Elks’ league-best rushing attack faces B.C. Lions’ top run defence in West final

EDMONTON — Two franchises that have not played in a Grey Cup game for more than 11 years will meet Saturday in the West Division final, with a return to the CFL championship game at stake.

The Edmonton Elks last reached the Grey Cup in 2015, when they beat the Ottawa Redblacks 26-20. The B.C. Lions are looking to end a longer drought: they last appeared in the final in 2011, when they defeated the Winnipeg Blue Bombers 34-23.

Saturday’s game at Commonwealth Stadium matches Edmonton’s league-best rushing attack against B.C.’s top-ranked run defence. Both teams also have quarterbacks who can extend plays with their scrambling ability.

Elks quarterback Cody Fajardo is set to play in his fifth division final. He called it a matchup of two of the league’s best defences and two high-powered offences. B.C. ranks first against the run, while Edmonton has the league’s top rushing game. Fajardo said protecting the ball and keeping the Lions’ offence on the sideline would give Edmonton its best chance to win.

The teams have not met since splitting a two-game series in July, and both lineups have changed significantly. Edmonton was without middle linebacker Nick Anderson for both games, while B.C. quarterback Nathan Rourke was injured on the second play of the rematch. Both teams are now mostly healthy.

Fajardo said he is excited to have his full group of receivers available and about the offensive line. Edmonton has rarely had its intended starting five linemen together this season, perhaps for one game, he said. This is the offence the team envisioned coming out of training camp.

Rourke helped drive the Lions to second place in the West after they opened the season 0-3. The Elks know their biggest challenge will be containing him. Cornerback Tyrell Ford said Rourke can make big plays with his legs and his arm. When a play breaks down, defenders have to stay with their assigned receivers and keep Rourke in the pocket.

Rookie defensive back JJ Ross called Rourke “special” and “the top guy in this league,” but said he is not Superman. Ross said Edmonton must stick to its plan, rely on one another and trust its preparation.

Ford said the Lions’ group of receivers is another challenge for Edmonton’s defence. He described them as dynamic, with many imposing targets who require defenders to beat them to the spot. Edmonton will also need to tackle well, he said, adding that the Lions are strong across the offence, including at running back and receiver.

The Lions may have momentum heading into the game. They went on a 9-1 run late in the season, rested Rourke during their losses in their final two regular-season games, and then won the West semifinal. Elks offensive co-ordinator Jordan Maksymic said the Lions are playing well and that consistent good play can be contagious, calling Saturday a stiff test. He added that both teams are playing well, which is why they are in the final.

Elks running back Justin Rankin said momentum changes from game to game and can fade quickly. He said it is good to arrive with momentum, but the question is whether a team carries it past the first quarter. The game may come down to which side gets hot sooner and makes fewer mistakes.

The forecast calls for good conditions, with temperatures around 9 C at game time.

This report by The Canadian Press’s John Korobanik was first published Nov. 6, 2026.