EDMONTON - The Edmonton Eskimos have found a pair of new sparkplugs for their offensive engine.

Rookie Tristan Jackson and new running back A.J. Harris scored two touchdowns each as the Eskimos won their second in a row at home, knocking off the visiting Toronto Argonauts 47-28 on Thursday night. The Eskimos (2-1) recorded their first victory against the Argos in six outings, dating back to 2005.

Making the biggest splash was Jackson, who managed to put up 283 all-purpose yards, including punt and interception returns for touchdowns less than two minutes apart in the third quarter.

Eskimos head coach Danny Maciocia said Jackson looks to have game-breaking ability.

“Every time he touches the ball he can make something special happen,” he said. “Today he touched it several different ways. He was really good for us. I’m stating the obvious but I think he is a pretty good football player.”

Jackson admitted he was a bit tired after all that running around but happy to have been able to help make a difference in the game.

“I was pretty out of wind,” said the Mississippi native. “After two big plays like that I had some trouble getting my wind back. They gave me oxygen but I was so tired that didn’t even help me.

“The guys were saying to me all week that it was time to get a big-time return and they gave me some great blocks and it was off to the races. It was pretty exciting.”

It was the second consecutive loss for Toronto (1-2), still stinging from a shocking 32-13 defeat by Hamilton last week.

Argos head coach Rich Stubler said his team simply made too many mistakes.

“We gave up 28 points,” he said. “We gave up two returns for touchdowns and we gave up two interceptions that turned into touchdowns. When that happens a game gets away from you real quick.”

The Argos had a terrific start with a 77-yard opening drive capped off by a four-yard passing strike from quarterback Kerry Joseph to Arland Bruce.

Edmonton responded six minutes later as Jackson’s 53-yard punt return to the Argos’ eight-yard line would eventually lead to a two-yard rushing touchdown by Harris.

Argos kicker Mike Vanderjagt chipped in with a punt single to give Toronto an 8-7 lead after the opening frame.

Vanderjagt would concede a safety early in the second to give Edmonton a one-point lead, but the Argos surged back ahead 15-9 with five minutes remaining in the second quarter on Bruce’s second touchdown. Bruce made a highlight-reel catch, reeling in a 17-yard touchdown pass with one hand while battling tight coverage from Jonte Buhl and falling over backwards.

The Eskimos would once again push narrowly ahead with just over two minutes left as Harris, in at running back for Damien Anderson, powered his way 24 yards for his second touchdown and a 16-15 Edmonton advantage at the half.

Edmonton’s defence added to the lead as Jackson picked off Joseph and blazed 89 yards into the end zone to move the Esks ahead 23-15. Joseph was replaced by Michael Bishop, the subject of controversy this week when it was leaked that he had been available due to being on waivers in a roster shift.

Jackson was right back at it less than two minutes later, breaking loose on another punt return and scampering 61 yards to put the Esks up by 15.

The Argos would cut into the lead with a dramatic play of their own on their next possession as a Bishop pass looked to have been picked off by Shannon Garrett, but the Edmonton linebacker juggled the ball in the air and Johnnie Morant stole it away and ran 52 yards for the touchdown.

Vanderjagt added a 31-yard field goal late in the third. Edmonton quarterback Ricky Ray then had a pass intercepted by Orlondo Steinauer and returned to the Esks 34, leading to an early fourth quarter 13-yarder from Vanderjagt and cutting the lead to 30-28.

Edmonton survived the challenge again as former Argos kicker Noel Prefontaine added a field goal and the Eskimos then put together a competent 93-yard drive finished off with a six-yard TD toss from Ray to Jason Tucker.

Edmonton was able to salt the game away after Agustin Barrenechea was able to pull in a tipped pass at the Argo 15, leading to a three-yard TD plunge by Mathieu Bertrand with two minutes left.

Maciocia admitted it was good to see his team calmly handle another late opposition charge.

“What impressed me the most was that we were up by two when the fourth quarter started and normally we would have started panicking in those situations in the past,” he said. “This time we really took it to them. I’m proud of our guys.” The two teams will head East for a rematch in Toronto next Sunday.

Notes: Jackson’s third quarter punt return was Edmonton’s first return for a touchdown since the Grey Cup of 2005.  The Eskimos have lost defensive back Lenny Williams for at least nine games due to a detached pectoral muscle. Williams recorded six tackles and a forced fumble in the first two games of the season.  Toronto was without receiver Bethel Johnson, who sprained his right ankle against the Ticats. Cornerback Willie Middlebrooks (foot) was also out, but both were expected to be back in uniform next week.  It was Eskimo kicker Noel Prefontaine’s first game against his old club since he was traded to Edmonton by the Argos during training camp. Prefontaine still seems miffed about the move and hasn’t talked to Toronto management since.