The Edmonton Elks faced a tumultuous week, marked by the passing of their owner, Larry Thompson, at the age of 65. Thompson, who had a profound impact on the organization in his brief time at the helm, passed away due to complications following surgery. His death resonated deeply within the Elks community, prompting a heartfelt tribute during their recent game against the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
On Saturday night, the Elks played with renewed vigor, channeling their collective grief into a compelling 27-25 victory over the Roughriders at Commonwealth Stadium. The win was particularly significant as it not only halted a two-game losing streak but also kept their playoff hopes alive in a tightly contested CFL season. As the Elks took the field, they honored Thompson with painted tributes in the end zones and a moment of silence before kickoff.
The game itself was a rollercoaster of emotions, featuring multiple lead changes and a persistent back-and-forth battle. After a slow start, the Elks found their rhythm in the fourth quarter. Running back Justin Rankin emerged as the hero, scoring two crucial touchdowns that propelled Edmonton to a 24-12 lead with just over three minutes remaining. His performance was instrumental in securing the win, as the Elks held on despite a valiant late rally from the Roughriders.
Saskatchewan, now grappling with back-to-back losses, put together a final drive that brought them to the one-yard line with seconds to spare. However, their two-point conversion attempt to tie the game fell short, sealing the Elks’ hard-fought victory. Quarterback Cody Fajardo showcased his skills with an impressive 305 yards passing, but ultimately, it was the Elks' defense that stood firm when it mattered most.
As the Elks look ahead, they remain focused on a challenging path to the playoffs, needing to win their remaining games and rely on favorable outcomes elsewhere. Yet, the spirit of Larry Thompson looms large, inspiring the team to fight through adversity and honor his legacy on the field. The coming weeks promise to be pivotal for the Elks as they seek to carry this momentum into the final stretch of the season.