Last week in Hamilton, the Edmonton Elks earned their first win of the 2022 CFL season.
On Thursday night, the Elks will look for their first winning streak of the season when they host the Calgary Stampeders at The Brick Field at Commonwealth Stadium.
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On Canada Day, the Elks erased a 13-point deficit to win 29-25 over the Tiger-Cats. The Elks forced four turnovers, including two interceptions, a fumble on attempts and a fumble return for a touchdown by defensive back Jalen Collins with 98 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.
It was the Elks’ biggest road comeback since Oct. 21, 2017, when they erased a 16-point deficit against the BC Lions.
Jalen Collins serves and scores securing the Edmonton Elks’ first win of the season
On offense, Tre Ford became the first Canadian quarterback to start for the Elks since Frank Cosentino in October 1968. Ford, a product of the Waterloo Warriors and the eighth overall pick in this year’s CFL Draft , passed for 159 yards throwing a touchdown pass. and an intercept.
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Ford also used his mobility to his advantage by rushing for 61 yards. It was a successful debut for the 2021 Hec Creighton Award winner, but Ford knows he has more to give on the football field.
“The biggest thing I’ve learned is definitely to (be) more composed and relaxed in the pocket,” Ford said. “Knowing those big guys up front are going to give me the time, I need to check my reads and get the ball to my athletes.”
Edmonton Elks quarterback Tre Ford is asked if much has changed in terms of the game plan in preparation for the Stampeders.
Ford’s passing production came primarily from zero to nine yards, where he was 14-for-21. He attempted just four passes from 10 to 19 yards. completing two passes.
Ford’s only attempt of 20 yards or more was intercepted. On the ground, Ford recorded three runs of 10 yards or more, the longest being 14 yards.
The Elks and Stampeders met in Calgary on June 25, with the Elks unable to hold a 10-point lead in the game, ultimately losing 30-23. Thursday will be the second of four meetings between the two teams.
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The Elks will also be looking to snap a long losing streak at home. The Elks are on a franchise-record nine-game losing streak dating back to the 2019 season.
The team will make just one roster change, as starting fullback Tanner Green is on the six-game disabled list with a core muscle injury. Defensive back Ethan Makanzo has been added to the active roster.
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Elks defense ready to flip the script against Stampeders on Thursday
The following are the projected offensive and defensive starters for the Elks:
Offense
Quarterback: Tre Ford
Running back: Sherman Badie (wingback: Ante Milanovich-Litre)
Offensive Line: Tony Washington, David Foucault, David Beard, Mark Korte, Martez Ivey
Receivers: Derel Walker, Kenny Lawler, Emmaneul Arceneaux, Kai Locksley, Mike Jones
Defending
Defensive Line: Thomas Cositgan, Makana Henry, Christian Rector, Matthew Thomas
Linebackers: Adam Konar, Ben Davis, Jeawon Taylor
Defensive backs: Jalen Collins, Ed Gainey, Scott Hutter, Treston Decoud, Nafees Lyon
You can listen to live coverage of Thursday’s game between the Elks and Stampeders at 630 CHED beginning with Countdown to Kickoff with Brenden Escott at 5:30 p.m.
Kickoff at The Brick Field at Commonwealth Stadium will be at 5:30 pm with Morley Scott and Dave Campbell featuring analysis by former Edmonton Football Team offensive lineman and two-time Gray Cup champion Blake Dermott. David Boles will report from the sidelines for the Elks.
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