Alouettes hold Off Elks in Thrilling 22-20 Victory Despite Mounting Injuries
Montreal, QC – August 12, 2024 – The Montreal Alouettes narrowly defeated the Edmonton Elks 22-20 in a back-and-forth contest at Percival Molson Memorial Stadium on Sunday afternoon. A late-game field goal proved to be the difference as Montreal weathered a determined comeback from Edmonton, despite a meaningful injury toll.
The game began with a bang, as Travis Theis returned the opening kickoff 80 yards for a touchdown with just 47.7 seconds elapsed in the first quarter. It was Theis’ first career touchdown and the Alouettes’ first kick return for a score this season. Jose Maltos Diaz followed with a 42-yard field goal, extending Montreal’s lead to 13-1. Edmonton responded with a 12-yard field goal from Vincent Blanchard after a promising drive stalled,punctuated by a third sack of Elks quarterback McLeod Bethel-thompson.
the momentum swung dramatically before halftime. Montreal quarterback Cody Fajardo led a drive,but Bethel-Thompson’s subsequent pass attempt was intercepted by Edmonton defensive back Tyrell Ford,who then raced 87 yards for his first career touchdown,bringing the elks within two points (13-11) at the break. Elks assistant coach Stephen Kilam highlighted Ford’s interception as a pivotal moment, injecting life into the Edmonton team.
the second half saw both teams trade blows. Alouettes quarterback Caleb Evans, entering the game as a substitute, orchestrated a nine-play, 4 ½-minute drive culminating in a 19-yard touchdown pass to Kaion Julien-Grant Spieker. However, Maltos Diaz’s extra point attempt hit the upright, leaving the score at 19-11.
Edmonton capitalized on a fumble by Alouettes receiver Tyler Snead, with fajardo connecting with Julien-Grant for a one-yard touchdown. The Elks attempted a two-point conversion to tie the game, but the attempt failed, keeping Montreal ahead 19-17. Maltos Diaz added his third field goal of the game, a 38-yarder, pushing the lead to 22-17. However, Edmonton’s Blanchard responded with a 45-yard field goal, narrowing the gap to 22-20 with under two minutes remaining.
The Alouettes’ victory was hard-fought,coming amidst a growing list of injuries. Already missing key players like receiver Austin Mack, receiver Tyson Philpot, defensive back Marc-Antoine Dequoy, and defensive back justin Lawrence, Montreal lost running back Sean Thomas-Erlington in the third quarter following a collision with Edmonton’s Kordell Jackson. Thomas-Erlington, a Montreal native, sustained an apparent upper-body injury and did not return. Head Coach Jason Maas confirmed post-game that the injury is not season-ending and will be re-evaluated before their next contest. The Alouettes also saw starting quarterback Cody Fajardo struggle under consistent pressure, being sacked three times in the first half alone.Looking Ahead:
The Edmonton Elks (2-6) will return home to Commonwealth stadium to face the Toronto Argonauts on Friday, August 15th. The Montreal alouettes (4-4) will travel to British Columbia to take on the B.C. Lions at BC Place on Saturday, August 16th.
Context & Background:
This game highlights the competitive nature of the Canadian football League (CFL) and the importance of special teams play. Kickoff returns for touchdowns, like Theis’ opening score, can dramatically shift momentum. The Alouettes, a storied franchise with seven Gray Cup championships (1946, 1949, 1950, 1970, 1974, 1977, 2002), are aiming to return to championship contention after a period of rebuilding. The Edmonton elks, formerly known as the Eskimos, are a five-time grey Cup champion (1954, 1956, 1996, 2003, 2005) and are striving to regain their former dominance in the CFL’s Western Division. The ongoing injury situation for the alouettes underscores the physical demands of the CFL season and the need for depth across the roster.
