The Edmonton Elks secured a home CFL West final for the first time in over a decade after defeating the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 35-27 on Friday. Quarterback Cody Fajardo led the charge with four total touchdowns to push Edmonton's record to 13-4.
Cody Fajardo's four-touchdown surge to 13-4
The Edmonton Elks clinched hosting rights for the CFL West final following a 35-27 victory over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. As reported by The Canadian Press, Cody Fajardo was the catalyst, accounting for four touchdowns—two on the ground and two through the air. This win elevates the Edmonton Elks to a 13-4 season record.
Fajardo's efficiency was key, completing 12 of 17 passes for 120 yards. the Edmonton Elks' offense capitalized on critical turnovers, including a Kenny Logan Jr. interception that set up a touchdown pass to Shunderrick Powell. The game's turning point arrived just before halftime when the Edmonton Elks converted a risky third-down gamble with a four-yard touchdown pass from Fajardo to Austin Mack.
A three-game sweep not seen since 1979
This victory reprseents a significant historical shift for the Edmonton Elks, who have not hosted a West final or any home playoff game since 2015. According to The Canadian Press, the Elks have now swept their three-game season series against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers with wins of 35-27, 23-18, and 22-18.
This marks the first time since 1979 that Edmonton has achieved a clean sweep over Winnipeg, signaling a potential power shift in the division. The result validates the current trajectory of the Edmonton Elks and provides a psychological boost heading into the post-season.
Winnipeg's 8-9 record and the Calgary-B.C. tiebreaker
The result leaves the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in a precarious position with an 8-9 record. The Blue Bombers' post-season hopes now depend entirely on an external result: they need the Calgary Stampeders to lose to the B.C. Lions this coming Saturday. This dependency places the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in a vulnerable spot where their fate is no longer in their own hands.
Despite the loss, Winnipeg quarterback Zach Collaros put up significant numbers, completing 28 of 33 passes for 331 yards and two touchdowns. however, Collaros's two interceptions proved costly, particularly during drives where Winnipeg attempted to seize the lead. It remains unclear if the Winnipeg Blue Bombers can tighten their turnover margin quickly enough to survive a potential wildcard scenario, as head coach Mike O'Shea noted the team failed on five or six pivotal plays .
Nic Demski's tie for the active touchdown lead
Individual milestones also highlighted the contest, as Nic Demski caught a 13-yard touchdown pass from Zach Collaros. This score brought Demski to 47 career touchdowns, tying him with Kenny Lawler for the most among active players. This achievement provides a silver lining for the Winnipeg Blue Bombers amidst their playoff struggle.
The game's momentum swung wildly, featuring a 65-yard kickoff return by Montrell Washington and a clutch 52-yard field goal by Vincent Blanchard. The Edmonton Elks sealed the victory with a two-yard touchdown plunge by Fajardo with 1:39 remaining. The Edmonton Elks will now prepare for their regular-season finale against the Saskatchewan Roughriders next Saturday.
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