Stampeders face resurgent Elks in Labour Day Classic with turnover battle in focus

The Edmonton Elks arrive at McMahon Stadium on Monday for the 44th straight Labour Day Classic, and they're coming in hot. Edmonton (8-3) has won recent games against Toronto and Winnipeg and sits atop the West Division, while Calgary (5-6) is scrambling to stay in contention.

The difference between the teams shows up most clearly in turnover margin. Edmonton has forced 33 turnovers and given up 26, producing a plus-14 ratio. Calgary has forced 26 turnovers with a plus-11 margin. Edmonton also allows just league-low points per game — while Calgary leads the league in points allowed per game.

Cody Fajardo, Edmonton's quarterback, said Calgary the difference is simple: "Our defence is taking the ball away and our offence is capitalizing scoring points . . . which is the difference in a lot of games." He added: "We know in this league, and I've been in this league long enough, if you win the turnover battle, you have a chance to win."

Calgary coach and general manager Dave Dickenson agrees the stat matters most. "If you open up a box score, which nobody does any more, but if you actually do, and you just look at the turnover ratio, usually that's going to tell you who won the game," Dickenson said Calgary. "I've always said it's the most important stat in sports. Hasn't always held true for us this year, but I think it's most important."

Edmonton had the benefit of a bye week before Monday's game. The Elks haven't hosted a home playoff game in over a decade, so a playoff berth this year would mark a significant turnaround. Calgary will wear black uniforms Monday — the same kit that debuted on Labour Day in 1994. CF-18 Hornets will fly over McMahon Stadium at the conclusion of the national anthem, a tradition dating to 1993. The forecast calls for wet and cool conditions.