Elks surge to 5-1 with 19-17 win over Lions as Nathan Rourke gets hurt
Vincent Blanchard's four field goals lift Edmonton to sole first place in the CFL West Division.
The day's top stories, food & events — every morning at 7. Unsubscribe anytime.
The Edmonton Elks beat the B.C. Lions 19-17 on Friday, moving to 5-1 and reclaiming sole possession of first place in the CFL's West Division.
Vincent Blanchard kicked four field goals to pace the Elks' defence-driven win. The Lions, who dropped to 1-4, lost starting quarterback Nathan Rourke to a shoulder injury on the opening drive when he was sacked.
After Rourke went down, Edmonton's defence took over. Lineman Gavin Meyer intercepted backup Chase Brice's pass on the opening drive, setting up a 38-yard Blanchard field goal.
Edmonton extended its lead in the second quarter after Tyrell Ford intercepted Brice, leading to a four-yard touchdown pass from Cody Fajardo to T.J. Luther. A 54-yard pass to Joshua Cephus set up another Blanchard field goal to stretch the lead. When JJ Ross picked off Brice a third time, Blanchard kicked his third field goal to send Edmonton into halftime up 16-7.
The Lions scored twice to cut it close — an 11-yard Keon Hatcher touchdown catch early in the second quarter and another Hatcher touchdown in the fourth — but the Elks held on. After B.C. recovered a fumble and kicked a 19-yard field goal to pull within two, Edmonton's defence forced a turnover on downs with 41 seconds left to seal the win.
The Elks haven't made the playoffs since 2019.
The facts
What was the final score of the Edmonton-B.C. game on Friday?
The Edmonton Elks beat the B.C. Lions 19-17 on Friday, July 18, 2026.
How many field goals did Vincent Blanchard make?
Vincent Blanchard kicked four field goals for the Edmonton Elks.
What happened to Nathan Rourke?
Nathan Rourke, the B.C. Lions' starting quarterback, suffered a shoulder injury on the opening drive when he was sacked.
What is Edmonton's record after this win?
The Edmonton Elks moved to 5-1, reclaiming sole possession of first place in the CFL's West Division.
