Saskatchewan Roughriders Triumph Over Edmonton Elks in a Nail-Biter
The Edmonton Elks put up a strong fight but ultimately fell short in their battle against the Saskatchewan Roughriders, losing 24-28 at Commonwealth Stadium.
The CFL matchup between the two teams offered fans a rollercoaster of emotions, with momentum shifts, electrifying plays, and key moments that kept the game close until the final whistle.
First Quarter: A Slow Start
The game got off to a quiet start, with the Elks managing to score the first point of the game. Julien J. kicked a single point at 07:01, putting Edmonton on the board early. The scoreline, however, remained low, with both defenses stepping up to prevent any significant offensive breakthroughs. Fans hoped for more action as the first quarter closed with a 1-0 lead in favor of the Edmonton Elks.
Second Quarter: Explosive Offense
The second quarter burst to life as both teams found their rhythm on offense. Saskatchewan’s Jamal Leake was the first to make an impact with a touchdown run at 04:37, giving the Roughriders the lead. Brett Bede followed up with an extra point, setting the score at 7-1.
The Roughriders’ lead didn’t last long, though. Just a few minutes later, Edmonton’s Steven Emilus connected with quarterback Daniel Duncan-Busby for a touchdown pass at 05:06. Duncan-Busby then followed up with a successful two-point conversion, putting the Elks back in front, 9-7.
Saskatchewan responded in spectacular fashion, with Darian Mitchell grabbing a touchdown pass at 12:13, followed by another extra point from Bede, reclaiming the lead for the Roughriders.
Before the quarter could end, Saskatchewan quarterback Shaun Patterson ran into the end zone for another touchdown at 14:05, and kicker Brett Lauther added an extra point to extend the lead to 18-9. Lauther capped off the quarter with a field goal, sending the Roughriders into halftime with an 18-14 lead.
Third Quarter: Close Contest
The third quarter saw both teams continue to trade blows. Brett Lauther opened the scoring for the Roughriders with another field goal at 04:39, increasing their advantage to 21-14. Edmonton wasn’t far behind, though. Lewis G., one of the Elks’ standout players, connected with Duncan-Busby for a touchdown pass at 08:23, narrowing the gap to 21-20 after Bede missed the extra point.
Kenny Johnson kept the momentum going for the Roughriders with a touchdown pass at 10:53. Lauther, as reliable as ever, added another extra point to restore Saskatchewan’s lead to 28-20 heading into the final quarter. With the game tightening up, both teams knew the fourth quarter would determine the outcome.
Fourth Quarter: Down to the Wire
As the fourth quarter unfolded, Edmonton knew they needed to make their move. Bede nailed a crucial field goal at 09:14 to cut the Roughriders’ lead to just 28-24, keeping the Elks within striking distance. The Roughriders’ defense, however, held strong, denying Edmonton’s offense any further opportunities to close the gap.
With time winding down, Saskatchewan relied on their defense to preserve the win. Despite Edmonton’s best efforts to mount a comeback, the Roughriders managed to keep the Elks from scoring again. The game ended 28-24 in favor of Saskatchewan, securing a hard-fought victory on the road.
Key Players and the Man of the Match
The standout performer in this contest was Saskatchewan’s Brett Lauther. The kicker played a pivotal role in securing the win for the Roughriders, contributing crucial field goals and extra points throughout the game. Lauther’s consistency under pressure and his ability to extend Saskatchewan’s lead made him the clear choice for Man of the Match. His field goals at critical moments allowed the Roughriders to stay ahead and ultimately seal the game.
Shaun Patterson, Saskatchewan’s quarterback, also deserves recognition for his leadership on the field. His touchdown run in the second quarter helped establish momentum, and his composure in the pocket allowed the Roughriders to maintain control when it mattered most.
On the Edmonton side, Lewis G. and Steven Emilus were instrumental in keeping the Elks competitive. Both receivers made key touchdown catches, giving the team a fighting chance. Quarterback Daniel Duncan-Busby had flashes of brilliance, including his two-point conversion and a touchdown pass to Emilus. However, the Elks’ inability to finish drives in the fourth quarter ultimately cost them the game.
The Road Ahead
For the Edmonton Elks, this loss marks their third consecutive defeat, following losses to the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in their last two matchups.
The team will need to regroup and find solutions to their fourth-quarter struggles if they hope to turn things around in the remaining games of the season. With their next game against a tough opponent, the Elks will need to focus on finishing strong and tightening up their defense.
As for the Saskatchewan Roughriders, they are riding high on a three-game winning streak, with victories against the Ottawa Redblacks and Calgary Stampeders preceding this one.
The Roughriders’ ability to win close games has been impressive, and their defense continues to show resilience in high-pressure situations. Saskatchewan’s next game could see them extend their winning streak and solidify their place in the standings.
Fans’ Take
The Elks’ fans at Commonwealth Stadium were vocal in their support, despite the team’s struggles. Many expressed optimism about the team’s future, especially given the flashes of talent shown by players like Lewis G. and Steven Emilus.
However, frustration is beginning to set in as the Elks fail to close out winnable games. Edmonton’s fans are eager to see the team get back on track and start turning close losses into victories.
Saskatchewan Roughriders fans, on the other hand, couldn’t be more thrilled with their team’s recent form. The Roughriders have proven time and again that they can handle the pressure, and their fans are hopeful that this winning streak will carry them deep into the postseason. Lauther’s clutch kicking and Patterson’s solid quarterback play have given the team a strong foundation to build on.
Final Thoughts
In the end, the Saskatchewan Roughriders managed to outlast the Edmonton Elks in a tightly contested CFL game. With contributions from key players like Brett Lauther and Shaun Patterson, the Roughriders secured a 28-24 victory that keeps their momentum going. Edmonton, while showing promise, must address their inability to close out games if they hope to salvage their season.
Both teams have plenty to look forward to as the season progresses, but for now, Saskatchewan takes home the win and the bragging rights in this latest installment of their rivalry. Fans on both sides are eager to see what the rest of the season holds, as the CFL playoff race heats up.
