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Argonauts, Elks both out to end Edmonton dry spells

Aug 20, 2022; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Argonauts quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson (4) throws a pass against the Calgary Stampeders during the second half at BMO Field. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-USA TODAY Sports

The visiting Toronto Argonauts and Edmonton Eskimos will have streak-busting on the mind when they meet Saturday.

The Elks (4-12) are out of playoff contention, but they will try to end a CFL-record run of 15 consecutive home losses.

The Argonauts (9-6), who lead the East Division, have lost six straight at Edmonton. Their last win there was in 2013.

The teams will meet for the 100th time, with Edmonton holding a 54-44-1 advantage.

Toronto is coming off a 23-20 home victory over the B.C. Lions last Saturday.

Toronto quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson was 27-of-40 passing for 352 yards and a touchdown, including a 37-yard touchdown to Tommy Nield late in the fourth quarter that provided the winning margin. It was Nield’s first career TD catch.

The victory followed a 29-2 road loss to the Calgary Stampeders on Oct. 1.

“I think what you see is a team that’s able to handle adversity and that’s why football reflects life,” Bethel-Thompson said. “It’s not about what happens to you, it’s how you respond to it (and) that’s why this game is a beautiful game.”

Bethel-Thompson entered the weekend as the CFL’s leading passer with 4,218 yards.

The Elks lost 48-11 to the host Winnipeg Blue Bombers last Saturday. Elks quarterback Taylor Cornelius was 11-of-24 passing for 137 yards and a TD.

Elks coach Chris Jones said the remaining two games of the season are about building for next year.

“This is the first day of the new future,” Jones said. “We’re not going to sit there and mull on the negative.”

Jones wants to simulate a playoff situation over the final two contests.

“This is all an evaluation period from myself down to the guy who plays the least amount of plays,” Jones said. “We’ve got two opportunities to play, and when you get a chance to go to the playoffs, you normally have to win at least two games.”

Toronto receiver Brandon Banks (personal) and offensive lineman Dejon Allen (personal) both were listed as questionable.

–Field Level Media

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