Edmonton Elks explode for points, takeaways in Labour Day win over Calgary (& six other thoughts)

For only the second time since 2011, the Edmonton Elks came out of Calgary with a win on Labour Day. It was not only a victory but a dominant performance to take the annual rivalry match by a score of 35-20. Below are my thoughts on the game.

Third quarter points

After being shut out for the last five games in the third quarter, Edmonton took their first second-half possession 91 yards for a major score with a drive that took over eight minutes off the board.

It was a calculated drive that featured a balance of high-percentage plays and deeper throws. McLeod Bethel-Thompson took the short plays he was given from Calgary’s defence and went six-for-nine on the drive. Kevin Brown and Javon Leake added in carries of 11 and 15 yards, respectively, to complete the best third-quarter drive we’ve seen from Edmonton this season.

The Stampeders came back with a response touchdown, but the spark was lit for the Green and Gold. Going into the fourth quarter up 20-13 and having solved the third quarter issue, the Elks racked up another 15 points in the fourth to seal the win.

“What better way to do it?” said interim head coach Jarious Jackson, “We had an eight-minute drive, 14 plays. It was all about concentrating on first down. We talked about it all week, we talked about it last night, we talked it to death, basically, so it was great to see the guys go out and execute. Just take one play at a time. I think (Bethel-Thompson) executed that drive beautifully.”

Defence plays bakery shop

Edmonton’s defence recorded five takeaways: four interceptions and one turnover on downs. The unit did its fair share of bending but not a lot of breaking, only allowing 13 points. One of the two field goals for the Stamps was from the Edmonton six-yard line with a big stop as time was running out in the first half.

“Everybody stepped up,” Jackson said. “They were ballhawks today. We were able to rush the quarterback a little bit with four-man rush or maybe five. Anytime you can do that and stand tall on the back end, that’s a huge day for us. Loucheiz had two (interceptions), Bynum had two. Guys were flying around and it was exciting to see.”

Elks’ cornerback Devodric Bynum was the recipient of a gift on his first interception when Jake Maier seriously underthrew Ishmael Hyman and the ball landed right in Bynum’s hands. The first-year player made the smart play to jump up and run for another 20 yards after the catch. His second interception was a tip drill that hung up in the air for him to recover.

Since taking over for injured Marcus Lewis in Week 3, Bynum has collected three interceptions and one forced fumble. The UAB product looks to be growing into the CFL game at a fast pace.

Longest non-TD ever

One of the most bizarre plays I’ve ever seen live came in the fourth quarter with Edmonton backed up on their three-yard line. After a failed pass to Kurleigh Gittens Jr., Bethel-Thompson found Eugene Lewis for a 22-yard catch. Demerio Houston forced the fumble but it bounced right to Tevin Jones, who ran it 81 yards. He was brought down at the one-yard line, making it a 106-yard play that didn’t end in a touchdown.

It could not have come at a better time with Calgary only down seven points and starting to build some momentum. The Lewis play was crucial to get some field position but the awareness of Jones to pick it up and take off was phenomenal.

“(Lewis) made great move and I figured I was going to block for him,” Jones said. “I was running toward him and the ball came out. It came right to me. Thank God I just grabbed it a took off running. I was kind of sad I didn’t get the touchdown but I’m glad we got it on the next play.”

It was not all for Tevin Jones on this day as he managed five catches on five targets for 208 yards and two touchdowns. The second score was the dagger with a 73-yard catch and run in the final frame. It was another monster game for the third-year receiver, who has caught all but two of his 22 targets this year and set a new personal best for touchdowns with four.

If he can keep this pace, Jones will also set a receiving yards personal best this year. He’s been an excellent addition to a strong receiving corps.

MBT putting up numbers

Bethel-Thompson had numbers similar to the first few games of the year but found the win column, managing 486 yards passing with three touchdowns and no interceptions. Along with Jones, Kurleigh Gittens Jr. and Eugene Lewis eclipsed the 100-yard receiving mark. The balance across the group is good to see.

“They are all dogs,” Bethel-Thompson said. “They all want the ball but they also understand they have dogs around them and they need the ball, too. I appreciate how they are not selfish, they are not full of ego. They have that ‘I want the ball’ (mentality) but it doesn’t break us down. It makes everyone perform when they get their opportunity.”

Return the Faith(full)

As I had talked about last week, it was past time to make a change in the kicking position as Dean Faithfull returned to the lineup with Boris Bede being a healthy scratch.

It was mostly a good performance from the 37-year-old with an average of 66 yards on kickoffs, four-for-four on converts, and a field goal from 41 yards out. The one blemish came on a missed field goal from 29 yards out and, considering he hasn’t seen game action since last October, I’m OK to give a pass provided it was just due to rust. His form looked good, so I’m sure we’re in for more Queen’s waves in the coming weeks.

Edmonton has passed the nine-game mark and Bede’s salary is now guaranteed, so I do expect him to still be on the team and helping when needed. If there’s an injury or any other struggles, he’ll be able to step back into the role. Placekicking will be a place to watch over the next few weeks.

Return classic

The Battle of Alberta will reignite soon with the rematch in Edmonton on Saturday, Sept. 7. It’s been 20 years since the Elks have swept the series with Calgary sweeping it nine times over that timespan. It’s a short turnaround for both teams but the intensity will be high with the season series and a shot at the playoffs on the line.