Edmonton, AB (My Sportsbook) - Ricky Ray threw for 332 yards and a touchdown, as the Edmonton Eskimos kept their playoff hopes alive with a resounding 36-10 triumph over the lowly Toronto Argonauts at Commonwealth Stadium.
Ray completed 22 of his 34 passes, while Arkee Whitlock gained 114 yards and scored a touchdown on 15 carries for the Eskimos (8-9), who wrap up the regular season at British Columbia next Friday. Derek Schiavone converted all five field goal attempts in the win.
Edmonton is now a half game behind the Lions, who host Calgary on Saturday. The Eskimos can actually clinch spot in the CFL East semifinal before this weekend is over if Hamilton and Winnipeg each lose. The Tiger-Cats host Saskatchewan Saturday afternoon, while the Blue Bombers are in Montreal for a Sunday game.
Edmonton could also gain a spot in the West semi if BC loses to Calgary on Saturday and the Eskimos next Friday.
Stephen Reaves connected on 10-of-16 throws for 122 yards with a touchdown and two interceptions for the Argonauts (3-14), who have dropped seven straight.
Edmonton built a 10-point lead in the first quarter on a Schiavone 14-yard field goal and an eight-yard touchdown run by Whitlock.
The advantage ballooned to 17 points on an eight-yard scoring play between Ray and Jason Barnes. Justin Medlock's 26-yard field goal put Toronto on the board with 4:20 remaining in the second.
After Schiavone drilled a 12-yarder, Reaves hooked up with Chad Lucas for a one-yard score on the final play of the first half, trimming the Argonauts' deficit to 20-10.
On the initial play from scrimmage following the break, Reaves was picked off by T.J. Hill, who scampered 58 yards to the end zone.
Schiavone tacked on three field goals in the fourth.
Game Notes
Fred Stamps caught seven passes for 139 yards in the win for Edmonton...The Argonauts were limited to 21 rushing yards...Lucas had 123 yards on 10 receptions...Toronto's Kerry Joseph completed 10-of-21 passes for 117 yards and an interception...Toronto finished 0-8 against the West Division, and concludes its dismal campaign at home against Montreal next Saturday.
