Inside the CFL: Elks, Stamps and Lions keep fans coming for now

By MEDICINE HAT NEWS on July 10, 2025.

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The late Don Matthews, second in career wins to Wally Buono, owner of 10 Grey Cup rings, took exception to a reporter’s observation that the upcoming contest was really a big game.

“Why,” the coach asked.

“Are they awarding more than two points for the win?”

Who am I to argue with the Don, but yes, some games are more important than others. Three such contests took place last week end.

Edmonton and Calgary have struggled since 2018, although the Stampeders only missed the playoffs once during that span, last year. The catastrophic regime of Chris Jones in Elkdom, Dec. 2021-July 15, 2024, almost destroyed the bedrock franchise of the CFL.

His first season, 2022, the team had a 4-14 record. Things went from bad to worse. They set the record for the longest home losing streak in professional sports history. After 22 straight defeats, stretching back to October, 2019, the Elks downed the Ottawa Redblacks 30-20 on August 19, 2023.

After opening the 2024 campaign with five straight losses, Jones was shown the door, the team was reorganized and sold. Long-time Stampeder assistant, Lethbridge native Mark Kilam assumed the head coaching position. After getting off to a 0-3 start this season, folks were throwing up their hands and groaning, “Here we go again”.

But no, the losing streak was nipped in the bud. Once again the Redblacks came to the rescue, losing at Commonwealth Stadium, 39-33.

After picking up his first win as a CFL head coach, Kilam said,”It was gritty. Some guys went down, guys were throwing up at halftime. It took everyone (to win) and I’m proud of them.”

As well he should be.

Canadian quarterback Tre Ford was terrific, completing 15 of 17 passes for 212 yards, two touchdowns, no interceptions. Justin Rankin rushed for 105 yards on 12 carries and caught four passes for 69 yards. He scored two TDs.

Javon Leake ran back punts for 163 yards, including a 94-yarder for a touchdown. The defence is still a work in progress but they will only get better.

Because of their recent setbacks, both Alberta entries have seen their season ticket bases shrink to heretofore unthinkable lows. With the first Stampede Bowl, the organization pulled out all stops to win the faithful back.

Early signs weren’t promising.

Just when the family fun festivities were about to begin at 5 p.m. to quote the Bard from Julius Caesar, “The lightning flashed, the thunder roared, the rain came down in torrents”.

But it cleared up before kick-off. Then the World’s Fastest Cow lost to TSN talking head Henoc Muamba. And, of course, their opponent was undefeated Winnipeg, the Brady bunch firing on all cylinders. Few onlookers gave the rebuilding home team much of a chance.

Calgary crushed them, 37-16.

They thoroughly dominated the defending West Division champions. Still, press box chatter at halftime was “surely they can’t blow a 23 point lead?” That was met with, “They’ve done it before” and “Are they for real?”

Yes.

The defence held the Bombers to a field goal in the third quarter. The teams traded touchdowns during the final frame.

Veteran quarterback Vernon Adams, Jr. completed 13 of 18 passes for 222 yards, two TDs, no interception to out-duel future Hall-of-Famer Zach Collaros. Running back Dedrick Mills ran for 92 yards and a major score. Defenders Derrick Moncrief and Damon Webb returned interceptions to the end-zone.

Calgary dominated the line of scrimmage and their inexperienced secondary has now come out on top over Bo Levi Mitchell and Collaros.

With falling attendance, the win before nearly 23,000 fans calmed management nerves. A bad loss to the Bombers and very few fans would show up on July 24 for the Montreal game. Everyone breathed a sigh of relief. Next up, the undefeated Roughriders at Mosaic on Friday.

B.C. has also struggled in the early going, losing two to Winnipeg after winning their opener vs. the Elks. In Montreal with .2 of a second left, Sean Whyte won the game with a field goal, 21-20.

An undisciplined rabble, they did everything wrong but the Als snatched defeat from the jaws of victory. If the Lions had lost, attendance again would become the focus in B.C. Another sigh of relief.

TV guarantees the worst teams in the NFL make money. Not so here.

Graham Kelly has covered the CFL for the Medicine Hat News for 53 years. Feedback for this column can be emailed to sports@medicinehatnews.com.