Eugene Lewis made a significant impact in the game between the Edmonton Elks and the Calgary Stampeders, leading his team to a 23-18 victory with a late touchdown catch. Lewis also had a rushing touchdown earlier in the game and expressed his willingness to contribute whenever given the opportunity. Coach Jarious Jackson praised Lewis for finding a way to get open for quarterback Tre Ford to find him for the game-winning score. Ford completed 23-of-29 passes for 208 yards and also threw one touchdown but had two interceptions during the game.
The Elks have now defeated the Stampeders all three times they have faced each other this season, a feat they last achieved in 2002. Coach Jackson acknowledged the significance of the victory but also emphasized focusing on smaller victories in the season. The Stampeders initially took a 5-0 lead in the first quarter with a safety and a field goal by Rene Paredes before the Elks scored 17 unanswered points. Despite a late comeback attempt by the Stampeders, they were unable to secure the win, with a pass from quarterback Matt Shiltz to Reggie Begelton in the end zone falling incomplete.
The game saw several lead changes, with the Elks responding to Calgary’s early lead by scoring 16 points in the second quarter. Lewis ran for a 15-yard touchdown, and backup quarterback Dakota Prukop also ran for a touchdown, while Boris Bede kicked a pair of singles for Edmonton. The Stampeders fought back in the fourth quarter, with Shiltz throwing a touchdown pass to Jalen Philpot and backup QB Tommy Stevens running for a touchdown to put them ahead 18-17. However, a late touchdown by Lewis secured the victory for the Elks.
The Stampeders struggled to maintain consistency throughout the game, with Shiltz acknowledging the team’s ups and downs that prevented them from securing the win. Despite a fighting spirit, the Stampeders were unable to make the necessary plays at crucial moments. Coach Dave Dickenson expressed frustration with the team’s inability to capitalize on opportunities and failure to make key plays when needed. The game was marked by missed opportunities and penalties that ultimately cost the Stampeders the win.
The Elks’ victory was a significant accomplishment, given their struggles throughout the season, and marked a successful end to their series against the Stampeders. Going forward, the Elks will have a bye week before facing the Toronto Argonauts, while the Stampeders will visit the Hamilton Tiger-Cats in their next game. The game showcased the competitive nature of Canadian football and the resilience of both teams in the face of challenges. Despite the outcome, both teams showed determination and fought hard until the final whistle, highlighting the spirit of the sport and the competitive nature of the Canadian Football League.
