Lions vs. Elks: Edmonton Wins 28-16 and Reaches Grey Cup | November 8, 2026

Last verified: November 8, 2026, at 4:01 a.m. UTC.

The Edmonton Elks defeated the BC Lions 28-16 in the CFL West Final on November 7, sending Edmonton to its first Grey Cup since 2015 and ending BC’s season. Quarterback Cody Fajardo scored a rushing touchdown and threw another to Austin Mack as the Elks recovered from a 9-6 halftime deficit at Commonwealth Stadium.

Edmonton will face the Montreal Alouettes in the 113th Grey Cup on November 15 in Calgary. Montreal secured the other championship berth with a 33-23 win over Winnipeg, according to a Canadian Press game report.

Destaques

• Final score: Edmonton 28, BC 16 in the West Final.
• Fajardo ran for a touchdown and connected with Mack for another after halftime.
• The Lions led 9-6 at halftime, but Edmonton made the decisive plays in the second half.
• The Elks advance to play Montreal in the Grey Cup; BC is eliminated.

What happened in the Lions vs. Elks game?

Edmonton opened with two Vincent Blanchard field goals, but BC answered with three Sean Whyte field goals in the second quarter. The Lions took a 9-6 lead into halftime, with neither team having scored a touchdown.

The game changed after the break. Fajardo’s running helped Edmonton move into scoring position, and he finished a drive with a five-yard touchdown run. BC responded through quarterback Nathan Rourke, who ran into the end zone early in the fourth quarter to tie the game at 16-16.

The Elks moved back in front on a Blanchard field goal. Fajardo then found Mack for a 23-yard touchdown, extending the lead to 25-16. Later, Lions receiver Justin McInnis fumbled after a catch and Edmonton’s JJ Ross returned the ball to the BC 20-yard line. Another Blanchard field goal made it 28-16 with three minutes remaining, according to the Canadian Press account.

The game was played at Play Alberta Field at Commonwealth Stadium in Edmonton. The CFL had scheduled kickoff for Saturday, November 7, at 5:30 p.m. Mountain Standard Time in Edmonton (UTC−07:00), equivalent to November 8 at 12:30 a.m. UTC. The league’s division finals announcement confirmed the venue and scheduled kickoff.

Why did the Edmonton Elks beat the BC Lions?

Edmonton converted its second-half opportunities into touchdowns after a first half dominated by field goals. Fajardo’s mobility was central to that change: his runs extended drives and helped move the Elks toward scoring range. BC penalties also helped Edmonton advance, while the touchdown pass to Mack gave the home team separation after the Lions had tied the score.

The late takeaway then reduced BC’s opportunity to mount a comeback. Ross’s return put Edmonton in position to add a field goal and turn a nine-point advantage into a 12-point lead. The final score reflects a second half in which the Elks outscored the Lions 22-7.

BC had shown it could respond under pressure. Its touchdown drive after Edmonton’s first major featured four completed passes, including a 33-yard gain by James Butler, before Rourke finished the drive himself. But the Lions could not keep pace once Edmonton moved ahead again.

How did the teams reach the West Final?

Edmonton earned first place in the West with a 13-5 regular-season record and received a bye through the opening playoff round. BC finished 10-8 and advanced by beating Saskatchewan 33-26 in the West Semi-Final at BC Place on October 31. The Elks’ game preview outlined both teams’ routes to Edmonton.

The teams had split their two regular-season meetings. BC won 36-24 in Week 5, and Edmonton took the rematch 19-17 in Week 7, according to the CFL. That made the West Final the deciding game of their season series, although its prize was much larger than a head-to-head edge.

For Edmonton, the victory marked a significant postseason return. It was the franchise’s first playoff game since 2019 and its first home playoff game since the 2015 West Final. For BC, it was another frustrating finish: the Lions lost the West Final for the second consecutive year, Sportsnet reported.

What happens next for Edmonton and BC?

Edmonton advances to the Grey Cup against Montreal at McMahon Stadium in Calgary on Sunday, November 15. The CFL lists kickoff at 5 p.m. Mountain Standard Time in Calgary (UTC−07:00), or midnight UTC on November 16. The championship gives Fajardo and Mack a matchup with the franchise they helped win the Grey Cup in 2023.

BC’s playoff run ends with the defeat. Edmonton, meanwhile, needs one more win to claim the championship; its West Final victory guarantees a place in the title game but does not determine the result against Montreal.

FAQ

Who won the Lions vs. Elks West Final?

Edmonton beat BC 28-16 on November 7, 2026.

Who scored Edmonton’s touchdowns?

Cody Fajardo ran for one touchdown and threw another to Austin Mack.

Who will the Elks play in the Grey Cup?

Edmonton will face the Montreal Alouettes in Calgary on November 15.