The Edmonton Elks will end a CFL season with out a win at residence for the primary time within the staff’s 72-year historical past.
Regardless of a livid fourth-quarter rally, a 19-17 loss to the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Friday condemned the Elks (2-9) to an 0-7 document at Commonwealth Stadium in 2021, which is an notorious achievement in a yr when the staff additionally rebranded with a brand new identify.
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Edmonton Elks gamers take the sector towards the Saskatchewan Roughriders previous to first half CFL motion in Edmonton on Friday, November 5, 2021.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Amber Bracken
In the meantime, the Roughriders (8-4) edged nearer to clinching a house playoff sport.
After a forgettable first quarter, Saskatchewan quarterback Cody Fajardo completed with 241 yards by means of the air and one other 44 on the bottom.
Saskatchewan Roughriders quarterback Cody Fajardo (7) runs the ball beneath strain from Edmonton Elks’ Chris Nelson (92) throughout first half CFL motion in Edmonton on Friday, November 5, 2021.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Amber Bracken
Elks cornerback Nafees Lyon intercepted Fajardo’s first move of the sport. It didn’t get significantly better for the ‘Riders by means of the opening quarter. Fajardo threw for simply 5 yards and his staff registered a single first down.
Edmonton kicker Sean Whyte opened the scoring with a chip-shot subject purpose to cap a 12-play, 87-yard drive. The important thing play was an up-the-gut, 29-yard run by Walter Fletcher beginning instead of the injured James Wilder Jr.
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Saskatchewan responded with 10 second-quarter factors. They tied the sport on Brett Lauther’s 26-yard subject purpose after the Roughriders transformed two third-and-short conditions throughout a 10-play drive.
The ‘Riders led 4-3 lead on 53-yard rouge off the foot of punter Kaare Vedvik. Fajardo then adopted it up with a 22-yard landing strike to Brayden Lenius. The convert was missed.
Whyte missed a 49-yard subject purpose on the stroke of halftime.
The Riders prolonged the result in 19-3 on three extra Lauther subject objectives.
After which, the Elks rallied. With 8:35 left within the fourth quarter, the house followers lastly had a landing to have fun.
Saskatchewan Roughriders’ Deon Lacey (45) chases Edmonton Elks’ Walter Fletcher (25) throughout first half CFL motion in Edmonton on Friday, November 5, 2021.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Amber Bracken
Quarterback Taylor Cornelius eluded the frenzy and located Danny Vandervoort for a 26-yard strike. The 2-point convert try was stuffed by Saskatchewan’s defence.
Cornelius hit Vandervoort for one more landing, this one from 5 yards out, with 1:13 left on the clock. With the two-point convert, Saskatchewan’s 16-point lead had shortly dwindled to 2.
After finishing simply 10 passes by means of the primary three quarters, Cornelius completed 21 for 35 in passing for 322 yards.
Saskatchewan Roughriders’ Anthony Lanier II (91) catches as much as Edmonton Elks quarterback Taylor Cornelius (15) throughout first half CFL motion in Edmonton on Friday, November 5, 2021.
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Amber Bracken
Saskatchewan recovered the onside kick to halt Edmonton’s momentum.
The Elks have been minus receivers Greg Ellingson and Derel Walker, whereas the Roughriders performed with out main receiver Kyran Moore.
Edmonton and Saskatchewan meet once more Nov. 13 in Regina.
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