Eskimos open preseason with victory over Stampeders

The Edmonton Eskimos began the preseason on the right foot as they defeated the Calgary Stampeders Saturday night at McMahon Stadium

The game began as a back and forth affair that saw both teams trade field goals in the first and second quarter, with the Eskimos adding another one before halftime.

The Eskimos then stormed out of the gate to begin the second half, outscoring the Stampeders by two touchdowns in the third quarter. A fourth quarter comeback was not to be as the Stampeders could only muster one touchdown in the final frame, to open the preseason in the losing column.

James Franklin led the victors in passing going 10-of-14 for 94 yards and one touchdown. Last year's Grey Cup MVP Mike Reilly and Jordan Lynch also provided offense for the Eskimos, going 5-of-8 for 54 yards and 6-for-10 for 55 yards respectively. Lynch also recorded one passing touchdown on the night.

The Stampeders also saw three contributors under centre in the loss. Andrew Buckley led with 69 passing yards, but threw 6-of-13 with one interception. Bo Levi Mitchell went 5-of-6 for 56 yards and Drew Tate went 7-of-12 for 67 yards.

Tate also led the Stampeders in rushing with 20 yards on only one carry. Stampeder quarterbacks did not complete a touchdown pass on the night.

Eskimos receivers Brandon Zylstra and Bryant Mitchell led the way with four receptions for 66 yards and six receptions for 38 yards respectively. Mitchell hauled in a touchdown reception, as did fellow receiver Anthony Barrett.

Joe West was the primary target for Calgary, making five catches for 80 yards. Kamar Jorden was the only other Stampeder wideout with more than two catches, pulling in three passes for just 16 yards.

Calgary travels to British Columbia for their preseason week 2 game to take on the BC Lions at BC Place, while the Eskimos welcome the Saskatchewan Roughriders to Commonwealth Stadium.