
EDMONTON – The preseason is over, on to the Home Opener.
The Elks got their final roster evaluations in a 26-9 defeat to the B.C. Lions on Friday night. The home side was propelled to victory off the efforts of much of their starting offence, scoring 23 of their 26 points in the first half. The difference in pro experience was evident throughout the contest, with the Lions out gaining the Elks 418 to 197 in the game.
Dillon Mitchell made the biggest play of the evening for the Elks, scoring a 20-yard touchdown on the Green and Gold’s first drive of the game.
Head Coach and General Manager Chris Jones will now turn to the film as the Elks will make their final cuts this weekend ahead of the start of the regular season. Edmonton officially opens up their 75th season at Commonwealth Stadium on Saturday, June 8 against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
For a full rundown of everything going on during Kickoff to 75 Week, click here.
Do your dance, @DMFM1_ 🕺@GoElks | #CFL
📲: Stream on CFL+ pic.twitter.com/YXYQ1GCl2O
— CFL (@CFL) June 1, 2024
Elks QB Jarret Doege went out and did exactly what he needed to as he fights for a spot with the Green and Gold.
Doege took the reigns to the offence early and certainly did not disappoint. The Troy university product swiftly marched the Elks down the field, completing 5 of 6 passes for 59 yards in his first possession. Doege capped off the drive with the deep strike to Mitchell, who fooled Garry Peters with the double move for the major.
The 26-year-old gave way for rookie Malik Henry midway through the second quarter after completing 80 per cent of his passes for 66 yards on the night. Doege was expected to play the entire first half but was forced to leave due to a lower-body injury.
Jarret Doege (#12) warms up ahead of Friday’s preseason contest against the Lions. Photo credit: Jamie Douglas
Henry played the rest of the game and showed a willingness to push the ball down the field all night long, but struggled to connect with his young group of receivers. The 25-year-old completed seven of 15 attempts for 87 yards and zero touchdowns and interceptions.
The B.C. Lions used their final preseason game to tune up their starters ahead of their the regular season.
QB Vernon Adams, who led the CFL in passing yards last season with 4,769, was in midseason form. The Pasadena, California native showed off his potential Most Outstanding Player credentials in his limited action, exiting the game completing 7 of 9 passes for 116 yards and a deep score to Alexander Hollins
Last year’s standout story in the Lions receiving core Justin McInnis also looked like much of the same player who brought in 46 passes for 690 and five touchdowns. The National hauled in three passes for 72 yards in his half of work.
Canadian League veteran William Stanback had a busy first quarter, rushing the ball nine times for 30 yards and the game’s first touchdown.
QB Malik Henry (#16) tosses a pass during the Elks preseason game against the Lions. (Photo credit: by Jamie Douglas)