first drive, their second drive would see them move the sticks 75 yards, setting up Fajardo to find receiver Austin Mack for a seven-yard touchdown in the back of the end zone. All of a sudden, it was 25-14 and the game felt in reach.
Calgary would kick a field goal to open the fourth quarter, before ShunDerrick Powell, who out carried Rankin 7-5, punched in a three-yard touchdown to make it 28-21.
On Calgary’s next drive, Elks defensive lineman Noah Taylor would force a fumble on Barnes, setting up a 52-yard Vincent Blanchard field goal to make it a four-point game. Edmonton’s defence held strong, setting the Elks up at the 50-yard line.
And that’s when Rankin made his mark on the game, scampering all the way to the end zone, giving Edmonton their first lead of the night. The Elks would get another possession after the Stamps failed to convert on third down from their own five-yard line, setting up Cole Snyder to punch in a one-yard touchdown, making it a 38-28 game.
“Hopefully out fans come out, support us — Concrete Castle of the North,” said Fajardo to TSN after the game. “We’re excited about this opportunity to play in front of our fans.
“That’s a really good football team. They’re going to be fired up, and we have a chance to put them away in the standings.”
