Gable runs in two TDs; Eskimos defeat Redblacks

EDMONTON — The Edmonton Eskimos regained their focus before it was too late.

C.J. Gable ran in a pair of touchdowns as the Eskimos kept themselves in the Canadian Football League playoff picture with a 34-16 victory over the Ottawa Redblacks on Saturday.

The Eskimos snapped a threegame losing skid to improve to 8-8 and to remain in contention for a playoff spot.

“When you don’t win for a while and people are doubting you and you are not playing up to your abilities, it starts to distract you,” said Eskimos coach Jason Maas. “They were ready to go today and obviously the sacrificing we have done, it feels like it paid off in this moment and we were able to feel good again.”

Despite missing the walkthrough with the flu on Friday, Eskimos quarterback Mike Reilly was impressive, completing 31-of-38 passes for 369 yards while rushing the ball for 72 yards.

“More than anything, we just needed a win to get back on track,” he said. “I thought it was a solid game in all three phases, offence, defence and special teams just getting back to playing our kind of football.”

The Redblacks (8-7) have lost two straight, but remain in a tie in points for first place in the

East with Hamilton.

“We played one winning half of football, but you obviously have to play two halves to get it done and we didn’t. They beat us in the second half, that’s for sure,” said Ottawa coach Rick Campbell.