Elks eliminate Hamilton from playoff race with 37-35 overtime thriller
Joshua Cephus caught the game-winning two-point conversion as Edmonton improved to 11-4 and kept pace in the West Division race Saturday.
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Edmonton's Elks are staying alive in the playoff push. Joshua Cephus caught a 3-yard pass in the endzone during a two-point shootout to lift the Elks past the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 37-35 in overtime on Saturday, eliminating Hamilton from playoff contention.
The win was Edmonton's fifth in the last six games, moving the team to 11-4 on the season. Quarterback Cody Fajardo completed 32 of 47 passes for 298 yards with one rushing touchdown and one interception. Justin Rankin rushed for 74 yards on 11 carries, while Zach Mathis caught five passes for 75 yards.
But the standout performance came from kicker Vincent Blanchard, who set a CFL record with nine field goals in a single game. The previous league record of eight field goals had been set five times before; Blanchard also surpassed the Elks' team record of seven, which had stood since Sean Fleming's performance.
Hamilton (4-11) fell to 5-straight losses. Quarterback Harrison Frost was 17 of 34 for 214 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions. Running back Larry Rountree III rushed for 91 yards on 13 carries with one touchdown, while receiver Kurleigh Gittens Jr. caught four passes for 62 yards and a score. Marc Liegghio opened the scoring with a 30-yard field goal on Hamilton's opening drive, but Edmonton clawed back through the afternoon, eventually forcing overtime where Cephus sealed it.
The facts
Who caught the game-winning two-point conversion?
Joshua Cephus caught a 3-yard pass in the endzone for Edmonton's Elks during the two-point shootout in overtime.
What is Edmonton's record after this win?
The Elks improved to 11-4 on the season with their victory over Hamilton.
How many field goals did Vincent Blanchard make?
Kicker Vincent Blanchard made nine field goals in the game, setting a new CFL record.
What was the final score?
Edmonton defeated Hamilton 37-35 in overtime on Saturday, September 26, 2026.
