Allen leads Argos past Eskimos

Oct 14, 2006, 23:35 GMT

Edmonton, AB - Toronto quarterback Damon Allen threw for 223 yards and two touchdowns, and John Avery ran for another score, helping the Argonauts overcome an early deficit and hold off the host Eskimos, 28-25, at Commonwealth Stadium.

Arland Bruce caught two balls for 87 yards and one touchdown for the Argonauts (10-6), who have won three in a row. Andre Talbot added two receptions for 24 yards and a TD.

Edmonton's Ricky Ray went 27-of-48 for 332 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions for the Eskimos (5-11), who have lost three of four and sit in last place in the West.

Jason Tucker led all receivers with eight catches for 136 yards and a touchdown while running back Troy Davis also had a big day, gaining a game- high 118 yards on 18 carries.

Edmonton got on the board early, courtesy of a safety when Argonaut punter Noel Prefontaine conceded a punt attempt in the end zone. He would do the same in the second quarter, giving Edmonton a 4-0 lead.

Toronto struck on offense when Avery took a handoff 23 yards to the end zone, putting the Argos on top for the first time, 7-4. That lead would be short lived, as Edmonton kicker Sean Fleming booted a 26-yard field goal on the last play of the first half, tying the game at seven apiece.

Fleming would put the Eskimos back ahead, 10-7, hitting this time from 32 yards out just over five minutes into the third quarter. It would be their last lead of the game, as Toronto seized control of the contest. First, Talbot hauled in a nine-yard pass from Allen. Then Bruce was the recipient of another Allen strike for 28 yards and a score, giving Toronto a 21-10 lead in the fourth.

Down but not out, Edmonton rallied. Ray found Tucker for a 12-yard TD pass with just under four minutes remaining, which cut the lead to three. The Eskimos were on their way to another score, but defensive back Byron Parker's 75-yard interception return for a touchdown put the Argos up by ten, 28-18.

On the next possession, Ray dashed in from seven yards out, capping a 10-play drive helped by Ray's 20 yards on three carries. After the extra point, Edmonton was once again within a field goal, but could not come any closer.

Game Notes

Toronto swept the season series, following a 28-23 win over the Eskimos in Toronto on Monday.

Edmonton's streak of 34 consecutive seasons reaching the playoffs is over with the defeat.

The win gives Toronto sole possession of first place.

Toronto RB Ricky Williams rushed seven times for 38 yards.

© 2006 The Sports Network