EDMONTON – One thing is certain, there is no shortage of motivation inside the Elks locker room for Saturday night.
When the team makes the trip to Toronto to take on the Argonauts at BMO stadium, it’ll be one of those games that are easy to ‘get up’ for.
“This is going to be one fun game, I’m not going to lie,” kick returner Javon Leake said. “I can’t wait, man. I’m just taking it day by day, trying not to get too excited, but this is definitely going to be one of those games.”
The Green and Gold have seen an influx of members from the Argonauts over the last year, led by the offensive contingent of QB McLeod Bethel-Thompson, WR Kurleigh Gittens Jr. and Leake. The trio of all-stars were important members of the Argonauts 2022 Grey Cup Championship winning team and have a lot of love for the city, but they realize the importance of this game in the West Division standings.
The Elks are currently 0-2 after a pair of hard-fought games against the undefeated Saskatchewan Roughriders and Montreal Alouettes (currently a combined 5-0) and need to avoid slosing too much ground on the Division leaders early in the season. Bethel-Thompson believes its important not to get caught up in the emotions that come with playing your former team, and focus on getting a win in Toronto.
“I mean, the extra motivation is we outplayed two teams and have nothing to show for it, so we’ve got to get some letters and get some W’s going,” Bethel-Thompson said. “This is a really good team, so it’s going to be an excellent challenge and we have got to do something to get over that hump. I think this is the week to do it and we just got to chop wood and do it one play at a time.”
GAME NECESSITIES
- Game Time: 5:00 p.m. MT
- Depth Chart
- Game Notes
- Media Availabilities
For Kurleigh Gittens Jr., who was traded by the Argonauts in the offseason, he is treating the game as he would any other. The excitement around the Toronto return has less to do with showing his former team what they are missing and more to do with the family the Ontario Product will have in the stands on Saturday.
“It’s just another game on the schedule,” Gittens Jr. said. “Obviously this one’s got a little more excitement to it; I have got some family there. My daughter is going to be there, my dad is going to be there, my friends, so it’s pretty much home at this point.”
The connection between the game and family extends to Javon Leake, who had this game circled on his calendar for a different reason. It’s going to be his daughter’s birthday on Saturday so the hope is that Leake will make it a memorable one. Last year’s CFL Most Outstanding Special Teams player has shown glimpses of just how game breaking he can be, with a 56-yard kick return against Montreal last week and another return for a touchdown called back in Week 1 against Saskatchewan.
“I feel like every game is getting better and we’re real close to breaking one, so you just got to keep trusting the process and just keep stacking the games,” Leake said.
CONNECTING WITH KURLEIGH
A major bright spot in the Elks offence this season has been the instant connection between Bethel-Thompson and Gittens Jr. The duo were dynamite in Toronto in 2022 — connecting 81 times for 1,116 yards and five touchdowns – and even after a year apart the chemistry has been evident. Through two games this year, Bethel-Thompson has looked Gittens Jr.’s way a team leading 21 times for 16 receptions and 155 yards.
“You know, it’s like a natural connection. That’s my guy and I earned his trust,” Gittens Jr. said. “I love playing with a guy like that because he’s just a great guy and he loves football. I love football so it’s kind of easy to click with him.
“Like I said, it’s just a natural connection that we’ve got and I’m just excited to be playing ball with my quarterback again.”
Kurleigh Gittens Jr. celebrates a first down in Week 2 against the Montreal Alouettes
It’s been an impressive start for the wideout who some thought may not even be ready to start the CFL campaign due to a hip injury that cost him much of last season. The hard work to get back in time for training camp is a testament to the type of player Gittens Jr. is, a fact his quarterback was quick to acknowledge.
When Bethel-Thompson was asked about what makes Gittens Jr. such a preferred target for the pivot, he was just as complimentary to the skills as he was the person who utilizes them.
“He’s a complete receiver. There’s nothing he can’t do,” Bethel-Thompson said. “He separates from defenders. He’s an unbelievable contested catch guy. He understands his zone coverage. He understands where to be. He runs away from people. He goes over the top of people.”
“What makes him special is the absolute dog that’s in him. The competitive fire is truly special,” he added. “That’s what makes him special on the field. Then the surrounding stuff is just how good of a human he is. He’s the complete package. He’s the perfect W. You can’t ask for a better receiver.”
LINE-UP NOTES
Arkell Smith (#86) catches a pass in practice
- The Elks will have a few new faces in the lineup when they take on the Argonauts. Leading the way is rookie wide receiver Arkell Smith, who is expected to start in place of Malik Flowers. The 24-year-old opened eyes during Elks rookie camp but an injury forced Smith to miss most of training camp and the start of the season.
- Defensive back Devodric Bynum returns to a starting halfback role after sitting Game 2 against the Alouettes. The Dallas, Texas native recorded three tackles against the Roughriders in the Elks Home Opener.
- Canadian defensive end Antonio Alfano draws the start at defensive end with last week’s starter Romeo McKnight moving to the one-game injured list.
- The Argonauts will be without a pair of important players on Saturday night. Pass rushing dynamo Folarin Ormolade will miss the game with an ankle injury, while former EE receiver Davaris Daniels is also ruled out.
- QB Cameron Dukes will get the start after a solid debut in Week 1 against the B.C. Lions. Dukes tossed for 254 yards and three touchdowns, and was efficient completing 21 of 27 passes.