A full team effort on Friday night helped the Saskatchewan Roughriders to a 21-18 win against the Edmonton Elks. After a hockey score of 4-1 in the first quarter, the Roughriders rebounded for 20 points through the middle quarters, which was just enough to hold on after a 14-point fourth quarter for the Elks made the game close.
The story of the game was at the quarterback position, as the Elks turned to backup, and former Roughriders starter Cody Fajardo for the Week 8 matchup in favour of Canadian pivot Tre Ford. Fajardo performed well through the air with 346 yards and two touchdowns on 26/33 passing, Riders' starter Trevor Harris putting up a similar line score also chucking two touchdowns and 268 yards on 25/33 passing.
It was the eight times Fajardo was taken to the ground by Saskatchewan's defense that told the real game story. Malik Carney, Micah Johnson, and Shane Ray each had two sacks as the defensive line was feasting, linebackers A.J. Allen and C.J. Reavis pitching in the other two tallies, while defensive backs Rolan Milligan Jr. and Marcus Sayles each finished with a tackle for loss.
Now at 6-1, the result gave Saskatchewan the best record in the CFL and allowed the Roughriders to overtake Calgary for first place in the West Division. Calgary lost 23-21 at home to Montreal to snap a three-game winning streak and drop their record to 5-2, matching Montreal's record as they prepare to host Saskatchewan in Week 9, and also the Hamilton Tiger Cats who are coming off a thrilling 37-33 win on Sunday to cap Week 8.
In the other Week 8 game the Toronto Argonauts earned their second win of the season 31-17 against the now 3-3 Winnipeg Blue Bombers. The Ottawa Redblacks were on a bye ahead of hosting Calgary on Thursday to start Week 9.