Visiting Elks beat Redblacks for 3rd straight win

Cody Fajardo and the Edmonton Elks continue to gain momentum, picking up their third straight win with a 30-20 decision over the Redblacks on Friday night in Ottawa.

With Fajardo under centre, the Elks (4-6) seem to be catching fire at the right time.

The 33-year-old Fajardo finished 22-for-28 for 270 yards and one interception and was able to lead his team to victory despite the Redblacks' (3-8) attempt at a comeback.

"[Cody's] phenomenal," said Elks running back Justin Rankin. "You ain't never seen anyone like that. I'm just happy to have him, he's a true pro."

Much the same can be said for Rankin, who had 14 carries for 36 yards and a crucial touchdown in the fourth quarter.

"He brings energy into the room every single day," said Elks head coach Mark Kilam. "He lifts the offence and, you know, we're better when he gets going."

For the fifth straight week the Redblacks failed to start the game with urgency, despite talking about it all week, fell behind early and were forced to chase the game.

"First off, we can't allow ourselves to get down the number of points we have, you know," said Redblacks head coach Bob Dyce. "It's three weeks in a row, you know, every time you do that it gets tougher and tougher to come back."

Ottawa has just one point in the first quarter in its last five games and has no explanation for its early inefficiencies.

With seven games remaining, the Redblacks are well aware of the lost opportunity and admit it will be tough not to dwell on it during the upcoming bye week.

"We kind of know the situation going into it every week trying to go 1-0," said wide receiver Andre Miller. "We put ourselves in this hole and we gotta fight and scratch and do all we can to try to make up for it, but time's running out a little bit."

Edmonton jumped out to a 17-0 lead off a 33-yard field goal, a Fajardo touchdown from the one-yard line, and a Javon Leake 80-yard punt return before Ottawa finally got on the board.

An Ayinde Eley interception allowed the Redblacks to salvage the first half and avoid further embarrassment. Dustin Crum, making his third start at quarterback with Dru Brown sidelined with a knee injury, was able to capitalize on the turnover and capped the four-play drive with a touchdown from the goal line.

The Elks added a 31-yard field goal to take a 20-7 lead at the half.

To give Ottawa credit they came out flying in the second half and gave the home crowd something to cheer about.

Crum, who completed 23-of-29 passes for 277 yards and a touchdown and added 59 rushing yards and another TD, drove the team down field and connected with Miller for a 19-yard touchdown pass. Lewis Ward added a 20-yard field goal to make it a three-point game, 20-17, early in the fourth quarter.

But that's when Fajardo showed why this is now his team.

After getting his team to the red zone, Fajardo handed the ball off to Rankin, who charged his way through the middle for a six-yard touchdown to take a 27-17 lead with 7:40 remaining.

Ward got Ottawa back within striking distance with a 26-yard field goal, but the Redblacks were unable to complete the comeback. Vincent Blanchard added a 35-yard field goal in the final minute for the Elks after a lengthy injury delay.

With 2:40 remaining Ottawa DL Daniel Okpoko took a hit, got up and signalled for help and then dropped to the ground. He was taken off the field by ambulance.

The Redblacks shared after the game that Okpoko was responsive and had movement in all his extremities, but was taken to hospital.

Notes:

Redblacks coach Bob Dyce squared off against his son Trysten, who is the Elks' running backs coach and offensive assistant.

Up next:

Elks: Visit the Calgary Stampeders on Monday, Sept. 1.

Redblacks: Host the B.C. Lions on Friday, Sept. 5.