Esks Smoke Bombers In Eastern Semi-Final
09/11/2008 02:27
The Edmonton Eskimos are heading to Montreal following a 29-21 victory over the Blue Bombers in Saturday's East Semi-Final from Canad Inns Stadium in Winnipeg.
The victory was historic in that Edmonton became the first West Division team to earn a playoff win as a crossover squad since the CFL adopted the concept in 1996.
A pair of rushing touchdowns by running back A.J. Harris and field goals by Noel Prefontaine were the difference in the contest.
Harris ran 12 times for 33 yards and caught four passes for 38 yards while Prefontaine had field goals of 23 and 28 yards and also had singles off a 38-yard try and a punt.
The Bombers got touchdowns on a 78-yard pass from Kevin Glenn to Romby Bryant and a 93-yard punt return by Jason Armstead. It was deja vu all over again, as Armstead ran an 84-yard punt return back for a touchdown against Edmonton earlier this season.
With just over two minutes remaining in the first half, defensive end Fred Perry tipped, then intercepted a Glenn pass and ran it in for a touchdown to secure Edmonton's lead heading into the locker rooms.
''For them to have that punt return, you just kind of could see everybody's down a little bit, kind of looking around wondering what happened,'' Edmonton quarterback Ricky Ray said. ''For Fred to make that play and get into the end zone kind of re-energized us.''
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SWIVEL HIPS SAYS:
Is it possible? An Edmonton vs. Calgary Grey Cup. Do you think?