One long losing streak in Edmonton will end Friday night.
The BC Lions haven’t won in Commonwealth Stadium since 2013, while the Edmonton Elks carry a 16-game losing streak in their home venue into their last game of a very forgettable campaign.
In that context, it’s probably not surprising to learn that Edmonton’s last home victory came three years ago against BC. The Elks (4-13) appeared on the verge of ending their ignominious streak Saturday against the Toronto Argonauts, but Edmonton blew a 23-15 lead with less than four minutes left and fell 28-23.
“Just trying to finish the season strong,” Edmonton linebacker Adam Konar said. “It’s been a tough year, so getting a win out here would make it a little better to finish the season with a win. So that’s where the focus is.”
Constant roster churn hasn’t helped. The combination of injuries and a search for better players has forced the Elks to roster a whopping 103 men, 96 of whom were active for at least one game. That includes backup quarterback Tre Ford, who plays his second straight game in place of starter Taylor Cornelius (spleen). Nearly half of Edmonton’s active players Friday night in the team’s season finale will be first- or second-year pros.
Meanwhile, the Lions (11-5) have a chance to secure a home game in the first round of the playoffs on Nov. 6. Last week’s 40-32 home win over the West champ Winnipeg Blue Bombers put BC in position to stay home, at least at the postseason’s beginning.
The Lions are still taking a big-picture look at things, though. A number of starters will sit out on Friday, including quarterback Nathan Rourke (foot). He’ll miss his eighth game, although it’s still hoped he can return either for the regular-season finale next week at Winnipeg or in the postseason.
BC relied heavily on its defense and special teams to stop Winnipeg. Twenty-six of its 40 points came off interception returns or field goals. Quarterback Vernon Adams managed just 138 passing yards and a touchdown.
“We have to do a better job of executing,” Lions running back James Butler said.
–Field Level Media
