{
  "id": 7043555,
  "title": "Elks clinch playoff spot via 53-16 win over Stamps",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/13/elks-clinch-playoff-spot-via-53-16-win-over-stamps",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-13T02:22:10.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Global News",
    "slug": "global-news",
    "url": "https://globalnews.ca/news/12057026/elks-clinch-playoff-spot-via-53-16-win-over-stamps/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "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.",
  "summary": "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.",
  "key_points": [
    "Edmonton Elks win 53-16 against Calgary Stampeders",
    "Joe Robustelli scores two touchdowns in the victory",
    "Elks secure playoff spot after five-year drought"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The Elks' win ends their five-year postseason drought and cements their position ahead of the Stampeders in the standings with just three games left to play.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}