Stamps push late in comeback win over Elks

CFL.ca Staff

CALGARY — In the first Battle of Alberta of the 2022 season, the Calgary Stampeders continued their winning ways with a 30-23 win over the visiting Edmonton Elks.

Bo Levi Mitchell was a game time decision and threw for over 300 yards and a touchdown to keep the Stampeders undefeated so far this season.

In his first time back in Calgary since departing in free agency, Nick Arbuckle threw for one touchdown and an interception in the loss.

Ka’Deem Carey, Malik Henry and Tommy Stevens scored for the Stampeders while Manny Arceneaux and Kai Locksley found the end zone for the Elks.

The Elks drew first blood on their opening drive of the game. On a deep ball aimed for Kenny Lawler, pass interference was called on Dionte Ruffin. That sent the Elks down to Calgary’s one-yard line, where Kai Locksley scored with a quarterback keeper, while a failed two-point conversion gave Edmonton a 6-0 lead.

The defences on both sides kept it close and allowed no other scoring in the first quarter.

Rene Parades put Calgary on the board in the second quarter with a 46-yard field goal to cut the lead in half.

With two minutes left in the half, Arbuckle connected with Arceneaux for a 33-yard touchdown. Sergio Castillo’s point after attempt was good, giving the Elks a 10-point lead.

On Calgary’s next drive, Reggie Begelton caught a 37-yard laser from Mitchell, setting up a first-and-goal on the Edmonton three. Carey then ran into the end zone and closed the gap on the Elks’ lead, 13-10.

Early in the second half, both kickers exchanged field goals. Parades made it a one-point game with a 28-yarder but Castillo regained the lead with a 46-yard field goal.

An interception by Cameron Judge set up the 28-yard touchdown by Mitchell to Malik Henry to give the Stampeders their first lead of the game.

Parades would add to Calgary’s lead with a 35-yard field goal.

The Elks rallied late in the game with another Castillo 46-yard field goal to make it a three-point game once again.

In response, Mitchell threw a deep ball to Henry for a 46-yard catch, bringing the Stamps to the Edmonton 15. Tommy Stevens pushed into the end zone on third-and-one and Parades was good on the point after to extend the Stampeder lead 30-20.

Castillo’s 47-yard field goal attempt was good to bring the Elks within a major score, but that was as close as Edmonton could get on the night.

An onside kick was recovered by Kamar Jorden and sealed the win for the Stampeders with 30 seconds left on the clock.

Up next, the Stampeders head into a bye week before visiting their provincial rivals in Week 5 while the Elks continue on the road with a matchup against the Tiger-Cats at Tim Hortons Field on Canada Day.

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