EDMONTON – Sunday’s game against the Lions is about as important as an early season matchup you can find in the CFL.
Edmonton faces off against BC for a second of three matchups this season, and need a win to ensure a shot at the season series advantage. The two sides went head-to-head over a month ago in the season opener in Vancouver, with 50,000 Snoop Dogg riled fans rallying the Lions to victory.
Edmonton had started the game strong, holding onto a 7-3 lead through the first 30 minutes. However, Nathan Rourke was able to showcase his CFL’s Most Outstanding Canadian talent in the second half, throwing three touchdowns and propelling the Lions to a 31-14 win. The result gives the 2-4 BC Lions the early edge in the standings, but a win for Edmonton can flip the script heading into the bye week.
Holding serve at home would be a good start. The Elks have been typically been more than competitive against the Lions when they come to Play Alberta Field at Commonwealth Stadium, sporting a 7-3 record against BC in their last 10 home games. In addition, the new look Green and Gold are starting to come together in all phases, as evidenced by their 39-33 victory last Sunday over Ottawa.
Tre Ford had the most efficient performance of his young career, with only two incompletions among his 212 passing yards and a perfect 158.3 QB rating. The defence took strides forward, with a kick return by the electric Kalil Pimpleton and late score with the game all but out of reach, accounting for nearly half of the REDBLACKS scoring. On special teams, Javon Leake took a 94-yard punt to the house for the Elks first punt return touchdown since Kendial Lawrence accomplished the feat in 2015.
“It’s nice to be rewarded for the work that you’re putting in,” Head coach Mark Kilam said about the win. “I think that that’s really the thing. I know guys feel that, and we haven’t wavered as far as how we’ve been practicing all those things. It’s nice to get the wins at home for the fans.”
Edmonton will have to continue to take strides forward against a Lions team that has been as stingy as they come on the defensive side of the ball. BC has allowed the fewest total passing yards in the CFL this season with 949 (195.8 per game) and their secondary is holding teams to a 64.5 per cent completion percentage.
Where the Elks may have an edge is in the run game. The Lions have allowed the most rush yards in the CFL this season with 682 (136.4 per game) and the Double E average the most yards per rush attempt (5.9 yards per carry) in Canadian Football. Leaning on that ground game will be key in keeping the pressure off Ford on Sunday.
“I think it all starts with running the ball. I think that’s kind of our identity as a football team is we’re going to run the ball,” Ford said. “I think we struggled against them last time running the ball, so we’re hoping to have a lot more success with that this week coming up.”
“Then, I have to do my part as a quarterback, getting the ball to the receivers and letting them be able to catch the ball and get YAC yards and do what they do.”
Justin Rankin will continue to be relied upon as he looks to build off a dynamic 174 yard performance (105 rushing yards) from last Sunday, after being held to just 24 yards on seven carries in Week 1’s matchup against the Lions.
“I don’t think we’re the same team from week one,” Rankin said. “I think we’re a completely different team, completely different attitude, moving in a better direction. “Week 1 is Week 1. It’s in the past. Let’s look at it, let’s figure out what we need to be better at, but let’s not dwell on it. That’s not the team we are anymore.”