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The Edmonton Elks secured the right to host the CFL West Final for the first time in over a decade, defeating the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 35-27 on Friday night. Quarterback Cody Fajardo delivered a standout performance, rushing for two touchdowns and throwing for two more as Edmonton improved to 13-4 on the season. The Elks last hosted a home playoff game back in 2015, making Friday’s result especially meaningful for the organization and its fans.
Fajardo Leads Edmonton’s Charge
Fajardo completed 12 of 17 pass attempts for 120 yards, orchestrating a resilient comeback effort throughout the game. “That was sweet,” he said after the win. “I told the guys going in that this was phase three of five and we checked that off our list. Getting a West Final in front of our fans — they were the difference tonight.”
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Elks head coach Mark Kilam praised his team’s composure under pressure. “We had a great opportunity to clinch at home in front of our fans,” Kilam said. “I’m really proud of the guys for finding a way tonight.”
Fajardo had gone three straight games without a touchdown pass heading into Friday’s contest. However, he quickly erased that drought and delivered when it mattered most. His four-touchdown night was a decisive factor in Edmonton’s victory.
Blue Bombers Fall Short in Tight Contest
Winnipeg quarterback Zach Collaros put up strong numbers, completing 28 of 33 passes for 331 yards with two touchdowns. However, two costly interceptions ultimately hurt the Bombers’ chances. “You can’t make mistakes, you can’t lose the turnover battle,” Collaros said. “Those are on me.”
Winnipeg head coach Mike O’Shea echoed that sentiment after the loss. “We were on the wrong end of five or six plays,” he said. “The winners usually make those five or six, and the guys that don’t go home wishing they did.”
The Blue Bombers fell to 8-9 on the season. Despite the defeat, Winnipeg can still earn a playoff berth this weekend if Calgary loses to B.C. on Saturday.
How the Game Unfolded
Winnipeg drew first blood after a missed Edmonton field goal early in the game. Collaros connected with Nic Demski on a 13-yard touchdown pass late in the first quarter. In response, Edmonton kicker Vincent Blanchard converted an 18-yard field goal to close the gap.
Edmonton then took the lead after Kenny Logan Jr. intercepted Collaros at the Winnipeg nine-yard line. Fajardo immediately capitalized, finding Shunderrick Powell in the end zone. Winnipeg answered back, with Collaros hitting Ontaria Wilson on a 32-yard touchdown strike. Backup quarterback Bryce Perkins also added a one-yard rushing touchdown for the Bombers.
A 65-yard kickoff return by Montrell Washington gave Edmonton excellent field position late in the first half. With just two seconds remaining before halftime, Fajardo converted a crucial third-down play, connecting with Austin Mack on a four-yard touchdown pass. That cut Winnipeg’s lead to 21-17 at the break.
Edmonton carried that momentum into the third quarter. Fajardo capped a long drive with a one-yard touchdown run, giving the Elks the lead. The teams then exchanged field goals, with Sergio Castillo connecting from 23 yards for Winnipeg and Blanchard responding with a 52-yarder for Edmonton. Castillo also missed a 55-yard attempt, hitting the uprights.
With 1:39 remaining, Fajardo sealed the win by punching in a two-yard rushing touchdown to make it 35-24. Castillo added a late 53-yard field goal for Winnipeg, but it was not enough to change the outcome.
Notable Milestones and What Comes Next
Friday’s result gave Edmonton its third consecutive win over Winnipeg this season. The Elks also defeated the Bombers 23-18 and 22-18 earlier in the year. The last time Edmonton swept a three-game series against Winnipeg was in 1979.
Meanwhile, Demski caught his 47th career touchdown reception, tying him with Kenny Lawler for first among active CFL players in that category.
Both teams still have one regular-season game remaining. Winnipeg travels to B.C. to face the Lions next Friday, while Edmonton heads to Saskatchewan to take on the Roughriders the following Saturday. For the Elks, the focus now shifts to preparing for the CFL West Final at home.
