Elks Edge Lions in a Thrilling Preseason Finale at Commonwealth
Wow, what a finish! The Edmonton Elks wrapped up their 2025 preseason with a nail-biting 20–19 win over the BC Lions at Play Alberta Field in Commonwealth Stadium. It wasn’t just a preseason game—it was a statement. This matchup gave fans a real taste of what this team is building toward, and there’s a lot to be excited about heading into the regular season.
Let’s start with the big picture: this was more than just a scoreboard win. It was a final chance for players on the bubble to make their case for a roster spot, and the intensity showed from the opening kickoff to the final whistle. Tre Ford, the Elks’ dynamic young quarterback, got the start and showed flashes of brilliance in the first quarter, despite an interception. He’s clearly been grinding in the offseason and is forming a strong connection with Offensive Coordinator Jordan Maksymic. While Ford watched from the sidelines after the opening quarter, he spoke confidently after the game about his teammates stepping up, and he was especially pleased with how the group closed out the game across all three phases.
One of the biggest moments came late in the fourth quarter when quarterback Will McElvain engineered a calm, composed game-winning drive. He capped it off with a clutch 12-yard touchdown pass to Jalon Calhoun, bringing Elks fans to their feet. McElvain gave full credit to the O-line and receivers, showing the kind of humble leadership that wins locker rooms.
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Defensively, the Elks were anchored by returning stars Nyles Morgan and Nick Anderson—both coming off 100+ tackle seasons. Add in emerging talent like Kordell Jackson, shifting into the SAM linebacker role, and top 2024 draft pick Joel Dublanko, who had an interception and showed real command on the field, and you’ve got a unit that looks dangerous. Dublanko said postgame that “the game’s slowing down,” and that’s the kind of confidence you love to hear from a young player about to take on a bigger role.
On the offensive side, the question coming into the season has been: who will be the go-to receiver for Tre Ford? With former 1,000-yard men like Alexander Hollins, Steven Dunbar Jr., and Kurleigh Gittens Jr., plus explosive newcomers like Kaion Julien-Grant and roommates Arkell Smith and Zach Mathis, it’s a high-class problem for this offense. Ford himself said, “We have great receivers… I think they’re going to go make plays.” And he’s absolutely right.
The game also had its sobering moments, with BC Lions lineman David Foucault being stretchered off in the first half due to injury. Here’s hoping for a speedy and full recovery for him.
Now the preseason dust has settled, and all eyes turn to June 7, when the Elks face these very same Lions in Vancouver for the regular-season opener. If tonight’s performance was any indication, the Elks are coming into 2025 ready to compete, energize the fanbase, and start writing a new chapter.
Get ready, Edmonton—football season is here, and the Elks look fired up.
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