Saturday CFL Round-Up: Elks, Stampeders Win, Ticats Eliminated
Photo: Edmonton Elks
EDMONTON 37 HAMILTON 35 (OT)
The Edmonton Elks survived one of the wildest finishes of the Canadian Football League season Saturday night, edging the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 37-35 in overtime in a game that required a rare two-point shootout to determine the winner.
Edmonton kicker Vincent Blanchard delivered a record-setting performance, connecting on all nine of his field-goal attempts. His ninth, a 27-yarder with just one second remaining in regulation, tied the game at 26-26 and sent the contest to overtime.
Hamilton quarterback Harrison Frost threw touchdown passes to Kurleigh Gittens Jr. and Tyler Ternowski, while Larry Rountree added a rushing major. Edmonton quarterback Cody Fajardo accounted for the Elks’ lone regulation touchdown and threw for 298 yards.
After both teams exchanged field goals in overtime, the game went to a two-point shootout — only the second such finish in CFL history. Frost’s attempt fell incomplete for Hamilton, setting the stage for Fajardo, who found Joshua Cephus in the end zone to complete the dramatic victory.
The win improved Edmonton to 11-4 and further strengthened its position atop the West Division. Hamilton dropped to 4-11 and was eliminated from playoff contention.
CALGARY 45 OTTAWA 31
Earlier Saturday, the Calgary Stampeders kept their postseason hopes alive with an expected victory over the Ottawa REDBLACKS.
Calgary’s offence erupted early, with Vernon Adams Jr. throwing touchdown passes to Deonta McMahon and others as the Stampeders built a 25-13 halftime advantage. McMahon scored twice, while Clark Barnes, Jalen Philpot and Tevin Jones also made significant contributions.
Calgary appeared firmly in control after extending its lead to 35-13 in the third quarter, but Ottawa mounted a furious comeback. McLeod Bethel-Thompson threw touchdown passes to Ayden Eberhardt and Justin Hardy, while Mario Anderson Jr. added a rushing touchdown as the REDBLACKS pulled within seven points late.
The comeback bid finally ended with just 45 seconds remaining when Adams connected with Barnes on a spectacular 60-yard touchdown pass, putting the game away.
The victory moved Calgary to 7-8 and kept the Stampeders firmly in the playoff picture, while Ottawa remained winless at 0-14.
Saturday’s results provided a fitting conclusion to another dramatic Week 17, with Edmonton strengthening its grip on the West while Calgary continued its push toward the postseason.
