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CTV News
11 hours ago
- Sport
- CTV News
Elks face strong Alouettes squad in season home-opener
Edmonton Elks quarterback Tre Ford throws the ball against the B.C. Lions during the first half of a CFL football game in Vancouver, on Saturday, June 7, 2025. It's early in the Canadian Football League season, and the Edmonton Elks have played just one game and already taken a bye week, but another sizable challenge awaits the new-look Commonwealth Stadium inhabitants. The Montreal Alouettes look primed for domination from their perch atop the East Division – again, it's early – given their sterling team statistics through two weeks of the 2025 CFL campaign. They come calling on the Elks Thursday night (7 p.m.) at Commonwealth Stadium, almost two weeks after Edmonton lost their season-opening game to the B.C. Lions. With the pigskin, the 2-0 Als rank: 2nd in average yards rushing (131) behind Winnipeg (201); Tied for 2nd in first downs (44); 3rd in average yards per play (7.27); and 4th in net offence (average 396 yards) behind Winnipeg (438), B.C. (428) and Calgary (400). The Als are seventh in average passing yards (274.5), but the Elks are last in that category (178 yards). Through two games, starting Alouettes quarterback Davis Alexander has thrown for 549 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions, and completing 42 of 58 of his passes (72%) for a 99.0 passer rating. Alouettes vs. Argonauts Montreal Alouettes defensive back Tiawan Mullen (32) tackles Toronto Argonauts wide receiver DaVaris Daniels (80) during first half CFL action in Montreal on Friday, June 6, 2025. (Christopher Katsarov/The Canadian Press) But it's on defence where the Als are dominant through two weeks of the schedule. Without the football, they rank: 1st in offensive points allowed per game (13.5); 1st in net offence against (255.5 yards); 1st in yards per play (5.21); 1st in rushing yards against (37); and 2nd to the Lions is passing yards allowed per game (241.5). The Elks, meanwhile, have just one week of statistics to show for the season so far thanks to its bye last week. And in their lone game so far – a 31-14 Lions' win over them in Week 1 on June 7 – the Elks struggled to find their footing on both sides of the ball, especially as the game went on. Lions vs. Elks Edmonton Elks quarterback Tre Ford (2) is stopped by B.C. Lions' Mathieu Betts (90) and Kemoko Turay (58) during the second half of a CFL football game in Vancouver, on Saturday, June 7, 2025. (ETHAN CAIRNS/THE CANADIAN PRESS) B.C. quarterback Nathan Rourke threw for 324 yards and three touchdowns in the West Division showdown at Vancouver's B.C. Place Stadium, while the Lions' offence feasted on the Elks' defence, collecting 446 yards in net offence – a stat that puts Edmonton last in the nine-team circuit in that category – on 324 yards passing and 124 yards rushing. Offensively, Elks quarterback Tre Ford threw for 178 yards and an interception, and added 54 yards rushing of his team's 87. Both Elks touchdowns came from short-yardage plunges by backup QB Cody Fajardo. By game's end, the Elks put up 248 yards in net offence. One of Elks head coach Mark Killam's primary concerns lies on the defensive side, telling media on Wednesday 'finishing has got to be front and centre' for the unit against the Alouettes given its time spent on the field vs. the Lions two weeks ago. 'We played a good first half, but we were on the field for a long time, some long drives – seven-, eight-, 10-play drives in the second half,' Killam, who's in his first year guiding the Elks, said after the pre-game walk-through at Commonwealth Stadium. 'We've got to get off the field.' Lions vs. Elks Edmonton Elks' Leonard Johnson (32) stops B.C. Lions' Jermaine Jackson (13) during the second half of a CFL football game in Vancouver, on Saturday, June 7, 2025. (ETHAN CAIRNS/THE CANADIAN PRESS) With the ball, Elks offensive lineman Mark Korte said establishing the rush early is something players are focused on to try to establish a rhythm. He said the run game wasn't 'staying on schedule on first down' and was therefore unable to 'consistently run the ball well early in the game, so then it gets harder for a play-caller to come back to it.' 'When you run early and it doesn't go well, then throughout the course of the game, it can get difficult,' said the 28-year-old Korte, a seven-year CFL veteran and Spruce Grove native. 'One of our points of emphasis is being able to run the ball well early, be on schedule on first down, getting us into second and manageable situations. 'I think that's big for us.' Lions vs. Elks Edmonton Elks' quarterback Cody Fajardo, top, tries to score a touchdown against the B.C. Lions during the second half of a CFL football game in Vancouver, on Saturday, June 7, 2025. (ETHAN CAIRNS/THE CANADIAN PRESS) Full-sized fire truck returns for home-opener They're going large. Large fire truck, that is. The Elks are bringing back the original, full-sized version of the team-hued fire truck that drives on the track around the field after touchdowns. A smaller version of the truck had been used the last few seasons, which Evan Daum, the Elks' vice-president of marketing and fan experience, said had been used since 2019. He said the original one 'has been refurbished, so it's historically accurate in terms of what it looks like, and we've made some mechanical upgrades so it's a little bit easier to drive.' 'We know how much the fans enjoy it,' Daum told CTV News Edmonton on Wednesday. 'We're looking forward to coming out and having some firefighters on there doing their thing.' Also on tap for Thursday's opener are pyrotechnics, including in places around the stadium they haven't before been used, an in-house band, more Kids Zone features and an enhanced tailgating experience that includes upgrades to the beer garden, better seating and more signage, Daum said. With files from CTV News Edmonton's Dave Mitchell
CBC
2 days ago
- Sport
- CBC
Edmonton Elks hoping for 1st home-opening win in 4 years
Apple co-founder Steve Jobs once said: "don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice." A catchy sound bite that's easier said than done, but that's what the Edmonton Elks are hoping to achieve this week in preparation for their CFL home opener Thursday against the Montreal Alouettes. The Elks are eager to erase the memories of their horrendous starts the last three seasons (0-5, 0-8, 0-7) and looking to rebound from their season-opening 31-14 road loss to the B.C. Lions. Winning their home opener for the first time in four seasons is the No. 1 priority, said centre David Beard. "We're trying to block out all the rest of the noise," he said after another upbeat practice. "We, as players, have to reduce it down to simply winning the next game. "As much as we understand and recognize the importance of winning, and we want to get off to a hot start, we have to reduce it down to just winning the next football game. So we're trying to block out the extra noise, the pressure and just trying to do our job the best we can." The Elks started well in B.C., but a second-half collapse sent them back into the film and meeting rooms to make substantial changes. "In all three phases there are things we needed to clean up," said head coach Mark Kilam. "Offensively we have to stay on the field, we have to sustain some drives, we've got to be more productive on first downs. Game 1 shows you what you need to get better at." One of those things is to reduce costly penalties, an issue that has plagued the team for several seasons. "We didn't have a ton of penalties, we had operational penalties that are killing our momentum on offence," said Kilam. "Those are all preventable penalties, stuff we need to cut out." The Elks have had 12 days to make whatever changes they deemed necessary, the one advantage of having a bye week after just one game played. "We had the bye week, a chance to reset," said running back Justin Rankin, held to just 24 yards in seven carries against the Lions. "I think everybody's coming back hungry. We want to put on a show for the fans so we're excited to get out there and get after it." Rankin said there have been a lot of changes made in preparation for Thursday's game and one of the keys is getting the running game back to what it was last season when the team led the league in rushing yards. "It's super important," he said. "We're a physical team, that's kind of our motto, what we want to be. That starts with the running game. We'll get that together. One week doesn't define who we are." Success for the running game starts with the offensive line and its ability to open holes, something they weren't overly successful at against the Lions. "We were not happy with that result," said Beard. "First and foremost, for our group, we want to make the run game better. I feel like we've identified a lot of issues. "We've corrected them in the meeting room, we've brought them onto the field, made the corrections. Now it's a matter of making sure we execute on game day." On the injury front, two of the three players hurt in the season opener — offensive lineman Brett Boyko (hamstring) and wide receiver Arkell Smith (head) — are questionable for Thursday. Left tackle Martez Ivey (hamstring) is ready to play. The Alouettes enter the game at 2-0, including a 39-18 road win at Ottawa last week. They won both their meetings with Edmonton in 2024, including a 23-20 win at Commonwealth Stadium in Week 2.
CTV News
2 days ago
- Sport
- CTV News
Elks look for first home-opening win in four years as Alouettes roll into Edmonton
Edmonton Elks' Justin Rankin (5) is tackled by B.C. Lions' Deontai Williams (9) during the first half of a CFL football game in Vancouver, on Saturday, June 7, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ethan Cairns Apple co-founder Steve Jobs once said: 'don't let the noise of others' opinions drown out your own inner voice.' A catchy sound bite that's easier said than done, but that's what the Edmonton Elks are hoping to achieve this week in preparation for their CFL home opener Thursday against the Montreal Alouettes. The Elks are eager to erase the memories of their horrendous starts the last three seasons (0-5, 0-8, 0-7) and looking to rebound from their season-opening 31-14 road loss to the B.C. Lions. Winning their home opener for the first time in four seasons is the No. 1 priority, said centre David Beard. 'We're trying to block out all the rest of the noise,' he said after another upbeat practice. 'We, as players, have to reduce it down to simply winning the next game. 'As much as we understand and recognize the importance of winning, and we want to get off to a hot start, we have to reduce it down to just winning the next football game. So we're trying to block out the extra noise, the pressure and just trying to do our job the best we can.' The Elks started well in B.C., but a second-half collapse sent them back into the film and meeting rooms to make substantial changes. 'In all three phases there are things we needed to clean up,' said head coach Mark Kilam. 'Offensively we have to stay on the field, we have to sustain some drives, we've got to be more productive on first downs. Game 1 shows you what you need to get better at.' One of those things is to reduce costly penalties, an issue that has plagued the team for several seasons. 'We didn't have a ton of penalties, we had operational penalties that are killing our momentum on offence,' said Kilam. 'Those are all preventable penalties, stuff we need to cut out.' The Elks have had 12 days to make whatever changes they deemed necessary, the one advantage of having a bye week after just one game played. 'We had the bye week, a chance to reset,' said running back Justin Rankin, held to just 24 yards in seven carries against the Lions. 'I think everybody's coming back hungry. We want to put on a show for the fans so we're excited to get out there and get after it.' Rankin said there have been a lot of changes made in preparation for Thursday's game and one of the keys is getting the running game back to what it was last season when the team led the league in rushing yards. 'It's super important,' he said. 'We're a physical team, that's kind of our motto, what we want to be. That starts with the running game. We'll get that together. One week doesn't define who we are.' Success for the running game starts with the offensive line and its ability to open holes, something they weren't overly successful at against the Lions. 'We were not happy with that result,' said Beard. 'First and foremost, for our group, we want to make the run game better. I feel like we've identified a lot of issues. 'We've corrected them in the meeting room, we've brought them onto the field, made the corrections. Now it's a matter of making sure we execute on game day.' On the injury front, two of the three players hurt in the season opener — offensive lineman Brett Boyko (hamstring) and wide receiver Arkell Smith (head) — are questionable for Thursday. Left tackle Martez Ivey (hamstring) is ready to play. The Alouettes enter the game at 2-0, including a 39-18 road win at Ottawa last week. They won both their meetings with Edmonton in 2024, including a 23-20 win at Commonwealth Stadium in Week 2. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 18, 2025. John Korobanik, The Canadian Press
National Post
12-06-2025
- Sport
- National Post
B.C. Lions: Buck Pierce returns to Winnipeg for first time as visiting coach
Leave it to his old Winnipeg Blue Bomber buddy Doug Brown to have a little fun with Buck Pierce's first trip back to town as head coach of the B.C. Lions. Article content Winnipeg (0-0), who had the Week I bye, open their CFL regular season Thursday (5:30 p.m.) at home against B.C. (1-0). The Lions are coming off an impressive 31-14 win over the Edmonton Elks on Saturday at B.C. Place in Pierce's debut at the helm. Article content Article content Article content A former Lions quarterback, Pierce signed on as bench boss with B.C. in the off-season after a decade as a Winnipeg assistant coach, including the past four years as their offensive coordinator. Article content Brown, the longtime Bomber star defensive lineman turned radio analyst, maintains that it won't be odd to see Pierce on the visiting sideline at Princess Auto Stadium, because his CFL playing career began in B.C. and therefore 'it makes sense that his head-coaching would start there too.' Article content Then Brown took a little playful poke at the matter. He can be excused. There's a connection there. He and Pierce were teammates for Brown's final two years with Winnipeg. Brown has covered the team ever since. Pierce, as it happens, met his wife Lori at a barbecue that Brown was hosting. Article content 'No matter where Buck is coaching, he's a Winnipeg guy now, and he knows it,' Brown, 50, quipped. Article content For his part, Pierce did his best this week to play down the whole thing, to try to keep it from taking up all the attention. Article content 'It's the next game on the schedule for us,' Pierce, 43, said. 'Winnipeg is a good football team. We have to execute and we've got to play smart. We've got to focus. We've got to do the things that relate to winning. Article content Article content 'For me, that's my past. I enjoyed my time there. I'm excited to walk back into that building with the players we have in our locker-room.' Article content This wasn't a messy split. It's nothing like that. Mike O'Shea is firmly entrenched as Winnipeg's coach and at 54 years of age it would seem he's got lots of runway left to keep going. Coming to B.C. was an opportunity Pierce wasn't about to get in Winnipeg. Article content Article content That said, there's clearly a great many ties there for Pierce. Pierce's first start with the Lions even came in Winnipeg, with him pinch-hitting for an injured Dave Dickenson in a 32-5 win over the Bombers on Aug. 10, 2006. Article content Pierce played with B.C. from 2005 to 2009, went to Winnipeg in 2010, and was there until midway through the 2013 campaign, when he was traded back to B.C. That wound up his final year as a player.
The Province
10-06-2025
- Sport
- The Province
B.C. Lions QB Nathan Rourke earns CFL weekly honour roll award
Lions quarterback lauded for performance in opening game of the season against the Edmonton Elks Published Jun 10, 2025 • 1 minute read B.C. Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke (12) prepares to block Edmonton Elks' Nick Anderson (48) during the second half of a CFL game in Vancouver on June 7. Photo by Ethan Cairns / THE CANADIAN PRESS TORONTO — B.C. Lions quarterback Nathan Rourke, Montreal Alouettes linebacker Tyrice Beverette and the Saskatchewan Roughriders' offensive line all earned top marks in the CFL's first weekly honour roll. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Exclusive articles by top sports columnists Patrick Johnston, Ben Kuzma, J.J. Abrams and others. Plus, Canucks Report, Sports and Headline News newsletters and events. Unlimited online access to The Province and 15 news sites with one account. The Province ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition to view on any device, share and comment on. Daily puzzles and comics, including the New York Times Crossword. Support local journalism. REGISTER / SIGN IN TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account. Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments. Enjoy additional articles per month. Get email updates from your favourite authors. THIS ARTICLE IS FREE TO READ REGISTER TO UNLOCK. Create an account or sign in to continue with your reading experience. Access articles from across Canada with one account Share your thoughts and join the conversation in the comments Enjoy additional articles per month Get email updates from your favourite authors Rourke was the top offensive player with a grade of 90.8 after leading the Lions to a season-opening 31-14 win over the Edmonton Elks. Rourke completed 27-of-36 passes for 324 yards and three touchdowns. Beverette earned top defensive player honours with an 85.2 grade. He had four tackles and an interception over 50 total defensive snaps while also recording a 87.7 grade on 23 coverage snaps in Montreal's 28-10 victory over the Toronto Argonauts. Saskatchewan's offensive line had a 67.9 unit grade in the 'Riders' 31-26 win over the Ottawa Redblacks. Jermarcus Hardrick (72), Payton Collins (71.3) and Trevon Tate (69) were the top three performers, while Hardrick also earned the top individual mark. The CFL honour roll highlights players in nine positions based on data points registered and compiled by Pro Football Focus, an American sports analytics company. The other individual winners included: Saskatchewan running back Thomas Bertrand-Hudon (80.3); 'Riders receiver Samuel Emilus (88.9); Lions defensive lineman Mathieu Betts (83.2); Lions defensive back Garry Peters (84.1); Hamilton Tiger-Cats returner Isaiah Wooden (90.3); Elks punter Cody Grace (74.4); and special-teams player Tyron Vrede of the Ottawa Redblacks (91.3). Read More Local News News News Vancouver Canucks News
