Argos Knock Eskimos Out Of the Playoffs For First Time In 35 Years
Posted October 14, 2006 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
It was a good run for the Edmonton Eskimos, and the Toronto Argonauts looked good putting and end to it.
The longest run of consecutive playoff appearances in North American professional sports came to an close Saturday, when the Toronto Argonauts knocked the reigning Grey Cup champions out of playoff contention with a 28-25 road victory.
Edmonton had made it to the CFL playoffs 34 years in a row.
“I’m definitely not feeling very good,” said Edmonton quarterback Ricky Ray. “You feel like you fail and that’s what we did.
“Every team’s goal is to get to the playoffs and win the championship and we didn’t do it this year. You definitely don’t want to be the team that ends a streak like this. It’s frustrating. But I guess you have to be proud that you were a part of a streak like that as well. It just shows how amazing that streak was.”
Argos head coach Michael Clemons also admitted to being a little sorry to see Edmonton’s post-season streak end.
“It’s a bittersweet moment,” he said. “It was sweet because we needed the victory in terms of what we are trying to do, but what they have done here in Edmonton is really special so I’m not the type of guy who takes pride in ending a streak like that — especially with all the adversity they have had to deal with this year.
“I’d just as soon be knocking someone else out of the playoffs rather than this football team.”
The Argos led 21-10 late when Ray found Jason Tucker from 12 yards out. The pair also hooked up for the two-point conversion, making the score 21-18. Edmonton then had a chance to tie and were almost in field goal range when Ray was picked off by Byron Parker, who took it back 75 yards for a touchdown that put things on ice.
Ray scampered in for another major from seven yards out, but it happened as time expired, and only made the final seem closer than it really was.
“Something like this was bound to happen some time,” said Eskimos CEO Hugh Campbell. “I’m just glad it didn’t happen last year.
“It is what it is. It was this year. It’s unfortunate and we tried to avoid it but it happened.”
Toronto improved to 10-6 and moved into first place in the East Division.
The Argos play their penultimate regular season contest at home against Saskatchewan Friday.
