EDMONTON (CP) — Rookie Tristan Jackson and new running back A.J. Harris
scored two touchdowns each as the Edmonton 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 first against the Argos in six outings, dating back to 2005.
It was the second consecutive loss for Toronto (1-2), still stinging from a shocking 32-13 defeat by Hamilton last week.
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.
The two teams will head East for a rematch in Toronto next Sunday.