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CTV News
23-07-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
‘Preparing for both': Riders' defense ready for anything amid Elks QB uncertainty
Montreal Alouettes' Darnell Sankey (1) misses the tackle on Edmonton Elks quarterback Tre Ford (2) during first half CFL action in Edmonton, on Thursday June 19, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson and Edmonton Elks quarterback Cody Fajardo (7) stretches out for the touchdown during first half CFL action against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in Winnipeg Thursday, June 26, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods The Saskatchewan Roughriders' defense is prepared to see either Edmonton quarterback under centre when they take on the Elks Friday night. 'We're preparing for both quarterbacks,' head coach Corey Mace told reporters Wednesday. That is certainly what we've been doing all week. They both have their strengths and have shown to be successful in this league, during their time.' Elks' head coach Mark Kilam has yet to reveal whether Tre Ford or Cody Fajardo will start for his team against Saskatchewan. 'You're just going to have to wait till we release the depth chart,' Kilam said after practice Tuesday. 'It's more about those guys out here working to try to get better, just like everybody else out here competing to be the guy at their position on Friday.' Ford was the listed starter in Edmonton's last game against B.C. on July 13th, but Fajardo did see some snaps late in a blowout loss to the B.C. Lions. Both quarterbacks have been taking first team snaps with the offense at Elks' practice this week. 'We go into a game with about 85 plays,' said Ford. 'Now you're splitting the reps in half and you're going to see maybe 40 of those plays. It might be the first time you're running [those plays] in the game.' 'But concepts and reads are similar and for somebody like Cody, it should be a little bit easier because he's had so much experience in the CFL and a lot of successful years as a quarterback,' he added. Fajardo, a former Rider himself, hoped the smoke and mirrors under centre is making Saskatchewan's preparations tougher. 'They got two quarterbacks they got to prepare for,' he said. 'Every day we hold those cards closer to our chest I think the harder it is on them.' 'We want to do anything to help this team win football games. And if this is part of [Kilam's] way to win football games, we're willing to do it,' Fajardo added. The Rider defense admitted each pivot poses a different challenge and skillset. 'Trey presents a tough challenge for us with his running ability and to run and pass, but I think Cody has a little bit of that too as well,' Linebacker C.J. Reavis told CTV News. 'If you're a man [defense] team, you don't like scramble quarterback. I feel like [Ford] doesn't really hurt us as bad cause we all have eyes on QB.' 'Everyone's going to like the pocket guy. [We] can play fast and execute,' defensive back Tevaughn Campbell added. 'When it gets to the foot chasing, you're just running around chasing a receiver like a little rabbit or just it gets a little tricky.' In their careers, Ford is a perfect 2-0 against Saskatchewan while Fajardo has never started against the Riders – but has been a piece of some victories over the Green and White in the past. Mace says his defense has to be ready, regardless of who is slinging the football across the field. 'It's just extra time you got to put in, no doubt,' the coach said. 'But that's just part of what we do, it is what it is. We'd probably do the same in that situation.' Kickoff at Mosaic Stadium is scheduled for Friday, July 25, at 7 p.m.
Calgary Herald
21-07-2025
- Sport
- Calgary Herald
Are the Edmonton Elks putting too much pressure on Ford's shoulders?
This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Edmonton Elks quarterback Tre Ford (2) celebrates a touchdown against the Montreal Alouettes during second-half CFL action on Thursday, June 19, 2025, in Edmonton. Photo by Greg Southam / Postmedia Optimism and goodwill can come and go fast in life, and in the sports world, too. THIS CONTENT IS RESERVED FOR SUBSCRIBERS ONLY Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Calgary Herald ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. SUBSCRIBE TO UNLOCK MORE ARTICLES Subscribe now to read the latest news in your city and across Canada. Unlimited online access to articles from across Canada with one account. Get exclusive access to the Calgary Herald ePaper, an electronic replica of the print edition that you can share, download and comment on. Enjoy insights and behind-the-scenes analysis from our award-winning journalists. Support local journalists and the next generation of journalists. Daily puzzles including the New York Times Crossword. 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 Quicker than anyone could have imagined, it appears to be happening here in Larry Thompson's first true year of ownership of the Edmonton Elks, after purchasing the once-proud CFL team last August. When Thompson stepped forward, enthusiastically buying the club he has loved since childhood, there was plenty to be optimistic about. Just prior to the purchase, following a frustrating 0-5 start, Chris Jones was relieved from his coaching duties by Rick LeLachuer and the board. In retrospect, it's worth noting that four of those five losses were by three points, including three by field goals as time expired. Your weekday lunchtime roundup of curated links, news highlights, analysis and features. By signing up you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. Please try again And while we're looking back, it's worth noting right before Thompson came aboard as the private owner, interim head coach Jarious Jackson had won back-to-back games, beating Saskatchewan, 42-31, and B.C., 33-16. Those first signs of success brought hope, and gaining a private owner with Edmonton roots brought even more. Then a few months later, the decision to go all in on Edmonton football ties — with former players Chris Morris as club president, and Ed Hervey as general manager — seemed to generate even more optimism. Admittedly, some wondered why Jackson, who had gone an impressive 7-6 under the interim tag, was never given serious consideration to remain on as head coach. But the hiring of the well-liked Mark Kilam, with strong Edmonton ties himself, seemed to fit the local model. So too did the hirings of co-ordinators Jordan Maksymic and J.C. Sherritt, with one having growing up in St. Albert and the other a former Green and Gold great. How quickly things have changed over the past few months, though. As disappointing as the current 1-4 record is, a few things jump out that make it even worse. At the risk of piling on, let's consider the following: • The four losses have all been by double digits. • Last Sunday's final score, where the Lions won 32-14, actually flattered the Elks, who were totally dominated. B.C. won the total yardage battle by an astounding 519-160 yards. • The Elks have now given up 30-plus points in each of the five games. • The big Tre Ford experiment has, so far, yielded mixed results. The young Canadian QB has flashed brilliance at times, and even looked good in a couple of losses. But last Sunday's 4-of-12 performance for all of 34 yards passing was about as ugly as it gets. And now the question has to be asked: Who made the decision to anoint Ford as the face of this new regime? Was it pushed by ownership or management for marketing reasons? Was it the general manager, or was it a coaching decision exclusively? This advertisement has not loaded yet. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Regardless of how the decision was made, some coaches around the league are whispering that this Edmonton staff is putting far too much pressure on the young QB's shoulders. Does the criticism have merit? Fair or not, five games in, and the second-guessers have yet to be proven wrong. Opinions are one thing, but facts are facts, and they can be unpleasant. One ugly fact, in comparison, is that Jones and Jackson's Elks led the CFL in rushing in 2024. Now let's look at the running-back totals from their last game. Combined, Justin Rankin and Javon Leake had five carries for six yards. That's 1.2 yards per carry. Last year, Rankin averaged 7.8 and Leake averaged 6.5, which placed them first and third in the CFL's final stats. It's worth noting that Stephen Sorrells returned as the club's offensive line coach. Has he forgotten how to coach? Have Mark Korte, Martez Ivey and Brett Boyko suddenly become bad players? If not, then play calling has to enter the discussion. Ford is still young, playing-wise. Blaming him is easy. But in fairness, he's not Michael Reilly. Maybe too much is being asked of him at this stage. After having this past bye week to review, fans have to be hoping to see a more balanced offensive approach, including trying to run the football more, like the 2024 Elks did under Jones and Jackson. That would be the first step toward taking some of the pressure off Ford's shoulders. This much is obvious: The current approach isn't working — not on offence or defence. And unfortunately, both the team record and attendance prove that. After three home games, the Elks are averaging 16,200 per game. Last year, the average home attendance across nine games was 20,499. Right now, Jackson's 7-6 turnaround is looking better and better by comparison. But coach Kilam doesn't wear the disappointment alone. Many factors and decisions are coming into public debate, including a really young defensive staff. If coaches outside of Edmonton are correct, some of those hires were recommended, and in some cases, even pushed for by management. This much we should all be able to agree on; five games, as ugly as they've been, shouldn't define a new owner, president, GM or coaching staff. I believed Morris and Hervey were the right leadership duo back when they were named. And still do. This year may bring more pain before gain. Hope is still justified, along with some patience too. But the reality is the football product has gone backward. This team is much worse than the 2024 version, or at least has been thus far. That wasn't the plan, nor the expectation. Ugly football brings empty seats, as we're witnessing. Larry Thompson deserves better. And sooner rather than later. Luckily, he's in construction. And builders have the wisdom to understand that while some projects get off to a rough start, the final product can still prove to be a winner. Here's to hoping and believing that applies to the Morris, Hervey and Kilam regime, all of whom have Grey Cup championships on their resumes. In terms of their current struggles, though, and the need for renewed hope, a bounce-back win in Saskatchewan sure would go a long way. On Twitter: @GerryModdejonge
CTV News
14-07-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
Lions pounce on Elks 32-14 for second straight win
Ottawa Redblacks' Adarius Pickett (right) tackles Edmonton Elks' quarterback Tre Ford (2) during second half CFL action in Edmonton, on Sunday July 6, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson The B.C. Lions looked like a team in complete control on Sunday. Nathan Rourke passed for 345 yards and two touchdowns as the Lions won the latest clash of the Canadian quarterbacks, emerging with an easy 32-14 victory over the Edmonton Elks on Sunday. 'We did some good things,' Rourke said. 'We definitely need to finish drives a little bit better, but I think we did a really good job really giving it to them in the run game, having some long times of possession and really putting some drives together, that was good to see. 'It's good to be playing good football and it's also good not to have played our best football yet.' James Butler also rushed for a career-high 172 yards and a touchdown for the Lions (3-3), who have won two straight. 'I felt like I could have had more,' Butler chuckled. 'We were talking all week about putting four quarters together. We've had slow starts. I thought we got out fast in this game and kept on pushing.' Quarterback Tre Ford passed for only 34 yards as Edmonton was held to just 160 yards in net offence on the night, much of that coming when the game was already out of reach. 'It was a tough game,' Ford said. 'Obviously we got beat up and a lot of that was my fault. There was just a lot of missed throws today. It just sucks because I thought I was seeing the field really well. 'It just wasn't our day.' The Elks dropped to 1-4. There was no scoring until late in the opening quarter when Sean Whyte nailed a 33-yard field goal. The Lions made it 10-0 five minutes into the second quarter when Rourke completed a short pass to Jevon Cottoy and he danced out of the clutches of a defender and dove into the end zone for a 16-yard touchdown. Edmonton caught a break when a Rourke pass went off a helmet on the line and was caught by defensive lineman Jake Ceresna, who promptly fumbled it before teammate Tyrell Ford dropped on it on the B.C. 19. It would eventually lead to a one-yard TD plunge by backup quarterback Cody Fajardo. The Lions came roaring back to restore their 10-point lead with two minutes left in the first half as Butler powered his way through for a 15-yard rushing TD. B.C. looked to have extended its lead on a massive 92-yard punt return touchdown by Seven McGee, but the play was nullified on an illegal block call. With just eight seconds left in the second quarter, however, Rourke completed a seven-yard TD pass to Stanley Berryhill III to take a 24-7 lead into halftime. In their first five games this season, the Lions had managed only three points in the first quarter and had been outscored a combined 72-32 in the opening half. 'Early execution was key for us and we've been lacking that the last number of weeks,' said Lions head coach Buck Pierce. 'So, to be able to come out and start a little faster was good to see.' After gaining two points on a safety on Edmonton's previous possession, Whyte kicked a 36-yard field goal with 3:24 remaining in the third. Whyte added a 31-yard field goal with five minutes left in the fourth. Fajardo replaced Ford at QB late in the fourth and completed a 31-yard touchdown pass to Kurleigh Gittens Jr. Notes It was the second game this season featuring a pair of Canadian starting quarterbacks, as the first game for both squads this season also had Ford going against Rourke, with the Lions winning that encounter 31-14. Before this season, the last time there was an all-Canadian quarterback matchup also featured these same two teams, taking place way back in August 1968 (the Lions' Pete Ohler against Edmonton's Frank Cosentino). … The two teams will meet a third time on Oct. 17 in Vancouver, the second-last week of the regular season … Ceresna suffered a leg injury in the third and was carted off the field. Up next Lions: Host the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Saturday, July 19. Elks: Visit the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Friday, July 25. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 13, 2025. Shane Jones, The Canadian Press
Global News
13-07-2025
- Sport
- Global News
Elks look for a second win on Sunday as they host the B.C. Lions
The Edmonton Elks have climbed the first rung on the ladder out of their 0-3 start the 2025 CFL season. They will look to climb another and string together back-to-back wins as they host the B.C. Lions Sunday night on Play Alberta Field at Commonwealth Stadium. The Elks earned their first win of the season last Sunday with a 39-33 victory over the visiting Ottawa Redblacks. Quarterback Tre Ford was 15 of 17 for 212 yards passing and two touchdown passes. He earned a perfect quarterback rating of 158.3 for the second time in his career. The game also saw the first punt return touchdown for the green and gold in nearly 10 years as Javon Leake scored on a 94-yard dash. Leake has five career kick-return touchdowns. The chance to produce a win streak for the first time this season is next goal for the Elks, says Tre Ford. Story continues below advertisement 'It motivates the guys and it gets us going in the right direction,' Ford said. 'That's big for this team after the rough start at 0-3. I think getting the (first) win was important and it's going to set the path for a good future.' Get breaking National news For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen. Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy The Lions have been a tough opponent for the Elks have won nine of their last 10 meetings. Quarterback Nathan Rourke passed for 324 yards and threw for three touchdown passes in a 31-14 win over the Elks back in Week 1. Rourke has 300-yard passing games in two of his three starts this season. One area the Elks hope to exploit on offence are the Lions struggles against the run this season. The Lions are last in the CFL in average rushing yards allowed per game (136.4). The Elks as a team are fourth in the league in average rushing yards per game (117.0) and lead the CFL in average rushing yards per carry (5.9). The Elks will also see the return on Sunday of offensive lineman David Beard, who missed the last two games with an injured calf. Beard will not make his return at his usual starting centre spot. Instead, he will dress as the Elks sixth O-lineman. Meanwhile, defensive end Robbie Smith has been placed on the team's six-game injured list with an elbow injury. Linebacker Josiah Schakel has been moved from the practice roster to the active roster, while offensive lineman Jaxon Morkin will come out of the lineup on Sunday and has been placed on the team's practice roster. Story continues below advertisement The following are the projected offensive and defensive starters for the Elks: Offence Quarterback: Tre Ford Running back: Justin Rankin (Fullback: Tanner Green) Offensive line: Martez Ivey, Mark Evans II, Mark Korte, Gregor MacKellar, Brett Boyko Receivers: Steven Dunbar, Kurleigh Gittens Jr., Arkell Smith, Kaion Julien-Grant, Zach Mathis Defence Defensive line: Brandon Barlow, Jared Brinkman, Jake Ceresna, Noah Taylor Linebackers: Nick Anderson, Nyles Morgan, Chelan Garnes Defensive backs: Devodric Bynum, Kordell Jackson, Royce Metchie, Kobe Williams, Tyrell Ford You can hear Sunday's game between the Elks and Lions on 880 CHED, starting with Countdown to Kickoff with Courtney Theriault at 3:30 p.m. The opening kickoff from Play Alberta Field at Commonwealth Stadium will be at 5 p.m., with Morley Scott and Dave Campbell calling all of the live action. Hear analysis from former Edmonton Football Team offensive lineman and two-time Grey Cup champion Blake Dermott. Former EE offensive lineman Gord Hinse will provide analysis from the Elks sidelines.
CTV News
07-07-2025
- Sport
- CTV News
Rankin, Ford lead Elks to first win with 39-33 decision over Redblacks
Ottawa Redblacks' Anthony Gosselin (45) chases Edmonton Elks' Javon Leake (22) during first half CFL action in Edmonton, on Sunday July 6, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson EDMONTON — The Edmonton Elks have finally found their way into the win column. Justin Rankin scored a pair of touchdowns as the Elks captured their first win of the season, coming up big to defeat the Ottawa Redblacks 39-33 on Sunday. 'It was a complete 60-minute effort,' said Elks head coach Mark Kilam. 'It was gritty. Some guys went down, we had some moving parts. Guys were throwing up at halftime. It took a lot, it took everyone in the room, and I'm proud of them.' Edmonton (1-3) snapped a three-game losing skid to start the CFL campaign. 'We had a good start, we went out and scored on our first two drives, which was really good,' said Elks quarterback Tre Ford, who passed for 212 yards and two TDs. 'We sputtered a bit in the second quarter and a little bit into the third, but we were able to put some drives together and score some more points. I think our team just came together.' Ottawa dropped to 1-4 with its second straight loss. 'I don't think we started well,' said Ottawa coach Bob Dyce. 'We gave up explosives, both on special teams and defence, and didn't really create that many offensively. We were undisciplined at times and didn't execute the way we need to execute.' The Redblacks took nine penalties for 118 yards. 'The game is too hard to win in the first place, so we can't be moving backwards,' said Ottawa quarterback Dru Brown, who returned from injury. 'Personally, I didn't feel like I played very well early. I thought they had a good plan. They were pushing and testing our patience and there were times where I wasn't patient. 'It's a good learning experience, but a lot of things to improve on, for sure.' The Elks had a strong start to the contest, scoring on their opening drive. Ford lofted a pass to Rankin and he shrugged off a defender and scampered for a 45-yard touchdown. Edmonton added a single on the ensuing kickoff. Ottawa responded with a 42-yard field goal from Lewis Ward. Edmonton kept it coming on its second possession with another long drive, capped off when Ford pitched it to Kurleigh Gittens Jr. and he scrambled eight yards into the end zone. The Elks got a rare punt return touchdown five minutes into the second quarter when Javon Leake broke free and went 94 yards to score despite almost letting up too soon and getting caught. It was Edmonton's first punt return TD since Aug. 28, 2015. Ottawa finally got it going late in the second with a solid drive finished off by a six-yard TD pass from Brown to Eugene Lewis. The Redblacks got a dramatic punt return touchdown of their own with less than two minutes to play in the first half as Kalil Pimpleton bobbed and weaved his way 97 yards into the end zone to cut Edmonton's lead to 22-17 at halftime. After having a fumble return TD overturned on a penalty, Ottawa got a 42-yard field goal from Ward to open the third quarter. The Elks responded with a 21-yard field goal by Vincent Blanchard. Rankin came up big again with 3:36 left in the third, finding a seam up the middle and blazing 74 yards into the end zone for the major. Ward booted a 43-yard field goal to close out the half and added another from 28 yards out four minutes into the fourth to cut Edmonton's lead to six points. Blanchard countered with a 35-yard three-pointer. Ottawa gambled on a third and three with three minutes left in the game but was denied, leading to another 35-yard field goal from Blanchard, who added a single on the following kickoff. The Redblacks fought to the end, adding a 14-yard TD pass to Andre Miller. Brown comes up short Brown returned from missing the last three games with a hip injury looking to pass for more than 400 yards for his fourth consecutive game. Only Warren Moon, Kent Austin and Doug Flutie had also done it three times in a row in CFL history. Unfortunately, Brown only managed 316 yards passing on Sunday. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 6, 2025. Shane Jones, The Canadian Press
