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Winnipeg Free Press
13 hours ago
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Blue Bombers' dominance of cellar-dwelling Elks continues
Never mind a monkey, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers are a King Kong-sized ape the Edmonton Elks can't seem to get off their back. The Bombers defeated the winless Elks 36-23 Thursday night in front of a sold-out Princess Auto Stadium to extend their winning streak over the Double Es to 13 games. It's the longest stretch of consecutive victories the Blue and Gold have ever had over an opponent. The now 3-0 Bombers will look to continue their Alberta dominance when they head to Calgary to play the Stampeders on Thursday at McMahon Stadium for the first Stampede Bowl. Before you go searching for your cowboy hat, let's dive into Thursday's result with another edition of 5 Takeaways. Apparently, practice doesn't make perfect. An ankle injury kept receiver Nic Demski out of practice all week which left him as a game-time decision. You never would've guessed it, though, as Demski had a brilliant showing with five catches for a team-high 97 yards and two touchdowns. It's already the second multi-touchdown game of the season — and sixth of his 10-year career — for the 31-year-old Winnipegger as he also had two scores in Week 2 at home vs. B.C. Demski's biggest play came in the second quarter when he hauled in a pass at the Edmonton 20 and sprinted away from several defenders to the end zone for a 60-yard catch and run. It was the longest catch he's had since Week 7 2023 when he caught a 70-yard bomb against, you guessed it, Edmonton. Demski, who only had one reception for one yard last week, has made at least one catch in 74 consecutive games which is the longest active streak in the CFL. Last season it took until Week 17 for Demski to record his fourth touchdown. His best scoring year was in 2022 when he had 10 touchdowns. It's safe to say Zach Collaros likes to play against the Elks. Last year in Week 17 at home, Collaros torched the Green and Gold for a career-high six touchdown passes in a 55-27 victory. JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS Bombers QB Zach Collaros crashes into the endzone for a touchdown Thursday against the Edmonton Elks. JOHN WOODS / THE CANADIAN PRESS Bombers QB Zach Collaros crashes into the endzone for a touchdown Thursday against the Edmonton Elks. Thursday night was the best game the 36-year-old passer has had since as he went 25-for-30 for 334 yards and three touchdowns. His TD passes came on three consecutive drives in the first half. As great as his arm looked, his best play came with his legs in the fourth quarter when he put things away with an impressive 13-yard touchdown scramble to give the Bombers a 33-23 lead. Go to YouTube and watch highlights of his days at the University of Cincinnati and you'll see he has a long history of giving defences headaches with his running ability. It's a side to his game Winnipeg doesn't see too often, but he clearly showed he's still capable of being a dual-threat if necessary. Dating back to his time with the Saskatchewan Roughriders, Collaros has now won 12 in a row against Edmonton. It was a stellar night by the offence, but far from perfect. The ground attack is missing reigning Most Outstanding Player Brady Oliveira and it shows. Collaros has the talent to win games on his own, but for this team to make it to a sixth consecutive Grey Cup, they're going to need more out of their ball carriers. After a breakout debut in Week 2 with 130 yards, backup tailback Matthew Peterson has crashed down to earth. The second-year Canadian, who had a tough outing last Saturday in Vancouver with 42 yards on 11 touches, was practically non-existent for the first three quarters against the Elks before churning out some yards in the fourth to burn out the clock. Peterson ended with 12 carries for 65 yards, while American rookie Quinton Cooley had 19 yards on four attempts to give the Bombers back-to-back games with less 100 total rushing yards. As a group, the Bombers, who averaged 114.8 rushing yards per contest in 2024, only had 10 ground yards at the half. Oliveira has been out for two weeks with a shoulder injury and it remains to be seen if he'll be ready to rock this Thursday to take on Calgary. It was a bit of a weird evening for the Bombers' secondary. They had some miscommunication at the start of the third quarter when they left Elks receiver Kaion Julien-Grant all alone for the easiest 68-yard touchdown you'll ever see. It should've been Julien-Grant's second TD of the game as he dropped a perfect pass in the corner of the end zone right before the first half whistle. Later in the third with the game tied 23-23, corner back Terrell Bonds jumped a Tre Ford pass that was intended for Elks receiver Zach Mathis and intercepted it to give the Bombers the ball in the red zone. That is, until the play was reviewed. Bonds failed to maintain possession when he hit the ground, and the call was reversed. It's the second week in a row Bonds has let an errant pass slip through his fingers as he should've had a pick-six against the Lions in Week 3. The defence has some room for improvement, but it was still a strong performance. Ford, one of the best athletes in the league, danced behind the line of scrimmage all night but only managed six rushing yards on one attempt. The Canadian passer was fine, completing 18 of 29 passes for 252 yards and one touchdown, but didn't do anything spectactular. He was also sacked three times, which is a step in the right direction for a Winnipeg team that only had two quarterback takedowns in their first two games. Rookie returner Trey Vaval has been a nice surprise for the Bombers. The Bombers signed veteran American running back Peyton Logan away from Calgary this winter for him to handle those duties but an injury in training camp has prevented him from suiting up in 2025. It opened the door for Vaval, a 24-year-old out of Minnesota State, to step in and he's made the most of the opportunity as he had a CFL-best 13.7 yards per punt return average heading into the date with the Elks. In Thursday's second quarter, Vaval had a punt bounce off his hands and Elks linebacker D.K. Bonhomme happily scooped it up to give the visitors the ball near midfield. Fortunately for Vaval, his teammate Redha Kramdi bailed him out by causing Elks running back Justin Rankin to fumble two players later and defensive end James Vaughters pounced on it. It's the second time Vaval has botched a punt this season, although this was the first one that resulted in a turnover. He's new to the Canadian game and life in pro football, so, the Bombers should be patient with him, but two muffed punts in three games isn't what you want to see. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Taylor AllenReporter Taylor Allen is a sports reporter for the Winnipeg Free Press. Taylor was the Vince Leah intern in the Free Press newsroom twice while earning his joint communications degree/diploma at the University of Winnipeg and Red River College Polytechnic. He signed on full-time in 2019 and mainly covers the Blue Bombers, curling, and basketball. Read more about Taylor. Every piece of reporting Taylor produces is reviewed by an editing team before it is posted online or published in print — part of the Free Press's tradition, since 1872, of producing reliable independent journalism. Read more about Free Press's history and mandate, and learn how our newsroom operates. 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CTV News
a day ago
- Sport
- CTV News
Winnipeg Blue Bombers remain unbeaten with 36-23 win over Edmonton Elks
Edmonton Elks quarterback Cody Fajardo (7) stretches out for the touchdown during first half CFL action against the Blue Bombers in Winnipeg on Thursday, June 26, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/John Woods WINNIPEG — Zach Collaros threw three touchdown passes and ran for a critical TD himself to lead the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to a 36-23 victory over the Edmonton Elks on Thursday. The veteran quarterback, who was 25 of 30 for 334 yards, connected on two touchdown strikes to Nic Demski, one for eight yards and another for 60. Keric Wheatfall hauled in a 52-yard TD pass. Demski, who was a game-time decision with an injured ankle, extended his reception streak to 74 consecutive games. The Blue Bombers upped their record to 3-0 in front of a seventh consecutive sellout at Princess Auto Stadium. Edmonton remained winless at 0-3. Winnipeg has won its last 13 meetings against Edmonton and are 16-2 against the club since 2017. Fans got an exciting finish. Winnipeg led 23-13 at halftime, but Elks quarterback Tre Ford came out firing in the third quarter, hitting Kaion Julien-Grant with a 68-yard touchdown pass at 2:01. Edmonton kicker Vincent Blanchard followed that up with a 41-yard field goal to tie the game 23-23. Winnipeg responded by marching down to Edmonton's 22-yard line, but only came away with a 30-yard Sergio Castillo field goal at 2:36 of the fourth. The Bombers then chewed up the clock midway through the quarter, putting up an 11-play, 86-yard drive that Collaros capped by escaping from pressure and running 13 yards into the end zone with 5:42 left. Castillo added a 23-yard field goal with 1:20 remaining. Ford was 18 of 29 for 252 yards and no interceptions. Elks backup Cody Fajardo scored on a one-yard quarterback sneak. Blanchard was also good on field goals from 38 and 29 yards and made his two converts. Castillo also booted a 35-yard field goal and made three of four convert attempts. Both teams scored on their second possession of the game. Fajardo busted over on a one-yard quarterback sneak, but Winnipeg responded with Demski's eight-yard TD catch. Castillo missed the convert attempt to give the Elks a 7-6 lead. Blanchard booted a 38-yard field goal one minute into the second quarter. The Bombers replied with Collaros sailing the ball to Wheatfall along the sidelines, who got by his defender and ran into the end zone at 2:39. Three minutes later, Collaros threw a deep pass to Demski, who bumped off his defender and sped into the end zone for a 60-yard score. Castillo was good on his convert to make it 20-10. Both teams were then hit by fumbles. Edmonton didn't capitalize but Winnipeg used its turnover for Castillo's 35-yarder that made it 23-10 with under two minutes left in the first half. Collaros was 16 of 18 passing for 232 yards and three touchdowns at halftime. After Julien-Grant's TD catch, Bombers defensive back Evan Holm intercepted Ford midway through the third, but he was called for pass interference. Ford was sacked by Kyrie Wilson on the next play. Up next Bombers: Will visit the Calgary Stampeders on July 3. Elks: Host the Ottawa Redblacks on July 6. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 26, 2025. Judy Owen, The Canadian Press
CTV News
2 days ago
- Sport
- CTV News
Elks defence going through growing pains early in 2025 CFL season
Montreal Alouettes' Charleston Rambo (14) makes the catch as Edmonton Elks' Leonard Johnson (32) chases during first half CFL action in Edmonton, on Thursday June 19, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jason Franson Growing. Inconsistent. Building. Just a few of the words being used to describe the Edmonton Elks defence that has given up 69 points in two games, both losses, while registering just one quarterback sack 'We definitely have to get better,' defensive end Robbie Smith understated as the 0-2 Elks prepare to meet the 2-0 Blue Bombers in Winnipeg on Thursday. 'We have to fix the missed assignments. Obviously we have to pressure the quarterback, we have to turn the ball over, because turnovers and sacks, those help to win games and give the offence field position.' Smith had six sacks last season with the Toronto Argonauts. 'Growing, that's the one word I can use to describe the defence,' offered linebacker Nick Anderson who leads the Elks with 18 tackles. 'We're trying to connect, trying to build chemistry. 'We've got a lot of guys from different places who played in different systems, a lot of guys starting in year two. So we're just continuing to grow.' With that comes the expected but painful growing pains, including the inability to put together 60 minutes of consistent defence. 'We've played a couple of halves spread out over two games,' said head coach Mark Kilam. 'That's not a recipe for success.' Part of the problem is the offence hasn't played its part. Even after scoring 22 points in the fourth quarter of their 38-28 loss to Montreal last week, the Elks offence ranks last of near the bottom in every CFL statistic. The result is the defence spends more than its share of time on the field. That is not being offered as an excuse by members of the defence who note it's their job to pressure the quarterbacks, stop the running game, create turnovers and play four quarters. 'We're trying to build consistency,' said Anderson. 'That's the biggest thing we're chasing right now. Last week we ended up playing better in the second half, first week played better in the first half. We're trying to put it together to play a full game.' Cornerback Tyrell Ford, one of several newcomers to the team this season, said the team hasn't done a decent job containing the quarterback, resulting in too many easy pass completions and zero interceptions. 'The reason is we're giving them easy access stuff so it's easy throws for the quarterback,' said Ford, who had seven picks last season with Winnipeg. 'And when everyone is covered he can scramble and get out. Once you contain the quarterback and he knows he's getting pressured, getting hit, that's when the picks start coming, when he's just trying to get the ball out.' Against the defending Grey Cup champion Bombers — who are 13-0 against Edmonton dating back to November 2018 — the Elks defence will have to be at its best, especially against Winnipeg's great running game. 'You know when you play Winnipeg you're going to have to stop the run, that's where it starts,' said Kilam. 'That's what they've built their bread and butter on over the last five, six years,' said Smith. 'They'll play with that extra offensive lineman and they'll get big and they'll hammer it on the inside. That's a big part of our game plan, stopping the run.' Injuries: The Elks are without centre David Beard who suffered a leg injury in the loss to Montreal. Mark Korte shifts to centre with Mark Evans filling in at left guard. Kordell Jackson moves from linebacker to DB to replace Emmanuel Rugamba who was released. Short kicks: Korte missed two days of practice to be with his wife while she gave birth to their daughter, Emma. This report by The Canadian Press was first published June 26, 2025. John Korobanik, The Canadian Press
Global News
2 days ago
- Business
- Global News
Commissioner points out Canadian Football League's financial struggles
Thursday's game between the Edmonton Elks and Winnipeg Blue Bombers will see the two football teams battle for a win on the field, but a different kind of battle is happening off the field as well. On Wednesday, CFL commissioner Stewart Johnston said the league needs to find ways to drive revenue. 'Seven of nine teams did not make money last year. That's not a sustainable business model,' said Johnston. The only two profitable teams in the 2024-25 season were the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and the Saskatchewan Roughriders. That means last year, the Edmonton Elks lost money during the season. 1:57 Edmonton Elks fans optimistic about season Johnston says, fortunately, things like TV ratings, attendance and revenues are all up across the league compared to the last few years. Story continues below advertisement 'We've had an increase in television ratings in each of the last couple of years. From my old role I can tell you almost every league would be incredibly envious to see a growth in television ratings,' said Johnston. Get daily National news Get the day's top news, political, economic, and current affairs headlines, delivered to your inbox once a day. Sign up for daily National newsletter Sign Up By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy Retired CFL defensive tackle Eddie Steele says the state of the CFL is painful to hear. Steele wants to see the league he once played in bounce back, but he says it will take more profitable business decisions. 'The CFL has traditionally been run by TSN, and I think if you can open that up and maybe have some competitiveness with other TV networks competing to try and get some rights and some viewership, there will be more dollars there,' said Steele. For the Double EE, he says, just win. 'At the end of the day, it may sound very overly simple, but you win football games and people will come,' said Steele. For more on this story, you can watch the video at the top of this article.
Newsweek
2 days ago
- Sport
- Newsweek
How to Watch Edmonton Elks vs Winnipeg Blue Bombers: Live Stream CFL Football, TV Channel
Based on facts, either observed and verified firsthand by the reporter, or reported and verified from knowledgeable sources. Newsweek AI is in beta. Translations may contain inaccuracies—please refer to the original content. The Edmonton Elks (0-2) travel to face the Winnipeg Blue Bombers (2-0) at Princess Auto Stadium in an early-season Canadian Football League matchup. Chris Streveler #17 fakes a hand off to Matthew Peterson #22 of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the pre-season game between the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Saskatchewan Roughriders at Mosaic Stadium on May 30, 2025... Chris Streveler #17 fakes a hand off to Matthew Peterson #22 of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers in the pre-season game between the Winnipeg Blue Bombers and Saskatchewan Roughriders at Mosaic Stadium on May 30, 2025 in Regina, Canada. More Photo byHow to Watch Edmonton Elks vs Winnipeg Blue Bombers When: Thursday, June 26, 2025 Time: 8:30 PM ET Where: Princess Auto Stadium TV Channel: CBSSN Live Stream: Fubo (Try for free!) The Blue Bombers opened their season in impressive fashion, boasting a 2-0 record after back-to-back wins over the BC Lions. Their most recent win was a 27-14 victory on the road, with Quarterback Zach Collaros completing 18 of 25 passes for 179 yards and two touchdowns. The Running Back tandem of Quinton Cooley and Matthew Peterson rushed 18 times for 85 yards, helping Winnipeg lead the time of possession battle. The Elks, meanwhile, are still looking for their first win of the season. Edmonton fell 38-28 to the Montreal Alouettes in their home opener, despite a spirited fourth-quarter comeback that saw them score 22 points in the final 15 minutes. Quarterback Tre Ford was a bright spot, throwing for 308 yards and two touchdowns while adding 31 rushing yards and a score. Receiver Steven Dunbar Jr. led the team with 97 yards, and running back Justin Rankin added 76 yards on the ground. Live stream Edmonton Elks vs Winnipeg Blue Bombers on Fubo: Start your subscription now! Regional restrictions may apply. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation.
