The Redblacks add to the Elks’ winless misery with a 20-14 victory in Ottawa

By Lisa Wallace, The Canadian Press on July 19, 2024.

Ottawa Redblacks’ Michael Wakefield (96) and Davion Taylor (43) lunge forward to tackle Edmonton Elks quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson (10) during first half CFL football action in Ottawa, Friday, July 19 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang

OTTAWA – The Ottawa Redblacks remain undefeated at TD Place after a 20-14 victory over the winless Edmonton Elks on Friday night. The Redblacks improved to 4-2 on the CFL season, giving them as many wins as they had last season, and are 3-0 at TD Place this year, while the Elks fell to 0-6 on the season and keep looking. for answers even with interim coach Jarious Jackson on the sidelines. Dru Brown finished the night 22-for-33 for 257 yards and two picks. The Redblacks relied heavily on running back Lewis Ward, who went 4-for-5 on the night, his longest being 48 yards. Boris Bede had a rough night for the Elks, missing three field goals to go 4-for-7, while McLeod Bethel-Thompson was 27-for-39 for 206 yards and an interception. Ward connected on a 45-yard field goal late in the fourth quarter, but the Elks were able to stay within reach with a 19-yard field goal by Bede to make it 20-14. Ottawa turned to Ward again after falling short on a drive due to a procedure penalty. The 28-yarder put Ottawa up 17-11 late in the third quarter. Bede missed his second field goal of the night early in the third quarter, and Edmonton settled for a layup and added another layup just over three minutes later to pull within three, 14 -11. The Redblacks opened the game with a seven-play drive that resulted in Ryquell Armstead running in a three-yard TD. The rest of the first half was a game of kicks. Bede got Edmonton on the board with a 34-yard field goal to make it 7-3 midway through the first. The Redblacks tried to extend their lead with a 47-yard field goal, but Ward had a rare miss and settled for a single. Bede then connected on a 39-yarder to make it 8-6. Ward redeemed himself with a 48-yard field goal, but then it was Bede’s turn to miss the kick wide on a 48-yard attempt, allowing Tobias Harris to return the ball to Edmonton’s 54-yard line. Ottawa failed to capitalize, Brown was ejected two plays later. After reaching the four-yard line late in the second quarter, Ottawa was forced to settle for a field goal and Edmonton ended the half with a field goal of their own to make it 14–9. Harris had to be helped off the field late in the fourth quarter after going down awkwardly. UP NEXT Elks: Host the Hamilton Tiger-Cats (0-5) on Sunday, July 28. Redblacks: Host the Calgary Stampeders (2-3) next Friday. This report by The Canadian Press was first published on July 19, 2024. 20
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