HAMILTON — The Edmonton Elks defeated the Hamilton Tiger-Cats 27–12 at Tim Hortons Field on Friday night, securing a home playoff game while handing Hamilton a low-scoring home loss.

Edmonton held the Tiger-Cats scoreless in the first half and led 7–0 at the break. Hamilton pulled within one possession in the fourth quarter before a failed fake punt swung the game sharply in the Elks' favour.

Fake punt becomes pick-six

With Edmonton ahead 14–6, Hamilton tried to convert a fake punt. Elks defensive back Zach Mathis intercepted the pass and returned it 48 yards for a touchdown, giving Edmonton a 21–6 lead.

Hamilton answered immediately when Isaiah Wooden Sr. returned the ensuing kickoff 88 yards for a touchdown. But the Tiger-Cats did not score again, and Shunderrick Powell added a late five-yard rushing touchdown for Edmonton.

Cody Fajardo completed 16 passes for 229 yards and ran nine times for 40 yards, including a goal-line touchdown. Austin Mack led all receivers with 106 yards on five catches.

Hamilton offence struggles under pressure

Elks defensive lineman Malik Carney recorded four sacks, three of them in the first half. One of those stops ended a Hamilton possession on downs and helped set up Edmonton's second field goal.

Tiger-Cats quarterback Harrison Frost completed 21 of 36 passes for 221 yards. Larry Rountree III led Hamilton with 26 rushing yards and also caught three passes for 48 yards. Kenny Lawler had three catches for 57 yards.

The loss leaves Hamilton with time to regroup during its Week 20 bye. The Tiger-Cats are scheduled to return October 24 at home against the Ottawa REDBLACKS.

Playoff implications

Edmonton had already clinched a playoff berth before Friday's game. The win guaranteed the West Division-leading Elks a home playoff date and improved their recent run to six victories in seven games.

Sources: CFL game recap, published October 9; CFL statistical analysis, October 9; CFL 2026 schedule.

Lead image: TNC archive AI-generated Canadian-football illustration; not a photograph of the October 9 game, the Tiger-Cats or the Elks.