The air feels different when football season rolls around. Last night, our Edmonton Elks kicked off their 2024 campaign with a challenging road game against the BC Lions at BC Place in Vancouver. While the final score wasn’t what we’d hoped for – a 26-16 loss – there were moments of promise that hint at what might develop as the season progresses.
I’ve been covering Edmonton sports long enough to know that season openers rarely tell the whole story. They’re more like the first chapter of a book that will unfold over the coming months.
The game started with our Elks showing defensive grit, holding the Lions to just field goals in the opening quarter. Quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson, making his regular-season debut in green and gold, connected with Eugene Lewis for a touchdown that briefly gave us the lead. It was one of those moments when the potential of this rebuilt roster flashed before our eyes.
“We showed we can move the ball and make plays,” Bethel-Thompson told reporters after the game. “But consistency is what championship teams have, and we need to find that rhythm for four quarters.”
As someone who’s watched countless Elks games from the press box, I couldn’t help but notice how the defensive line created pressure throughout the night. They recorded three sacks against Lions quarterback Vernon Adams Jr., who still managed to throw for 268 yards and a touchdown.
The weather in Vancouver was surprisingly cooperative – mild temperatures with just a hint of coastal breeze coming through the open roof at BC Place. The stadium atmosphere was electric, with 22,738 fans creating the kind of environment that makes CFL football special.
Edmonton’s running game showed flashes of potential. Kevin Brown rushed for 78 yards on 14 carries, breaking several tackles and showing the kind of determination that could serve the team well as the season progresses.
Chris Jones, entering his second full season as head coach, didn’t mince words post-game. “We’ve got work to do,” he said. “But I saw some things tonight that we can build on. Our guys didn’t quit, and that’s the foundation of everything we’re trying to build here.”
The Elks now sit at 0-1 to start the season, but the road ahead provides plenty of opportunities. Their home opener at Commonwealth Stadium comes next Friday against the Saskatchewan Roughriders – a chance to showcase their talents before the hometown faithful.
What struck me most about last night’s game wasn’t the result, but the energy this team played with. After finishing 4-14 last season, there’s a palpable hunger among this group to prove they belong in the conversation about CFL contenders.
“Nobody in our locker room is hanging their head,” defensive back Darrius Bratton said. “This is just the beginning of the journey.”
Edmonton fans know something about patience. This proud franchise has experienced both incredible highs and challenging rebuilding periods over its storied history. The current roster features an intriguing mix of veterans and newcomers still finding their collective identity.
The Green and Gold faithful will get their first in-person look at the 2024 edition next week when Commonwealth Stadium opens its gates for another season of professional football in our city. Despite the opening loss, there’s genuine anticipation about what this team might become.
If you’re planning to attend the home opener, the weather forecast looks promising – mid-teens and partly sunny, perfect football weather for a Friday night under the lights. Tickets are still available through the team’s website.
As I packed up my notebook at BC Place last night, I couldn’t help but feel that familiar sense of possibility that comes with a new season. One game doesn’t define a campaign, and in the unpredictable world of the CFL, fortunes can change quickly.
The Elks will be back on the practice field tomorrow, working to correct mistakes and build on the promising aspects of their performance. In this league, the teams that improve the most from week to week are often the ones still playing when November rolls around.
The journey continues next Friday at Commonwealth. I’ll see you there.
