The first game of the CFL preseason gives players auditioning for roster spots the chance to make an impression.
On Saturday afternoon, many Edmonton Elks hopefuls made the most of that opportunity.
Edmonton got contributions on both sides of the ball to defeat the BC Lions by a score of 34-16 in the opening contest of the 2026 preseason for both teams, at Starlight Stadium in Langford, B.C.
“That’s what you hope to see when you get into a preseason game,” Elks coach Mark Kilam said during a post-game interview on 880 CHED, radio home of the Green and Gold. “Who’s going to step up, who’s going to show up under the lights, who can remember what to do when live bullets are flying, and I thought a lot of positives definitely showed up. We’ve got so much to correct, but that’s a good problem to have when guys are showing up.”
Four different players scored touchdowns for the Elks, and Jesus Gomez kicked a pair of field goal to account for Edmonton’s scoring.
While Elks star quarterback Cody Fajardo played just two series, the three QBs competing for backup roles – Taylor Powell, Cole Synder, and Zach Zebrowski – each threw a touchdown pass and registered an efficiency rating of 121.1 or better.
An incredible 12 different Elks recorded a least one reception, led by Joshua Cephus who caught all five of his targets for 36 yards. Rushawn Baker was Edmonton’s leading rusher, carrying the ball eight times for 47 yards.
Defensively, Edmonton held BC to just 289 yards of total offence, and recorded five pass knockdowns. Jaaron Joseph led the Elks with five defensive tackles, while Justin Pace sacked Lions quarterback Kaidon Slater.
Edmonton started strong, taking a 3-0 lead when Gomez kicked a 30-year field goal on the game’s opening drive.
BC responded when Chase Brice passed to Hergy Mayala for a 14-yard touchdown, as the Lions went ahead 7-3, but that would be the host team’s only lead of the afternoon.
Powell ▶️ Mack for the first TD of the year! 💥#GoElks pic.twitter.com/mTiFgdAjUJ
— Edmonton Elks (@GoElks) May 23, 2026
Before the end of the first quarter, Edmonton went back in front by a score of 10-7, thanks to a 17-year touchdown pass from Powell to Austin Mack.
In the second quarter, Snyder crossed the goalline on a one-yard QB sneak, as the Elks extended their lead to 17-7.
After Lions kicker Mark McNamee connected on a 17-yard field goal, the teams headed into halftime with Edmonton in front 17-10.
The only scoring of the third quarter saw Edmonton go up 24-10 when Snyder completed connected with receiver Jalon Calhoun for a 41-yard touchdown.
In the fourth quarter, Gomez hit a 20-yard field goal, before the Lions responded with a 30-yard goal from McNamee.
Hometown rookie Carter Kettyle snags his first career TD#GoElks pic.twitter.com/hTfwdqWYpX
— Edmonton Elks (@GoElks) May 23, 2026
Edmonton went ahead 34-13 when rookie receiver Carter Kettyle caught a pass from Zebrowski at the BC 30-yard line before outrunning defenders to score a spectacular 58-yard touchdown.
McNamee made a 29-yard field goal on BC’s final possession of the game, before the Elks took victory formation.
The Elks will conclude their preseason schedule at 7 p.m. on May 29, when they host the Clagary Stampeders for Night at the Knothole at Clarke Stadium. Tickets are available now.
“It’s an important game for a lot of reasons,” Kilam said on CHED. “It’s pretty tight on our team as far as where guys are now. There’s always risers and fallers after preseason game. We’ll watch the tape, we’ll grade it. We’ll meet with the players tomorrow, and try coach up all the situational stuff, all the penalties, all the things that we’ve got to get better at, because there’s a lot. But that’s the process, that’s what we do, and we commit to getting better each and every week.
“Going into next week … I do want to say I am excited to play at Clarke. We’ve been practicing there all camp, and the stands are literally like an inch from the field. It’s going to be an awesome and I can’t wait to pack that place.”