The Edmonton Elks are on the road for the first time in the 2023 CFL regular season, as they visit the BC Lions Saturday (June 17) night in Vancouver.
GAME DETAILS
| Kickoff | 5:00 p.m. MT |
| Stadium | BC Place |
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Broadcasts
United States International |
Radio: 630 CHED TV: TSN |
Edmonton is coming off a 17-13 loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders at Commonwealth Stadium last Sunday (June 11), while BC opened its schedule with a 25-15 win in Calgary against the Stampeders on June 8.
The Elks’ defense played good enough to win in Week 1; Saskatchewan’s 17 points was the third lowest total surrendered by Edmonton in its last 30 games. If quarterback Taylor Cornelius and Edmonton’s offence can move the ball more effectively, improving on a 3/17 second-down conversion rate against Saskatchewan, the Elks will put themselves in position to snatch a victory in Vancouver.
While he’s only played one game as a member of the Elks, Eugene Lewis has already established that he can be the centrepiece of Edmonton’s offensive attack. The veteran wide receiver, who signed with the Elks as a free-agent during the offseason, had a spectacular 102-yard touchdown reception against Saskatchewan, setting franchise records for longest reception in a player’s Green and Gold debut, and longest reception in a home- or season-opener.
Edmonton will be challenged moving the ball against a Lions defense that allowed just 235 net yards offence to Calgary in Week 1. While BC held the ball for just 27 minutes against the Stampeders, the Lions made the most of their moments, going 2/2 in the redzone.
There is no shortage of motivation for the Elks on Saturday, namely winning for the first time in 2023, evening their record, and getting right back in the mix in the CFL West Division standings. Then there’s the revenge factor: Edmonton was 0-3 while losing by an average of 31 points against the Lions in 2022, and the returning members of the Elks would love to provide BC with a taste of its own medicine.
He’s our MAN(ny) 🦾
40 yards from history; @mannyshow84 is about to join the 9000 club! @Lotto649 x #GoElks Inside the Numbers#OurTeamOurCity #GoElks #CFL pic.twitter.com/a6FbuSV3ag
— Edmonton Elks (@GoElks) June 16, 2023
Expect motivation to be extra high for a couple of former BC players: Elks receiver Manny Arceneaux, who has the second-most receptions and third-most receiving yards all-time in Lions history, needs just 40 yards to become only the 30th player in CFL history with 9,000 career receiving yards. Meanwhile, defensive back Loucheiz Purifoy, who earned CFL West All-Star honours with the Lions in 2022, is facing his former teammates for the first time since being signed by the Green and Gold during the offseason.
Edmonton’s most recent road win against the Lions came during the 2021 season.
GET READY TO KICK IT OLD SCHOOL
Be there Sunday, June 25 at Commonwealth Stadium when the Edmonton Elks host the Toronto Argonauts for ’90s Night. Being part of the action has never been more affordable, with tickets starting at just $15. Click here to get your tickets now and be part of the tradition.
Elks Football…Our Team. Our City.