By Canadian Press

Ottawa Redblacks open season with 16-12 victory over Edmonton Elks

Aug 7, 2021 | 11:30 PM

EDMONTON — Abdul Kanneh had a 102-yard interception return as the Ottawa Redblacks spoiled the start of the new Elks era in Edmonton, emerging with a season-opening 16-12 road victory Saturday.

The first — and what would turn out to be the only — major score of the game came five minutes into the fourth quarter courtesy of the Redblacks defence, as a pass from Elks QB Trevor Harris bounced out of the hands of receiver Shai Ross and into the arms of Ottawa’s Kanneh, who blazed almost the length of the field in the other direction for the winning touchdown.

The Elks (0-1) originally got on the scoreboard first, recording a 12-yard Sean Whyte field goal just over five minutes in. 

Ottawa (1-0) responded with a 52-yard Lewis Ward field goal late in the opening frame.

The Redblacks looked to have surged into the lead on a trick play early in the second when punt returner DeVonte Dedmon lateralled across the field to Ryan Davis, who made a lengthy run into the end zone. But the play was deemed to have been a forward pass and called back.

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The teams traded field goals before Whyte nailed a 47-yarder as time expired to make it 9-6 at the half.

Edmonton continued the field goal parade with a 42-yarder five minutes into the third.

Ward cut the Elks’ lead to 12-9 with a 50-yard field goal to start the fourth.

Edmonton was pressing with three minutes left, but again the Redblacks secondary was clutch as Harris was picked off at the 22-yard line by Randall Evans.

The Elks came very close to winning the game as fullback James Tuck was stopped on the one-yard line as time expired.

The announced attendance at Commonwealth Stadium was 30,302.

The Elks remain at home next Saturday when they welcome the Montreal Alouettes to town. The Redblacks have a bye week before heading to Regina to face the Roughriders on Aug. 21.

Notes: When last we saw the two teams in 2019, Edmonton had recorded an 8-10 season and crossed over to the Eastern Division playoffs before falling in the final to Hamilton. The Redblacks missed post-season play after going 3-15. … There are only three Redblacks still with the team from their inaugural 2014 season: Antoine Pruneau, Nigel Romick and Nolan MacMillan. … On Friday there was a bit of a stir when Edmonton linebacker Brian Walker entered COVID protocol and was placed on the one-game injured list.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 7, 2021. 

Shane Jones, The Canadian Press