Vincent Blanchard ended one of the CFL season’s wildest games with a 57-yard field goal on the final play, lifting the Edmonton Elks to a 36-34 victory over the Saskatchewan Roughriders at Mosaic Stadium. The dramatic finish came after Saskatchewan had taken a one-point lead late in the fourth quarter and after a week marked by the deaths of Roughriders linebacker Jayden Dalke and Regina resident Bhishma Rajyaguru. Edmonton improved to 6-1, its best start since 2017, while Saskatchewan fell to 4-2.
What Is Happening
The Elks escaped Regina after a game that swung repeatedly between two of the strongest teams in the CFL West. Saskatchewan led 34-33 after Alex Hale made two fourth-quarter field goals, but Edmonton moved into position for Blanchard’s game-winning attempt as time expired.
The kick completed a remarkable offensive night for Edmonton quarterback Cody Fajardo. He threw for a career-high 510 yards and four touchdowns, completing 25 of 32 passes. Saskatchewan quarterback Trevor Harris answered with 386 passing yards, four touchdowns and one interception, according to 980 CJME’s game report.
Austin Mack delivered two of Edmonton’s biggest plays. His 57-yard touchdown reception late in the third quarter put the Elks ahead 27-21, then his 81-yard touchdown on Edmonton’s first offensive play after Saskatchewan had retaken the lead pushed the visitors back in front, 33-28.
The Background
The matchup carried unusual emotional weight before the first snap. The teams played five days after a two-vehicle collision killed Dalke and Rajyaguru. Saskatchewan cancelled its Sunday practice before returning to preparations, and both men were honoured with tributes and a moment of silence before kickoff.
Before the game, Saskatchewan had entered at 4-1 and Edmonton at 5-1, making the contest an early battle for control of the West. The Roughriders also welcomed back defensive back Rolan Milligan Jr., a two-time All-CFL selection who had been out since suffering a shoulder injury in the season opener.
The stakes extended beyond the standings. Former Roughriders quarterback Fajardo returned as Edmonton’s starter, while Saskatchewan’s offence had been driven by Harris and receivers Sam Emilus, Kian Schaffer-Baker and KeeSean Johnson. Those three receivers had accounted for 81 per cent of Saskatchewan’s passing yards entering the game.
The Latest Development
The decisive sequence came after a fourth quarter packed with lead changes. Harris found Dhel Duncan-Busby for a seven-yard touchdown on the first play of the quarter, giving Saskatchewan a 28-27 advantage. Edmonton immediately answered when Fajardo hit Mack for the 81-yard score.
Hale later cut Edmonton’s lead to 33-31 with a 48-yard field goal. He then missed from 46 yards with about three minutes remaining, but Saskatchewan eventually regained the lead at 34-33 before Blanchard supplied the final response.
The result reinforced Edmonton’s fast start. At 6-1, the Elks matched their strongest opening stretch since the 2017 club began 7-0. TSN’s post-game coverage also highlighted Mack’s two-touchdown performance and Fajardo’s career-best passing total.
What It Means
For Edmonton, the win provides more than another entry in the standings. Beating a direct West Division rival on the road after surrendering a late lead shows how explosive the offence can be when Fajardo and his receivers create opportunities downfield. The Elks generated multiple long completions, including Mack’s two touchdowns and a 68-yard Fajardo pass to Kaion Julien-Grant that helped set up another score.
Saskatchewan, meanwhile, showed significant offensive resilience despite the loss. Harris threw four touchdown passes, with Emilus, Schaffer-Baker and Johnson all scoring. The Roughriders also limited Edmonton running back Justin Rankin to 39 rushing yards after he entered the game as one of the league’s most dangerous dual-threat backs.
The schedule adds an immediate rematch. Saskatchewan and Edmonton are due to meet again on Saturday, Aug. 1, this time in Edmonton, giving the Roughriders a quick opportunity to respond to one of the season’s most painful finishes.
What Remains Unclear
The game result is settled, but the broader circumstances surrounding the fatal crash remain under investigation. According to 980 CJME, RCMP said Dalke had been driving north in the southbound lane of Highway 11 between Regina and Lumsden. Alcohol and cannabis were found in his vehicle, but a toxicology report had not yet been completed.
On the football side, the next meeting will show whether Saskatchewan can reduce Edmonton’s explosive passing plays and whether the Elks can repeat a 500-yard passing performance against a defence that had entered the matchup among the stronger units in the league.
FAQ
Who won the Edmonton Elks vs. Saskatchewan Roughriders game?
The Edmonton Elks won 36-34 at Mosaic Stadium in Regina.
Who kicked the game-winning field goal?
Vincent Blanchard kicked a 57-yard field goal on the final play to win the game for Edmonton.
How many passing yards did Cody Fajardo have?
Fajardo threw for a career-high 510 yards and four touchdowns, completing 25 of 32 passes.
What was Austin Mack’s impact?
Mack caught two touchdown passes, including scoring receptions of 57 and 81 yards.
Why was the game especially emotional for Saskatchewan?
It was the Roughriders’ first game after linebacker Jayden Dalke and Bhishma Rajyaguru died in a vehicle collision. Both were honoured before kickoff.
When do the Elks and Roughriders play again?
The teams are scheduled to meet again on Saturday, Aug. 1, in Edmonton.