Elks clinch playoff spot via 53-16 win over Stamps
Joe Robustelli caught a pair of touchdown passes as the Edmonton Elks clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2019 with a 53-16 rout over the rival Calgary Stampeders in the Labour Day rematch on Saturday.
Edmonton Elks secured a playoff spot for the first time since 2019 with a 53-16 victory over Calgary Stampeders on Saturday. Joe Robustelli scored two touchdowns as the Elks improved their record to 10-3, ending a five-year post-season drought. The Stampeders, now 5-8, have lost two straight games. Vernon Adams Jr. was intercepted by Nick Anderson, allowing the Elks to take an early 3-0 lead with a 32-yard Vincent Blanchard field goal.
A long pass interference call gave the Stampeders a 13-0 lead. Calgary's Erik Brooks caught a 13-yard touchdown pass from Adams. Tyrell Ford's interception return led to another Elks touchdown, extending their lead to 13-7. Cody Fajardo connected with rookie ShunDerrick Powell for a 22-yard TD, giving the Elks a 16-10 lead. Despite Justin Rankin's injury, Edmonton maintained their lead in the third quarter, with Joshua Cephus catching a 35-yard touchdown and Blanchard hitting Cephus again.
Silas Hubert's blocked punt for a defensive touchdown gave the Elks a 36-13 lead. Calgary fumbled, leading to Fajardo's 18-yard TD pass to Robustelli. Backup QB Taylor Powell's 15-yard TD strike to Zach Mathis put the Elks ahead 43-16. Paredes kicked a 45-yard field goal for Calgary with four minutes left. Blanchard added another field goal.
Paredes, making his CFL debut in 2011, played in his 250th career regular-season game. The Edmonton Elks will host the Ottawa Redblacks on Saturday, while the Stampeders will face the Toronto Argonauts.
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