Eskimos edge playoff-bound Roughriders

Oct 28, 2006, 4:40 GMT

Edmonton, AB - Ricky Ray threw for 187 yards and a touchdown to help the Edmonton Eskimos end a disappointing season in successful fashion with a 20-18 victory over playoff-bound Saskatchewan.

Ray ended the season with 5,000 yards passing, ending this game 13-of-23 for the Eskimos, who missed the playoffs for the first time in 35 years. Ron McClendon added a rushing score for Edmonton (7-11), which won its final two games to record its only win streak of the season.

The Roughriders rested most of their starters, including quarterback Kerry Joseph and running back Kenton Keith, in preparation for next Sunday's playoff opener at Calgary. The result was Saskatchewan (9-9) ending the season at the .500 mark.

Marcus Crandell ended 15-of-24 for 152 yards and an interception passing. He also ran for a TD for the Roughriders, who rallied late, but fell short when Luca Congi's 49-yard field goal with nine seconds left fell short.

McClendon started the scoring with his four-yard TD run in the first quarter. The Eskimos added a single before Crandell's one-yard TD run made it 8-7 in the second quarter.

Congi conceded a safety and Sean Fleming hit a 47-yard field goal later in the second quarter, sending Edmonton into halftime with a 13-7 lead.

Ray hit Jason Tucker for a 29-yard TD early in the third quarter, giving the Eskimos enough for the win.

Congi later hit field goals of 40, 42 and 43 yards and Fleming conceded a safety to account for the final score.

Game Notes

Saskatchewan WR Andy Fantuz had a career-high seven catches and 110 yards.

Ian Butler finished 4-of-11 passing for 99 yards for the Roughriders.

Edmonton won all three meetings this season against the Roughriders.

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