The celebrations for Canada Day will begin across the country in a couple of days, but for the CFL, they begin on Thursday with a matchup between two explosive offenses. The Edmonton Elks will visit the B.C. Lions at B.C. Place Stadium in Vancouver.
The Elks are looking to get their first win of the season after a disappointing 39-36 loss to the Toronto Argonauts last week. Despite scoring 36 points, the most they’ve scored in 62 games, they fell to 0-3. Their quarterback, McLeod Bethel-Thompson, threw for 342 yards and four touchdowns, including a 120-yard performance by receiver Dillon Mitchell, who is currently fourth in the CFL in receiving yards.
However, the Elks’ defense will face a tough challenge against the Lions, who have been averaging a strong 408.2 yards per game in their first three games. The Lions are coming off a 500-yard performance in a win over the Winnipeg Blue Bombers last week, with receiver Alexander Hollins leading the CFL in receiving with 402 yards.
Adding to the challenges for the Elks, starting right guard Tomas Jack-Kurdyla will be sidelined for the next few weeks due to a knee injury. Hunter Steward will fill his spot at right guard, while Brett Boyko will make his first start of the season at right tackle. Receiver Hergy Mayala, who leads the team in touchdowns, is also on the one-game injured list with a hamstring injury. However, receiver Gavin Cobb will make his first start after missing the first three games with a hip injury.
The Elks will be looking for a strong performance on both sides of the ball to overcome these injuries and challenges. The game will be broadcast live on 630 CHED, starting with Countdown to Kickoff at 6:30 p.m. MT, and the opening kickoff from B.C. Place Stadium in Vancouver will be at 8 p.m. MT.
