Death, Taxes & Fajardo Winning: Elks 19 Lions 17

EDMONTON – The Edmonton Elks defeated the BC Lions by a score of 19-17 in CFL Week 7 action at Play Alberta Field at Commonwealth Stadium on Friday, July 17.

With the victory, the Green and Gold improve to 5-1 and take sole possession of first place in the CFL West Division. The Elks are 3-0 in 2026 at Commonwealth Stadium, making them the only West division team that has yet to lose at home this season.

“Winning at home and playing well at home is important to us,” Elks coach Mark Kilam said. “It’s something that we talk about, and I’m happy we could get it done for the fans.”

The Elks got a touchdown reception from TJ Luther, while Edmonton kicker Vincent Blanchard hit all four of his field goal attempts. Elks quarterback Cody Fajardo completed 27 of 37 passes for 282 yards and 0 interceptions.

Zander Horvath and Keon Hatcher Jr. scored BC’s touchdowns. Last season’s CFL Most Outstanding Player Nathan Rourke was injured at the start of the game, and replaced at quarterback for the Lions by Chase Brice, who passed for 226 yards but also threw four interceptions.

Tyrell Ford, Kenny Logan Jr., Gavin Meyer, and JJ Ross all had one pick apiece for the Green and Gold, who scored 16 points off turnovers, including their first 10 of the game.

The Elks will be back in action on Thursday (July 23rd), when they visit the defending Grey Cup champion Saskatchewan Roughriders, who currently sit second in the West Division with a record of 4-1. The winner of the game will be all alone atop the division.

“We’re excited for this opportunity,” Fajardo said. “It’s just going to be a good measuring stick for us to go against the defending Grey Cup champs at their place, and I think our guys are going to be ready for it.”

(GoElks.com/Brian Swane)