Edmonton Elks advance to first Grey Cup since 2015

Photo courtesy: Edmonton Elks

The Edmonton Elks are headed back to the Grey Cup for the first time in 11 years.

The Green and Gold earned their berth in the CFL title game with a 28-16 victory over the B.C. Lions in the West Final. 40,182 fans were on hand at Commonwealth Stadium to witness the result — the largest crowd in the league this season.

After being tied at 16-16 early in the fourth quarter, the Elks inched back in front by a field goal before Joel Dublanko forced a key fumble. J.J. Ross added a long return, and Cody Fajardo delivered with a decisive touchdown pass to Austin Mack. The Lions were unable to respond with points of their own, allowing Edmonton to ice the game.

Fajardo was the star of the game, completing 25-of-30 passes for 274 yards and a touchdown. He also rushed 10 times for 84 yards and a major, leading his team on the ground.

The Elks last appeared in the postseason in 2019, when they won the East Semi-Final over the Alouettes before losing the East Final to Hamilton. The franchise went a combined 25-61 over the next five years, before turning it around this season with a 13-5 record.

Edmonton last reached the Grey Cup in 2015, defeating the Ottawa Redblacks. They are the second-most successful franchise in CFL history, with 14 championships to their name.

The 113th Grey Cup is scheduled for Sunday, November 15, in Calgary, Alta. The Elks will take on the Montreal Alouettes at McMahon Stadium at 6:00 p.m. ET.