In the first thrilling matchup of the Canadian Football League’s (CFL) preseason, the Winnipeg Blue Bombers came from behind to secure a narrow victory over the Edmonton Elks with a score of 25-23.
Winnipeg Blue Bombers
The Blue Bombers displayed a mixed performance in the preseason opener. QB Tyrrell Pigrome showed promise, completing 50% of his passes for a total of 43 yards. He also showcased his dual-threat capabilities by rushing for a team-high 71 yards on five carries, scoring two touchdowns. However, it was QB Zach Collaros who provided the standout offensive play of the match with a 67-yard touchdown pass to Kenny Lawler, highlighting the strong aerial threat that Winnipeg will carry into the regular season.
On the receiving end, Kenny Lawler was the top performer for Winnipeg. He made three catches for a remarkable 77 yards, including a 67-yard touchdown reception. The Bombers’ rushing game also showed promise, with Josh Jones and Jordan Salima contributing a combined four yards on two attempts.
On the defensive side of the ball, Winnipeg displayed a solid performance, successfully limiting the Elks’ offense to 23 points.
Edmonton Elks
Despite the loss, the Edmonton Elks showed strong potential on both sides of the ball. QB Kai Locksley was a standout player, completing 15 of 22 passes for 183 yards and a touchdown, marking an impressive performance.
RB Shannon Brooks was also a key contributor, rushing for a team-high 72 yards on 13 attempts. He added an additional seven yards on three receptions. Kevin Brown also impressed on the ground with 55 yards on four carries.
In the air, the Elks showed their depth with a spread passing game. CJ Sims made two catches for a team-high 50 yards, while Danny Vandervoort had three receptions for 43 yards. Raphael Leonard contributed a touchdown reception, adding to the Elks’ total score.
On defense, Edmonton displayed a solid performance but struggled to contain the Bombers’ rushing attack, giving up two rushing touchdowns.
Top Performers
The top performer for the Blue Bombers was undoubtedly QB Tyrrell Pigrome, who showed his versatility as both a passer and a rusher, contributing significantly to Winnipeg’s victory.
On the Elks’ side, QB Kai Locksley demonstrated his skills as a passer, throwing for 183 yards and a touchdown. RB Shannon Brooks also proved instrumental in the Elks’ offense, with a team-high 72 rushing yards.
In this closely contested game, both teams demonstrated a good blend of experienced talent and promising newcomers. As the CFL preseason continues, fans and analysts will be keen to see how these performances translate into the regular season.
