Tre Ford has lit a fire under the Edmonton Elks.

Fresh off being named the CFL’s top-graded quarterback for the second straight week, Ford will look to continue his sterling play for the Elks (2-9) in Monday’s Labor Day Classic against the host Calgary Stampeders (3-8). The provincial rivals will complete the annual home-and-home set in Edmonton on Sept. 9.

Ford threw for two touchdowns in the Elks’ 24-10 win over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Aug. 17. He then recorded career highs in passing (317) and rushing yards (74) to go along with two total scores as Edmonton snapped a 22-game home losing skid with a 30-20 victory over the Ottawa Redblacks on Aug. 27.

“Tre’s given us a spark, he played some really good football,” Elks head coach Chris Jones said after the team recorded back-to-back wins for the first time since Aug. 19-Sept. 6, 2021.

“He accounted for nearly 400 yards of offense, he’s taken care of the football, didn’t have turnovers. That’s probably one of the biggest indicators that the offensive line’s playing at a high level right now.”

Eugene Lewis reeled in three catches for 112 yards against the Redblacks, including a 66-yard reception for a touchdown late in the second quarter.

While the Elks are ascending, the Stampeders fell for the third straight time following a 39-31 setback to the Toronto Argonauts on Aug. 25.

Jake Maier threw for 387 yards and four touchdowns in the loss, with Reggie Begelton turning nine catches into 203 yards and two scores. Unfortunately for Calgary, Javon Leake snapped a 31-31 tie with an 86-yard punt return for a touchdown midway into the fourth quarter.

“Our team has a lot of fight,” Calgary head coach Dave Dickenson said. “We had some chances again and then too many big plays given up … the punt return was the backbreaker.”

The Stampeders could receive a boost with the potential returns from one-game absences of running back Ka’Deem Carey (quad) and wide receiver/kick returner Tommylee Lewis (wrist).

–Field Level Media