Slow fumble by Tiger-Cats gives Elks the first victory of the season

Hamilton — Jalen Collins regained fumble with a 14-yard return in the fourth quarter, beating Hamilton Tiger-Cats 29-25 on Friday, giving Edmonton Elks his first win of the season.

Elks defensive back Jewon Taylor rushed out to steal Hamilton’s quarterback Dane Evans’ ball. Collins recovered with a winning score in the game with 1 minute and 38 seconds remaining.

Hamilton’s attack then proceeded to Elks’ 30-yard line, but turned the ball down.

Elks rookie quarterback Tre Ford of Niagara Falls, Ontario completed 15 out of 26 passes at 159 yards in his first CFL career start. Ford was once intercepted.

Evans had a 20-31 pass with 197 yards and a touchdown throw. He was intercepted twice.

Edmonton improved to 1-3, but Hamilton lost four straight games to start the season for the first time since it reached 0-8 in 2017.

Elks head coach Chris Jones has never started the season with four consecutive losses.

Elks started the third quarter down 10 points, giving Hamilton a 33-yard field goal and then starting his own field goal at 38 and 32 yards.

Elks dragged 22-15 into the final quarter.

Edmonton’s Matthew Thomas chose Evans, the sixth interception of the season, to start the fourth quarter.

It set up Ford’s first career touchdown pass of 10 yards to Kenny Roller to tie games 22-22.

Hamilton advanced Michael Donagara’s 33 field goal with 3:11 remaining before Collins gave the visitor a lead.

Ticats has debuted an alternative steel gray uniform with a yellow nameplate and black numbers.

During a time-out in the middle of the first quarter, the CFL Club honored Hamilton Bulldog, an OHL champion and Memorial Cup finalist.

Hamilton led 16-6 after the first quarter. Hemmed near the goal line, Elks acknowledged his safety after the opening drive.

The homeside marched towards the opening touchdown with the next possession.

Evans threw his fifth touchdown of the season, hitting receiver Stephen Dunbar with a 21-yard strike and a 9-0 lead.

Ford looked more relaxed on his second drive. He led Elks to the field in 13 plays, with Kai Locksley scoring 1 yard 3 to 1.

Edmonton missed an additional point, but Lawrence Woods grabbed the next kick-off for a 72-yard touchdown return. In the unproductive second quarter, Elx won a single from a 59-yard field goal attempt from Sergio Castillo.

Domagara’s late 25-yard field goal widened Hamilton’s lead, but Thai Cats were forced to settle for safety in the last moment.

Cameron Kelly intercepted the second half pass from Ford at Hamilton’s 15-yard line to maintain a 10-point advantage in half-time.