Edmonton Elks’ defence hangs on for narrow victory over B.C. Lions (& six other thoughts)

Photo courtesy: James MacLennan/CFL.ca

The Edmonton Elks continued their winning ways at home, finding a 19-17 win against the visiting B.C. Lions. It felt more like they survived the game, rather than won it, though — the definition of “they don’t ask how, they ask how many.”

Here are my thoughts on the game.

Stellar stops

Edmonton came into this week boasting the lowest points allowed in the league. Safe to say that the defence has stepped up when needed. For the second week in a row, the Green and Gold only allowed 17 points and gave their offence a chance to find the W. The biggest blemish on the year so far had been the game in Kelowna, where they allowed 36 points and 162 yards on the ground. Being that was only two weeks ago, the wound was still fresh, and the defensive players were prepared to put on a better showing. Boy, did they ever.

I get that this ended up being a game against B.C. quarterback Chase Brice and that definitely played a role. Knocking out Elks killer Nathan Rourke on the second play of the game with an injury did make the task easier. What didn’t change from the last game was the James Butler attack. Edmonton had keyed on it during practice this week. The linebacking corps were on a mission to keep the 31-year-old back from having another big game.

Dariel Djabome, who made his first start against these same Lions two weeks ago, Kenny Logan Jr., and Joel Dublanko knew they had to step up and take that running game away. Logan Jr., in particular, had a great showing with a tackle for a loss, a sack and an interception. There were seven total tackles for the second-year SAM linebacker from St. Augustine, Florida.

“All week, (Kordell Jackson) had told me this game was going to be on me,” Logan Jr. said. “My last two outings against (Butler) weren’t that good. I made a point to myself, the defence pointed to themselves, that we were going to go out and make sure everybody knew we were coming to play today.”

I’d say he succeeded, with Butler totalling just four yards on seven carries.

Not only were the linebackers firing, but the defence also continued their run on takeaways. Another four interceptions bring the total to ten over the last three games. It seems the floodgates have opened since they got that first one in Week 5 against these same Lions. Besides Logan Jr., J.J. Ross, Tyrell Ford, and rookie Gavin Meyer grabbed interceptions in this game. Meyer stepped in for the injured Jordan Williams at defensive tackle and got that catch on his very first play in the CFL. Not a bad start.

To add to the defensive play totals, four sacks tallied bring the Elks into the top spot in the league, for now. Again, Logan Jr. had one and Tomari Fox, Malik Carney, and Noah Taylor added the other three. The biggest thing I have noted is that it is not just one guy that is always having big games. Eight of the twelve on the defensive side had a big contribution with either an interception, sack, or tackle for a loss. J.C. Sherritt and his staff have brought the best out of so many players, and the attack is fierce from all sides.

“Outstanding,” head coach Mark Kilam said of his defence. “They have been carrying this team for a long time. We want to be a three-phase team, but there is going to be a time when special teams is going to stand up and win a game, offence will stand up and win a game, but they had four picks tonight. They did a great job.”

What is rushing?

A big offensive explosion in last week’s game against Ottawa wasn’t able to transfer over to this game. The B.C. front seven is excellent and brought the pressure all night. Only three points generated in the second half of a close game does a little more than raise blood pressure. Cody Fajardo still found a 73 percent completion rate, but most of those came on short passes or in the first half. Dropping back 37 times is not ideal for any quarterback, but with the Lions shutting down the run, it was the choice to go with.

Here is a stat I never thought I would ever see in a game between these two teams: Fajardo was the leading rusher in the game. Not Justin Rankin or James Butler. A credit to both defences, but a hard stat for even Cody to admit he likes. Edmonton won the battle of rushing attrition with a total of 27 yards to B.C.’s 15

Part of that came from some significant changes on the offensive line. Already down Coulter Woodmansey and David Beard due to injury, Carter O’Donnell went down in the second quarter, forcing rookie Chris Pashula into action. The 2026 draftee did play most of his University of Calgary career at the left guard spot, so it was not unfamiliar territory.  The 22-year-old was able to hold up well, but having a total overhaul of the middle of the line contributed to the lack of running and 23 yards lost between two sacks.

Breakout for Cephus

Joshua Cephus thought he may be out of the lineup early in the week with the possible return of Joe Robustelli. On day three of practice, he found out he was not only playing, but in a spot he had not played before. Robustelli’s Elks debut was held off again by an injury that landed him back on the six-game injured list. Cephus, with his family in the stands, grabbed the opportunity and ran.

The Spring, Texas, native led both teams with 97 yards on five catches. His longest catch of 54 yards was a beautiful play off the defender to open his space for the catch. Playing in the slot position meant more came the rookie’s way, and Fajardo commented post-game that if he had not underthrown Cephus in the fourth, he would have had his first 100-yard game. It was the University of Texas at San Antonio product’s best game so far this season, and came with only one practice under his belt at the position. I look forward to what he can do in future games with more practice.

Not so stellar finishes

If you like punting, this was a game you really enjoyed. Jake Julien was called in to action eight times and the Lions’ Carl Meyer seven times. Both teams were less than 41 percent converting on second down. Edmonton particularly struggled in the red zone, going only one-for-three. The defence found ways to take the ball away, and the offence just wasn’t able to capitalize with a major.

There were many passes to the flat or screens that either did not connect or only went for small gains. Without the finish, there was never that moment that nailed the coffin closed on B.C. Credit to Vincent Blanchard, who went four-for-five on field goals to account for most of the Green and Gold points. That miss was his first of the year and was on a 52-yard attempt. I like that Kilam sent him out for the try. The Laval product is gaining confidence and is still 19-for-20 on the year. More tries in these situations will help him learn when it matters most.

Flags everywhere

Once again, the Elks found themselves on the wrong side of the penalty count. Ten penalties for 82 yards offset the five-to-one turnover battle. Most penalties came on the kick returns and left the offence in bad starting field position. Two late challenges from Buck Pierce resulted in one overturned for pass interference.

This is a frustrating trend that Kilam is working on with his players. A hold or illegal block on returns makes such a difference, especially when you have Javon Leake who can break one at any time. I still don’t believe in “make-up calls,” but it sure makes an eyebrow raise when the penalties are 10-3 between the teams. I was told by former players there is a penalty on every play; it’s what they see that counts. Seems those white and silver outfits are not just hard for the play-by-play guys to see.

Another team off bye week

The schedule makers have a tough job. It has to be hard when the Thursday games are going, and you still need to have games on a Saturday with only nine teams. For the second time this season, Edmonton will now have to face an opponent on a short week, coming off a bye week. It is the third time in seven games the Elks will face a team with that extra rest, and all three of those teams are Western opponents. A real challenge awaits in Regina against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.

“It’s going to be tough sledding,” Cody Fajardo said. “They are the Grey Cup champs for a reason. I don’t know who the schedule maker is, but it seems we are always playing teams off a bye week. We have to find a way on a short week, and them coming off a bye. It’s very similar to going to Winnipeg. Here’s the thing: this team knows we can win on the road, we can do it on short weeks, and we can do it against teams on a bye. We’re excited for this opportunity. It’s a good measuring stick for us to go against the defending Grey Cup champs at their place, and I think our guys are going to be ready for the call.”

Kickoff is slated for 9:00 p.m. EDT on Thursday, July 23.

Andrew Hoskins is a lifelong Edmonton resident and the host of the Turf District Podcast.