EDMONTON - The Edmonton Eskimos got the prefect boost for their
playoff hopes: a game against the down-and-out Toronto Argonauts.
T.J. Hill returned an interception 58 yards for a touchdown to start
the third quarter as the Eskimos staved off post-season elimination
with a 36-10 victory over the Argonauts on Friday night.
"It was a great win because we have been struggling lately," said
Eskimos head coach Richie Hall. "Our backs were to the wall and we
fought like cats out there. It was good not only to win, but to win one
in a convincing manner."
The Eskimos (8-9) will be guaranteed a spot in the CFL East semifinal if
Hamilton and Winnipeg (both 7-9) lose this weekend.
Hamilton hosts Saskatchewan on Saturday while Winnipeg plays in
Montreal on Sunday. Hamilton and Winnipeg face each other in the final
week of the regular season.
Edmonton
could also secure a spot in the Western semifinal if B.C. (8-8)
loses to Calgary on Saturday. The Lions meet the Eskimos next Friday, potentially with third place on the line.
"We did some good things out there," said Eskimos quarterback Ricky
Ray, who threw for 332 yards in the contest. "It was important for us
to get a lead and play from in front for once. We have to continue to
play entire 60-minute games like I felt we did tonight. It was nice to
see everything emerging for us offensively. It's going to be a tougher
test next week with everything that could be on the line."
It was the seventh consecutive loss for the Argos, dead last in the league at 3-14.
"I really didn't see what I wanted from my team tonight," said
Toronto head coach Bart Andrus. "I wanted to see a lot more. There are
guys that are making a case for themselves, both ways, right now. We
are going to be revamping again and changing personnel so we have to
see who fits."
Toronto finished with some rather embarrassing statistics; just 20 yards rushing while taking 23 penalties for 155 yards.
Edmonton started the scoring midway through the first quarter. Derek
Schiavone kicked a field goal after an Efrem Hill reception in the end
zone was ruled out of bounds.
The Eskimos caught a break as linebacker Tim St. Pierre fell on a
bobbled Argos snap at the Toronto 32-yard line, leading to an
eight-yard, untouched run into the end zone by Arkee Whitlock on the
final play of the first quarter.
Edmonton went up 17-0 midway through the second as they followed up
a 34-yard catch by Fred Stamps with an eight-yard
passing touchdown from Ray to Jason Barnes.
Justin Medlock's 26-yard field goal got the Argos on the board with four minutes to play in the first half.
Edmonton responded with a field goal before Toronto cut the lead to
20-10 with its first touchdown of the game. Quarterback Stephen Reaves'
tipped pass was caught between Chad Lucas's legs for a one-yard touchdown.
The Eskimos didn't take long to respond to the Argo touchdown. Hill
picked off Reaves and took the ball 58 yards into the end zone to make
it 27-10. It was the only scoring play of the third quarter.
Schiavone kicked three more field goals in the fourth quarter, going five for five on the night.
Edmonton finishes off the regular season next Friday in B.C. while Toronto wraps things up at home against Montreal next Saturday.
Notes: Edmonton kicker/punter Noel Prefontaine didn't play due to an
ankle injury that has been nagging him the past couple weeks. Schiavone took his spot … Eskimos receiver Maurice Mann missed the
game with a leg injury and was replaced by Efrem Hill … Toronto rookie
DT Etienne Legare took on the long snapping duties as TE Steve Schmidt
sat out with an injury … DB/CB Sammy Joseph got his first CFL start in
place of veteran CB Jordan Younger, who missed the game with a toe
injury …The Argos have had their way with Edmonton in recent years,
winning eight of the previous 10 games against the Esks … The Eskimos
entered the game just 1-4 on Friday nights this season … The Argos are the only team worse than Edmonton in giveaway/takeaways, sitting
at -19 to Edmonton's -16 … Edmonton eliminated Toronto from the playoff
picture two weeks ago.
