Playing spoiler not a priority for eastbound Eskimos squad

They might be locked into the crossover playoff spot that will see them try to carve a path through the East Division, but that isn’t stopping the Edmonton Eskimos from relishing the role of spoiler here in their own division.

And that would mean tossing a wrench into the works of a Saskatchewan Roughriders club that comes into Commonwealth Stadium on Saturday tied for first place in the West, but could relinquish that spot for good with a loss to the Eskimos combined with a win by the Calgary Stampeders this week.

Then again, that’s the sort of bragging rights fans might get behind more than the players, who are more interested in building momentum for the post-season rather than ruining things for the Roughriders.

“I mean, that’s a fun, unique opportunity that we have,” said Eskimos centre David Beard.

“But, personally, that’s not the way I’m looking at it. I’m just kind of looking at getting the dub (win) no matter what.”

Especially if it means closing out what will be their last gasp of the year in front of the home fans, where a win would boost their home record to 6-3 on the season.

“Yeah,” Beard said, “and that’s really as far as I’m looking.”