The Edmonton Elks dropped a 43-31 decision to the Toronto Argonauts on a night of firsts for Green and Gold players at Commonwealth Stadium on Sunday.
Rookie quarterback Jarrett Doege threw his first career touchdown passes, running back Kevin Brown caught his first CFL touchdown reception, wide receiver Vincent Forbes-Mombleau scored the first two touchdowns of his pro career, and veteran cornerback Loucheiz Purifoy had two interceptions, returning one for the first pick six of his All-Star career.
With the greatest returner in CFL history, Gizmo Williams, in the house, Elks rookie CJ Sims had a breakout game on special teams, recording the longest punt return (42 yards) by a Green and Gold player since 2015 (52 yards) and longest kickoff return (72 yards) by an Edmonton player since 2014.
Taylor Cornelius started under centre for Edmonton and was 14-for-18 for 130 yards and one touchdown, while rushing for a team-high 28 yards. Doege came in at quarterback late in the third quarter, and went 9-for-11 for 163 yards with two touchdowns and one interception in his CFL debut. Steven Dunbar led the Elks with eight catches and 98 yards receiving.
RB Kevin Brown’s FIRST career receiving touchdown! ☝️#OurTeamOurCity #GoElks #CFL https://t.co/l4WZZtyhj3
— Edmonton Elks (@GoElks) June 25, 2023
Edmonton opened the scoring on a 13-yard touchdown pass from Cornelius to Brown early in the first quarter. After the Argonauts tied the game 7-7, Purifoy restored the Elks lead when he picked off a pass from Toronto quarterback Chad Kelly and ran it back untouched for 27 yards to the endzone.
Toronto took an 18-17 lead into halftime and extended its advantage to 36-17 through three quarters. After Toronto went in front 43-17 early in the fourth quarter, Doege connected with Forbes-Mombleau for touchdown passes of two yards and 84 yards.
Edmonton honoured its 1993 Grey Cup team during the game, celebrating the 30th anniversary with several of the team’s alumni, including Grey Cup MVP quarterback Damon Allen and Williams.
As part of a new Elks fundraising initiative supporting the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation, Cleats of Strength presented by MHCare Medical, Edmonton linebacker Nyles Morgan wore a custom designed pair of cleats that he designed in collaboration with a Stollery kid, and painted by Syngyn Sperling of Momentum Customs. The cleats are being auctioned off, with bidding open until 8 p.m. Tuesday at GoElks.com/Cleats. All proceeds go to the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation.
With the loss, the Elks are now 0-3. Edmonton returns to action on Friday, when the Elks will be in the nation’s capital to take on the Ottawa RedBlacks. Kickoff is at 5:30 p.m. MST.
Be there Thursday, July 13 at Commonwealth Stadium when the Edmonton Elks host the Hamilton Ti-Cats for the Salute to Service game. 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.