Game Summary

The Edmonton Eskimos continued their hot streak extending the winning to 5 games, including this week’s 45 to 18 drubbing of the Birmingham Barracudas. The Eskimos seem ready for the playoffs, playing very well of late. Birmingham, who are fighting to make the playoffs, came out strong early in the game. Keith Woodside took a 52 yard pass from Matt Dunigan into the end zone to put Birmingham on the board first. Luis Zendejas kicked the convert. Edmonton got on the board late in the quarter with an 11 yard Sean Fleming field goal. Fleming hit again early in the second to bring Edmonton to within one point of the ’Cudas. Birmingham extended their lead minutes later when Zendejas hit a 36 yard field goal. Edmonton took their first lead of the game when Jim Sandusky caught a 13 yard TD pass from Kerwin Bell. Fleming’s convert put the Esks up by 3. Both teams scored singles before the end of the half. Birmingham scored on a 49 yard punt and Edmonton on a 53 yard missed field goal. Edmonton dominated the third quarter putting the game way out of reach for the ’Cudas. CB Gary Wilkerson intercepted a Jimmy Klingler pass and returned it 54 yards for a touchdown. Fleming’s convert attempt was good. Minutes later, Nick Mazzoli caught a 20 yard pass from Bell and took it in for another Eskimo TD. Fleming, again, booted the convert. Edmonton’s defence put 6 more points on the board late in the quarter. Glenn Rogers intercepted Klingler and ran the ball 65 yards for the second INT returned for a TD. Birmingham got another touchdown midway through the fourth. Woodside’s second receiving TD covered 6 yards from Kelvin Simmons. Zendejas’ convert gave the ’Cudas 18 points for the night. Edmonton continued to play well. Fleming hit his third field goal, this time from 42 yards before FB Brian Walling carried the ball in from the 4-yard line. Fleming’s convert gave the Eskimos a convincing 45 to 18 victory.