It’s over.
After 1,415 days, it’s over.
After almost three seasons, it’s over.
And after 22 games, it’s over.
The Edmonton Elks snapped their record 22-game home losing streak at Commonwealth Stadium on Sunday, defeating the Ottawa Redblacks 30-20. It was the Green and Gold’s first win in front of their fans since Oct. 12, 2019, and their second consecutive victory after beating the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 24-10 on the road Aug. 17.
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Edmonton’s Tre Ford completed 15 of 18 passes for 317 yards, with one touchdown and no interceptions. The second-year quarterback also set a career-high with 74 rushing yards on 10 attempts and ran for a touchdown.
“It’s super special to get the first home win of the season and break the streak and just feel like we’re taking steps in the right direction winning back-to-back games,” Ford said in a post-game interview on 630 CHED, radio flagship of the Green and Gold. “I think there’s just a lot of excitement in the locker room for us, and a lot of guys are truly believing and starting to buy into what we’re doing.”
Eugene Lewis caught three passes for 112 yards and a touchdown, Taylor Cornelius added a rushing touchdown for the Green and Gold, and Edmonton kicker Dean Faithfull knocked home two field goals.
“This is a huge win,” Lewis said on 630 CHED. “This city has been waiting for this for a while now, and I’m just glad I was able to be a part of this and give the fans what they deserved and what they needed and we finally got that elephant off our back, so everybody can stop talking about it and now we can continue to do the things that we want to do in this season.”
Edmonton receiver Gavin Cobb caught a career-long 66-yard pass, and Kevin Brown rushed for 68 yards. Nyles Morgan led the Elks defensively with nine tackles and a sack.
Edmonton outgained the Redblacks 469-287 yards in total offence, and held a 24-19 edge in first downs. After trailing 1-0 early, the Elks took the lead when Ford rushed eight yards to the endzone early in the second quarter and stayed in front for the remainder of the game.
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With just seconds remaining in the half and the score 10-5 in favour of the Elks, Ford connected with Lewis for a 66-yard touchdown pass, sending Edmonton into the break up 17-5. The Elks extended their lead to 24-5 when Cornelius punched the ball in from the one-yard line for a touchdown on the opening drive of the second half.
Edmonton took a 27-8 lead into the fourth quarter. Ottawa got a late touchdown from Tyrrell Pigrome to pull within 10 points, before Lewis recovered the subsequent Redblacks onside kick attempt to secure the EE’s first home victory in 202 weeks.
It was another momentous game for Elks receiver Manny Arceneaux, who had three catches for 42 yards, moving into 21st place for receptions (629) and 29th place for receiving yards (9,057) all-time in the CFL. As part of Cleats of Strength presented by MH Care Medical, Arceneaux wore a pair of custom-designed cleats that are being auctioned in support of the Stollery Children’s Hospital Foundation. Fans can bid on the cleats at this link.
At halftime, the Elks inducted legendary receiver Terry Vaughn into their Wall of Honour. Vaughn played six seasons in Edmonton, 1999 to 2004. As part of the festivities, the Green and Gold also celebrated the 20th anniversary of their 2003 Grey Cup-winning team.
With the victory, Edmonton has won back-to-back games for the first time since 2021, and improve to 2-9. The Elks return to action on Sept. 4, when they take on the Calgary Stampeders at McMahon Stadium in the team’s annual Labour Day meeting.
It’s the hottest game of the season when the Green and Gold take on the provincial rival Calgary Stampeders in the annual Labour Day rematch on Saturday, Sept. 9 at 5 p.m. Be there for Family Day at Commonwealth Stadium. 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.
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