09.26.2026 | Game Recap : Elks 37 Tiger-Cats 35

Week 17 in the 2026 CFL season wrapped up on Saturday (Sept. 26) with the West Division-leading Edmonton Elks defeating the Hamilton Tiger-Cats by a score of 37-35 on a wild and historic night at Play Alberta Field at Commonwealth Stadium.

Joshua Cephus caught a pass in the endzone from Cody Fajardo to lift Edmonton to victory in what was just the second game in CFL history to require a two-point shootout. The teams had traded field goals on the first two possessions of overtime.

“I got a few more grey hairs after that one,” EE coach Mark Kilam said on the CISN Country 103.9 radio broadcast. “I’m just proud of the guys.”

Edmonton’s Vincent Blanchard set the CFL record for most field goals in a game, going nine-for-nine, including the game-tying field goal with just one second remaining in regulation. The third-year kicker from Quebec City breaks the league record that was shared by Lirim Hajrullahu, Mark McLoughlin, Paul Osbaldiston and Dave Ridgway.

“That’s a good feeling,” Blanchard said on CISN Country 103.9. “I’m just happy to do my job and contribute to the win for the team.”

Fajardo completed 32 of 47 pass attempts for 298 yards and scored Edmonton’s only touchdown of the game on a one-yard plunge. Justin Rankin was Edmonton’s leading rusher with 74 yards on 11 carries, while Elks receiver Austin Mack recorded a game-high seven catches for 62 yards.

Hamilton got touchdowns from Kurleigh Gittens Jr., Larry Rountree and Tyler Ternowski. Tiger-Cats kicker Marc Legghio made four of five field goals.

Elks defensive back Tyrell Ford had a pair of interceptions, including one on a two-point conversion attempt, bringing his season total to a CFL-leading seven.

Edmonton led 15-10 at half and 18-16 after three quarters. Hamilton took its first lead of the second half on a field goal from Legghio with less than a minute to play.

The Elks are 7-1 at home this season, tying for their most victories at Commonwealth Stadium since 2015. Edmonton also now has eight wins in games decided in the final three minutes, including a pair of overtime victories.

“I told the guys after the game, that’s what playoff football is,” Fajardo said on CISN Country 103.9. “Playoff football is not always your prettiest ball, but you find a way to overcome some bad football at times and you win football games.”

With the victory, Edmonton improves to 11-4 and moves closer to securing a home playoff game. Hamilton drops to 4-11 and has been eliminated from postseason contention.

First Quarter

The Ti-Cats jumped in front 3-0, thanks to a 30-yard field goal from Legghio just 5:51 into the game. Edmonton answered, with Blanchard hitting a field goal from 40 yards out, before Hamilton retook the lead on a 39-yard rush from Rountree late in the opening quarter.

Second Quarter

Edmonton’s defence stepped up in the second quarter, holding Hamilton without points while forcing a pair of turnovers by the Ti-Cats. Blanchard was busy, making all four of his field goal attempts in the quarter, from distances of 22, 25, 37 and 54 yards, to send Edmonton into the break ahead by a score of15-10.

Third Quarter

The Elks extended their lead to 18-10 with Blanchard booting a 40-yard field goal at 6:55 into the third quarter. Hamilton quarterback Harrison Frost connected with Gittens Jr. on a 34-yard passing play for a touchdown, but EE Ford picked off the two-point attempt to keep the score at 18-16. The Elks then broke through with their first touchdown of the game, on a QB sneak from Fajardo, set up by a 34-yard rush Rankin to the goal line.

Fourth Quarter

Hamilton struck with a 31-yard touchdown pass from Frost to Ternowski on the opening play of the fourth quarter. Edmonton went in front 26-23 after tacking on a point with a rouge from punter Jake Julien. Legghio split the uprights for a 47-yard field goal to tie the score at 26-26. Hamilton’s kicker then hit a 22-yard field goal with 52 seconds left to put his team in front, but Edmonton marched back down field to put Blanchard in position to drill a game-tying field goal from 27 yards out with one second remaining, sending the game to overtime.

Overtime

The teams exchanged field goals on both possessions of overtime, necessitating a two-point shootout. After Frost’s pass sailed incomplete on Hamilton’s attempt, Fajardo connected with Cephus for a three-yard completion to touch off a massive celebration at Commonwealth Stadium.

Up Next

After a Week 18 bye, the Elks return to action when they visit the Tiger-Cats at Tim Hortons Field on Oct. 9 (5 p.m. MT). Edmonton’s next home game at Commonwealth Stadium is on Oct. 16 (7:30 p.m. MT) against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers. Tickets for all Elks home games are available through Ticketmaster.