Murray Wood: When football is just a game
There is extra anticipation around the Roughriders' first-place showdown with the Elks tonight. Murray Wood says everyon...
In one of the most exciting games of the CFL season, the Edmonton Elks walked it off with a 57-yard field goal to beat the Saskatchewan Roughriders 36-34 on Thursday night at Mosaic Stadium.
The passing attacks for both offences were firing on all cylinders in the game.
Trevor Harris finished the game with 386 yards through the air, four touchdowns and one interception.
Edmonton quarterback Cody Fajardo also had a big game through the air, throwing for a career-high 510 yards and four touchdowns.
Saskatchewan’s trio of Sam Emilus, Kian Schaffer-Baker and KeeSean Johnson all had big days receiving. They each had a touchdown in the game.
One of the big challenges for the Riders defence was stopping dynamic rusher Justin Rankin. Saskatchewan did hold him in check, only allowing 39 yards on the ground to the rusher.
It was an emotional week heading into the game as tragedy struck on Saturday.
The day before the CFL club was set to return to practice, linebacker Jayden Dalke was killed in a car crash that also took the life of 22-year-old Bhishma Rajyaguru.
On Monday, the RCMP released information indicating Dalke had been driving north in the southbound lane on Highway 11 between Regina and Lumsden. Officers found alcohol and cannabis in Dalke’s vehicle, but a toxicology report has not yet been completed.
Prior to the anthem on Thursday, a pre-game ceremony took place that recognized and remembered both Dalke and Rajyaguru.
The Riders and Elks will meet again next Saturday in Edmonton.
More to come…
