Langford, BC – May 23, 2026 — The Edmonton Elks defeated the BC Lions 34-16 on Saturday afternoon in front of a sold-out crowd of 6,126 fans at Starlight Stadium in Langford, B.C.
The matchup highlighted two completely contrasting approaches to the CFL Preseason.
For the Edmonton Elks, head coach Mark Kilam brought a veteran-heavy squad of 70 players to Vancouver Island. Star quarterback Cody Fajardo started the game but only played two series. He was protected by a near-projected starting offensive line featuring new additions left tackle Brendan Bordner, right tackle Jordan Murray, and right guard Coulter Woodmansey.
On the BC Lions side, they rested their primary starters, including quarterback Nathan Rourke. Instead, they utilized the game to evaluate newcomers and rookies, giving Chase Brice the start under center.
The game opened with a 30-yard field goal by Edmonton’s Gomez to secure a quick 3-0 lead. BC answered aggressively when quarterback Chase Brice connected with Hergy Mayala for a 14-yard touchdown pass, putting the Lions ahead 7-3, their only lead of the day.
Edmonton quickly responded before the end of the first quarter when backup quarterback Taylor Powell threw a 17-yard touchdown strike to high-profile debutant Austin Mack, reclaiming a 10-7 lead. The Elks held a 17-10 advantage going into halftime.
In the second half, Edmonton’s roster depth completely overwhelmed BC’s rookies. The Elks’ coaching staff rotated three backup quarterbacks: Taylor Powell, Cole Snyder, and Zach Zebrowski, who all threw for a touchdown while maintaining a passer efficiency rating over 121.1. Cole Snyder also contributed on the ground with a rushing touchdown.
A critical turning point occurred in the third quarter when BC defensive back D.K. Kaufman had a potential momentum-changing interception wiped out by a roughing the passer penalty. The infraction extended Edmonton’s drive, leading to an easy field goal.
Edmonton showcased their aerial depth with an impressive 12 different players recording a reception for the Elks, demonstrating the vertical depth of the newly revamped playbook.
Defensive lineman Jaaron Joseph led the Elks with five defensive tackles, while Justin Pace brought down BC quarterback Kaidon Slater for a sack.
Nate DeMontagnac, BC’s first-round draft pick flashed elite potential early with a couple of spectacular catches, but his afternoon was cut short by a shoulder injury.