EDMONTON — The Edmonton Elks will look to carry the momentum from their strong second half in the Labour Day Classic when they host the Calgary Stampeders to wrap up the home-and-home series at Commonwealth Stadium on Saturday.
Calgary gave up 24 fourth-quarter points in a 38-28 defeat on Monday.
The victory improved Edmonton’s record to 9-3, keeping them alone atop the West Division standings entering the Forty Creek Quadruple Header.
Here’s three keys to victory for both teams ahead of Saturday’s 7:00 p.m. ET kickoff, which can be watched on TSN in Canada, as well as on CFL+ in the U.S. and internationally.
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CALGARY STAMPEDERS
1. FLUSH IT AND FORGET IT
Still very much alive in the West Division race, the Stamps can’t allow their second-half slip-up to linger. A strong first quarter in all three phases would go a long way in setting a new tone.
Watch live. Calgary Stampeders @ Edmonton Elks, Sept. 13, 01:00 CET (1 am, 7 pm Sept. 12 ET)
2. KEEP ‘EM AWAY FROM VA
After surrendering four sacks on Monday, Calgary’s offence will need better protection to find sustainable success. It starts with offensive linemen D’Antne Demery and Bakyne Coly sealing the edges.
3. THE REGGIE BEGELTON BOOST
For the first time since Week 2 last season, receiver Reggie Begelton will suit up for the Stamps. He brings the pedigree of three 1,000-yard seasons, and if nothing else, it’s an emotional boost for a team that needs a spark.
EDMONTON ELKS
1. PILE IT ON
While the Stamps try to move on from the Labour Day Classic, the Elks should be using it as a launching pad. Putting up points early will plant the seed of doubt and allow Edmonton to seamlessly build off the fourth-quarter eruption.
2. LIMIT THE TWO-AND-OUTS EARLY
The late push shouldn’t overshadow Edmonton’s early struggles in its Week 14 matchup, which included several two-and-outs. As an offence, they’ll rely on the veteran savvy of quarterback Cody Fajardo to produce better results earlier in the game.
3. GROUND AND POUND
Running back Justin Rankin ranked third in rushing yards coming into the week with 839, but the Elks are still waiting for him to regain his torrid early-season form. After rushing for over 100 yards in four of his first five games, he hasn’t eclipsed the century mark since. Going up against a Stamps defence allowing an average of 121 yards on the ground, there’s no time like the present.
NEED TO KNOW:
- Edmonton has swept the two-game set six times (most recently in 2024). There have been 19 splits.
- Calgary leads the league in scoring at 36.2 points per game.
- Elks’ receiver Austin Mack needs 75 yards for his second 1,000-yard season and his first since 2023.
- Dedrick Mills is second in the league with 923 rushing yards and is looking for his second consecutive 1,000-yard season. He has 25 rushes of 10+ yards.