EDMONTON – The Edmonton Elks wrapped up their 2026 CFL preseason schedule, coming up just short in a 21-18 loss to the Calgary Stampeders at Clarke Stadium on Friday (May 29) night.
Edmonton quarterback Cole Snyder rushed for a pair of touchdowns, while completing 2 of 4 passes for 19 yards. Vincent Blanchard added a field goal for the Elks.
Snyder finishes the drive with the sneak 😤#GoElks pic.twitter.com/B1e6aaDABT
— Edmonton Elks (@GoElks) May 30, 2026
Snyder was one of four QBs who saw action for the Green and Gold on Friday. Starting pivot Cody Fajardo completed 9 of 11 passes for 96 yards, while rookie Zach Zebrowski was 7-of-10 for 60 yards and veteran newcomer Taylor Powell completed 4 of 9 passes for 31 yards.
Thirteen different players made at least one catch for the Elks, led by TJ Luther who had four receptions totalling 48 yards. ShunDerrick Powell was Edmonton’s leading rusher, gaining 37 yards on six carries.
The Elks outgained Calgary 265-224 in net offence yards. Edmonton’s defence came up with several big plays, including sacks from Jared Brinkman, Richard Jibunor and Justin Pace. Penalties, however, proved costly for the Green and Gold, who were flagged for 16 infractions totalling 154 yards.
“Too many penalties to win, but lots to teach off of,” said Elks coach Mark Kilam. “I’m looking forward to getting into the tape and determining the final evaluation.”
While kickoff was delayed for about an hour because of lightning, there was a buzz in the air for the Green and Gold’s first game at Clarke Stadium in nearly 50 years.
“It was a great atmosphere, the fans did a great job of coming out and even after the rain they stuck around,” Elks veteran linebacker Nick Anderson said. “We just gotta give ’em wins they can keep coming … but it’s always a joy to be up here and have everybody around supporting the team.”
The teams traded touchdowns in the opening quarter. Snyder scored on a QB sneak for the Green Gold, but Calgary answered when Dante Wright found the endzone after hauling in a pass from Josh Love.
During the second quarter, Jake Julien put Edmonton in front 8-7 with a 63-yard single. Stampeders quarterback Ben Wooldridge rushed for a one-yard touchdown just prior to the halftime as Calgary went ahead 14-8 at the break.
Edmonton scored the only the points of the third quarter, with Elks kicker Vincent Blanchard connecting on a 47-yard field goal to pull his team within three points, 14-11.
Snyder scored his second touchdown of the night on a two-yard rush early in the fourth quarter, and the Elks went ahead 18-11. Edmonton’s lead would not last, though, as Jacolby Criswell scored the winning points for Calgary on a QB sneak across the goal-line with just over five minutes remaining.
Edmonton will open its 2026 regular season on the road, June 6 (5 p.m. MT) against the host Ottawa RedBlacks at TD Place Stadium.
Tickets are available now for the Green and Gold’s home opener, June 20 (2 p.m. MT) against the Montreal Alouettes at Commonwealth Stadium.