Football coaches never enjoy when fans try to play backseat coaches, but this might be a case where the fans were right. The Edmonton Elks erupted on Saturday night under new starting quarterback Tre Ford, pulling off a 42-31 upset over the Saskatchewan Roughriders.
Ford exceeded Edmonton fans’ expectations, completing all but four of his passes and throwing two touchdowns, despite one interception. However, he was outshined by running back and return specialist Javon Leake, who impressively racked up 169 rushing yards and three touchdowns. Edmonton’s offense amassed 515 yards and scored 22 points in the fourth quarter.
The Riders’ offense also had a good night, with backup running back Frankie Hickson gaining 89 rushing yards in another strong performance replacing A.J. Ouellette. Quarterback Shea Patterson threw for 306 yards and accounted for three touchdowns. The defense held strong until the fourth quarter, when they gave up a 21-20 lead and allowed 22 points.
This victory marks Edmonton’s first win of the season, leaving no winless teams in the CFL. Saskatchewan, now 5-3, is once again tied with the BC Lions for first place in the West Division.
3 Key Takeaways from Edmonton’s First Win of the Season
1. Tre Ford Secured His First Start
Ford’s talents have been frequently highlighted. His athleticism and powerful arm set him apart from many CFL quarterbacks. This was evident Saturday night as he completed 81% of his passes, accumulating 252 passing yards and 46 rushing yards. Despite one interception, Ford’s performance was exceptional, securing his place in the starting lineup for the remainder of the season.
2. Javon Leake and Tevin Jones: The Unsung Heroes
Few would have predicted that running back Javon Leake and wide receiver Tevin Jones would be the offensive stars for Edmonton. Leake amassed 169 rushing yards and 26 receiving yards, showcasing his versatility beyond special teams. Jones, who had not made a catch all season, ended the game with three receptions for 123 yards and two touchdowns. Quite an impressive performance for two players with limited offensive snaps this season.
3. Riders Defense Suffers Epic Fourth Quarter Collapse
The Riders’ defense, which had been dependable throughout the season, experienced a puzzling fourth quarter. Leake burst through with rushing touchdowns of 61 and 51 yards during this period. Adding to the trouble, Patterson threw an interception that gave the Elks a short field, which they capitalized on with a Ford-to-Jones touchdown pass. After allowing over 500 yards and 42 points, Saskatchewan faces concerns, as it seemed the Riders were unprepared for Ford and the Elks’ newly explosive offense.
