Edmonton Elks' ShunDerrick Powell (24) jumps over Calgary Stampeders' Ben Labrosse (29) during first half CFL football action in Edmonton on Saturday, Sept. 12, 2026. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Codie McLachlan. CKM
Joe Robustelli caught a pair of touchdown passes as the Edmonton Elks clinched a playoff berth for the first time since 2019 with a 53-16 win against the rival Calgary Stampeders on Saturday at Commonwealth.
Edmonton improved to 10-3 with its fourth straight win, ending its longest post-season drought in club history.
Calgary fell to 5-8 and remains last in the West after consecutive losses to the Elks.
The Stampeders took an early 7-3 lead on a 13-yard touchdown pass from Vernon Adams Jr. to Erik Brooks, but Edmonton responded before halftime.
A long completion from Cody Fajardo to ShunDerrick Powell set up a one-yard plunge by Cole Snyder, and Robustelli hauled in a 22-yard score to make it 19-10 at the break. Running back Justin Rankin exited with a first-half injury and did not return.
The Elks pulled away in the second half. Joshua Cephus scored on a 35-yard reception, Silas Hubert returned a blocked punt for a touchdown, and Robustelli added an 18-yard score.
Backup Taylor Powell later connected with Zach Mathis for a 15-yard touchdown. Vincent Blanchard kicked four field goals for Edmonton, while Rene Paredes made three for Calgary.
Up next: Edmonton visits Toronto on Sept 19
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