Elks clinch first playoff berth since 2019 with 53-16 rout of Stampeders
Edmonton improved to 10-3 with its fourth straight win, ending a five-year post-season drought that was the franchise's worst since the 1960s.
Why it matters
The win ends Edmonton's longest playoff drought in franchise history, its worst since the 1960s.
The Edmonton Elks clinched a CFL playoff spot for the first time since 2019, defeating the rival Calgary Stampeders 53-16 in a Labour Day rematch on Saturday. Quarterback Cody Fajardo threw for 232 yards and three touchdowns, while Joe Robustelli hauled in two touchdown receptions as Edmonton improved to 10-3 with its fourth consecutive win.
It marked only the fifth time in team history Edmonton has scored 50 or more points against Calgary, and the first since 1991. Silas Hubert also scored on a blocked punt he recovered in the end zone, while backup quarterbacks Cole Snyder and Taylor Powell each threw or ran in touchdowns as Edmonton rotated through injuries, including a first-half injury to running back Justin Rankin.
Calgary, which fell to 5-8 and remains last in the West Division, has now lost two straight games. Quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. threw an early interception that helped set up Edmonton's first points, and the Stampeders lost a fumble in the third quarter that Edmonton converted into another touchdown.
Elks head coach Mark Kilam praised the team's effort in front of an announced crowd of 31,531, while Stampeders coach Dave Dickenson said his team was simply outplayed. Edmonton visits the Toronto Argonauts next Saturday, while Calgary hosts the Ottawa Redblacks.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.