Eskimos and Riders battle for a west playoff position
October 24, 2008 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
Edmonton Elks News Release
The Eskimos (9-7) face the Roughriders (10-6) for the third and final time of the 2008 regular season in a game loaded with playoff implications. The 'Riders won the season opener 34 - 13 on June 28th at Mosiac Stadium. The Esks took the August 21st rematch at Commonwealth 27-10.
Coming off of a disappointing home loss to BC last Friday, the Eskimos have nailed down a post-season spot but they don't know who, where or what division they'll be playing in. Head Coach Danny Maciocia is more concerned about getting back in a winning groove. "We know we are in the playoffs so I just want to try to find a way to play well".
The last time these two teams met, the Eskimos had their best running game of the season with 225 yards on the ground, led by AJ Harris' 21 carries for 189 yards. Maciocia is pretty clear on what needs to be done "We need to win the battle on the line of scrimmage and we need to try to get clearly on schedule on the first down; establish the run and try to average five yards a carry."
If the Esks need to run the ball more, they also need to do a better job of protecting it. Ricky Ray has an uncharacteristically high 11 fumbles on the season. Take turnovers off the menu and add second half points to the Eskimo to-do list. In the last three games combined the Esks have scored just 13 points in the final 30 minutes.
Notables
The Eskimos are 1-8 in the last 9 regular season games vs. the Riders in Mosaic Field. Edmonton won 30-26 on September 30, 2006.
Last week, Ricky ray threw for his 11th 300+ yard game of the season, a personal best. It's his 40th 300+ yard regular season game of his career.
The Eskimos have scored 11 TD's in their last 12 trips to the Red Zone. In total, the 12 trips have produced 80 points.
Ricky Ray needs 11 completions for 400 this season. This will be his 3rd time with 400+ completions in a season...the only Eskimo to do so.
The last time these two teams met, the Eskimos had a season high, 225 yards rushing. AJ Harris had 21 carries for 189 yards.
In the last 3 games, the Eskimos have had 212 yards rushing.
The Eskimos host the Montreal Alouettes on October 31, 2008. Buy Eskimo tickets online at ticketmaster.ca or call 451-8000. For more information on the Edmonton Eskimo Football Club please visit our website at www.esks.com.
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Canadian Football League Stories from October 24, 2008
- Stampeders Clinch First Place in West Division - CFL
- Lions and Argonauts ready to battle Saturday night - B.C. Lions
- Wal-Mart, Old Dutch, Blue Bombers And Never Alone Foundation Team Up - Winnipeg Blue Bombers
- Eskimos and Riders battle for a west playoff position - Edmonton Elks
- More Than 55,000 Tickets Sold For The Grey Cup Game In Montreal - Montreal Alouettes
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