CFL Edmonton Elks

Eskimos invade the Lion's Den

Published on October 9, 2008 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Edmonton Elks News Release


The tight playoff battle continues in the West Division where three teams are tied for first place with the Esks sitting one game back in second. With four games left in the 2008 regular season, the Eskimos need just one more win to ensure a return to the playoffs, after missing out the past two seasons. An Eskimo win or a Toronto loss will guarantee a West crossover to the East Division.

The Esks are coming off a big win against the Winnipeg Blue Bombers which featured a Tristan Jackson punt return TD, a successful fake punt which led to a touchdown and three sacks and a pair of interceptions on defence.

In his first ever CFL start, Canadian running back Calvin McCarty earned CFL Canadian Player of the Week honours. He had 19 carries for 88 yards (4.6 avg) and a touchdown and added eight catches for 80 yards. McCarty was also a force on special teams, catching a 19-yard pass from punter Noel Prefontaine. The successful 2nd quarter fake punt led to an Eskimo touchdown. "I've been in and out a bit. But whenever you're number is called you've got to be ready to go out there and perform," he says.

On Friday, the Eskimos (8-6) take on the Lions (9-5) at BC Place. The two teams have met twice this season, each winning at home. They haven't met since August 8th in BC.

"We've just got to get back on the film and reevaluate what they're doing and ways to stop them," says Eskimo DB Jonté Buhl. "Just play the way we played this past week. Play hard and play with a lot of desire."

"They're a good football team," says Eskimo Head Coach Danny Maciocia of the Lions. "They're on a little bit of a run here. They're playing well."

Notables

§ On game day Andrew Nowacki is celebrating his 28th birthday

§ On October 7, Canadian FB Mike Maurer rejoined the team after announcing his retirement from football last spring. He will wear his old #19 jersey and rookie DB Sammy Okpro will switch to #10.

§ This is the fifth of five back-to-back series the Eskimos will play this year (and the second against BC)

§ Last week Ricky Ray threw for his 9th 300+ yard game of the season, a personal best. It is his 38th 300+ yard regular season game of his career.

§ Kamau Peterson needs 35 yards for 1,000 receiving yards this season.

§ Kelly Campbell needs 111 yards for 1,000 receiving yards this season.

§ Ricky Ray needs 418 passing yards for 5,000 passing yards this season. It would be the 6th time this has been done in Eskimo history and the 3rd time by Ricky Ray.

The Eskimos host the BC Lions on Friday, October 17 at 7:00pm. 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.

Game #15

Edmonton Eskimos @ BC Lions

Date: Friday, October 10, 2008

Place: BC Place - Vancouver

Kick-off: 7:30pm (Pacific)

Television: TSN (Chris Cuthbert and Glen Suitor)

Radio: 630 CHED Edmonton (Bryan Hall & Dave Campbell)

TEAM 1040 Vancouver (Rick Zamperin & John Salavantis)

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Canadian Football League Stories from October 9, 2008


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

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