Eskimos end six-game losing run; eliminate Alouettes with 42-24 win
MONTREAL — The losing streak is over for the Edmonton Eskimos, but the misery goes on for the Montreal Alouettes.
Recently acquired running back C.J. Gable scored a pair of touchdowns as the Eskimos (8-6) eliminated Montreal (3-12) from Canadian Football League playoff contention with a rainsoaked 42-24 victory on Monday afternoon. The result stopped Edmonton’s slump at six games while extending the Alouettes’ losing run to eight.
“It gives us a moment to breathe and celebrate hard work paying off,” said Eskimos coach Jason Maas, whose team moved into a tie with Saskatchewan for third place in the West Division. “This was a character win, being down 15-0 on the road, in bad conditions, and taking the lead at the half and sustaining it.”
It poured rain throughout the match, which caused fumbles, interceptions, dropped passes and missed tackles for both teams before mostly empty grandstands at Percival Molson Stadium, where attendance was announced as 18,849. The result put Montreal out of the playoffs for a third straight year.
“We weren’t mentally ready,” said Alouettes kick returner Stefan Logan.
“It’s preparing yourself each week.
“So now we’re not making the playoffs. Now we’re playing three more games for free. Just playing to build your stats or to get a job next year.”
Brandon Zylstra, who caught seven passes for 201 yards, Duke Williams and cornerback Chris Edwards also scored TDs and Swayze Waters added three field goals for Edmonton. Gable had 22 carries for 111 yards.
Williams’ 25-yard TD catch with 4:09 left to play came from James Franklin who replaced Mike Reilly at the start the fourth quarter.
Maas said it was precautionary, that Reilly, who appeared to have an ankle or leg problem, will be evaluated to see if he can play Saturday.