CFL Edmonton Elks

Edmonton Eskimos vs Montreal Alouettes presented by Purolator

August 25, 2005 - Canadian Football League (CFL)
Edmonton Elks News Release


Date: Friday, August 26, 2005

Place: Commonwealth Stadium

Kick-off: 8:00 pm (Gates open at 7:00 pm)

Television: TSN/RDS (local blackout in effect)

Radio: 630 CHED (Bryan Hall, John Farlinger & Dave Campbell)

Promotion: Friday is Purolator Tackle Hunger Night - fans are encouraged to bring a non-perishable food donation or make a cash donation to the Edmonton Food Bank. Player's and coach's wives and girlfriends will be on hand to help accept donations at each gate.

Halftime: Francophone artists - Chakidor, Jason Kodie & Zephyr

Merchandise: Selected Champion Fleece Crew and Hoodies on sale starting at $29.99

The Eskimos (5-3) take on the Montreal Alouettes (4-4) in a mid-season must-win game for both clubs. The Green and Gold are in the midst of a two-game slide after losses to the West Division-leading BC Lions (25-19) and the reigning Grey Cup champion Toronto Argonauts (22-18). Neither loss has left a very good taste in the mouths of players as they look to get back into the win column with a victory over the up-and-down Alouettes.

This will be the second of two meetings between the cross-conference rivals with Montreal taking the first game in Week 3 by a 32-29 margin. Special teams play dominated the game with the Al's using a last- second field goal to squeeze out the win. Returner Ezra Landry did most of the damage that night taking a missed field goal and a punt back for TD's.

Ricky Ray gets the start Friday after setting a franchise record for pass attempts (56) and completions (40) versus Toronto last Saturday. Ray's 2802 passing yards continue to lead the CFL with the Al's Anthony Cavillo second with 2538. The banged-up Alouettes offence still has plenty of fire power and a chip on its shoulder after falling short versus Calgary last week.

Despite recent setbacks, the Eskimo defense continues to play well and remain the league leaders in points against (138), TD's against (13), sacks (28). They'll get a heavy dose of former teammate Terry Vaughn who's picking up the slack with Ben Cahoon still nursing an injured arm. The Montreal defense may not be as formidable as in past years but their secondary leads the league in interceptions so Ray and Co. will have to be sharp if they hope to have some success Friday.

With a home and home series with Calgary in the offing the Esks need some breathing space to keep a lock on second spot in the West Division standings. It's always a battle with the Alouettes in town and a victory Friday could go a long way toward jump-starting the second half of the Eskimo season.

For more information on the Edmonton Eskimo Football Club please visit our website at www.esks.com.

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