WINNIPEG — The Winnipeg Blue Bombers will host the Edmonton Elks from IG Field in the second game of a Saturday doubleheader over the Thanksgiving weekend presented by Purolator.
The Blue Bombers have a playoff spot clinched, but will be hopeful for more over the October long-weekend. A win over the Elks on Saturday combined with a loss by the BC Lions would guarantee that Winnipeg would host the Western Final.
The Green and Gold are on the brink of elimination entering Saturday’s contest, a win by the Saskatchewan Roughriders over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Friday night, or a loss to the Blue Bombers on Saturday would remove the Elks from playoff contention.
The Winnipeg offence continues to be led by quarterback Zach Collaros, who has already thrown for a career-high 3,874 yards and 32 touchdown passes this season, which also happen to lead the league. The reigning Most Outstanding Player is just 126 yards away from throwing for 4,000 yards for the first time in his career.
Bombers head coach Mike O’Shea is among those who have been impressed with the play of Collaros this season, but he’s far from surprised at the caliber of play from his signal caller.
“Sit with him for a couple seconds and you’ll never underestimate him,” O’Shea told BlueBombers.com. “He’s a terrific player, super competitive and always looking to get better. He’s always looking to find that edge over an opponent. He’s one of those guys that is always looking.”
Winnipeg’s Dalton Schoen became the franchise leader in receiving touchdowns by a rookie with his 11th touchdown reception in Week 17 and will look to continue building on what has been a strong first year. Schoen had his best statistical game of the season in Winnipeg’s Week 7 meeting with the Elks, Schoen caught four passes for 146 yards and a touchdown.
However, the recent play of veteran receiver Nic Demski has not gone unnoticed either. The Canadian pass-catcher, alongside his quarterback, were named two of the CFL’s top performers for the month of September. In a jaw-dropping four game stretch Demski totalled 21 receptions for 280 yards and six touchdowns, scoring at least once in each of the four games played.
The Bombers should also find opportunities for success on the ground as they face an Elks defensive front that gives up a CFL-high 123.4 yards per game.
The Bombers bolstered an already strong secondary nearing the CFL trade deadline by acquiring defensive back Alden Darby from the Hamilton Tiger-Cats. Darby, who will sit out this week’s game, was a member of the 2021 Grey Cup championship team and returns to Winnipeg after recording an interception, a sack and 23 defensive tackles for Hamilton this season.
As Darby continues to reacclimate himself to the Winnipeg roster, the Bombers will lean on Winston Rose and Brandon Alexander to shut down opposing receivers in the secondary. Rose is tied for the team lead with three interceptions this season, while Alexander has proven to be one of the league’s premier safeties.
Edmonton will be without star receiver Kenny Lawler as they enter the Thanksgiving weekend. Lawler was reported to have undergone season ending surgery following an injury in Week 17.
In the absence of Lawler and with Emmanuel Arceneaux continuing to work his way back from the six-game injured list, Elks quarterback Taylor Cornelius has developed a connection with rookie receiver Dillon Mitchell, who’s target shares continue to increase. Mitchell has made the most of his opportunities as he’s caught 21 passes for 441 yards and two touchdowns in six games with Edmonton.
Cornelius and running back Kevin Brown continue to lead the Elks rushing attack. Cornelius leads the Elks with 407 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, while Brown has rushed for 320 yards through four games, including 75 yards against Montreal in Week 17. However, the pair will be challenged by a Winnipeg defence that allows opposing rushing attack just 92.2 yards per game.
With the regular season winding down, Edmonton defensive lineman Jake Ceresna outlined the importance of earning a win on Saturday.
“We just have to focus on Winnipeg, one game at a time,” Ceresna told GoElks.com. “Try to get a win there. That’s where our focus is and that’s all I’m paying attention to. I think we make a lot of progress but it’s time to put that on paper and get wins. There’s only so many losses you can take.”
