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Reilly, Eskimos torch Argonauts

REUTERS/David Stobbe

Mike Reilly against Logan Kilgore was as much of a quarterback mismatch on grass as it appeared on paper.

With Reilly and league-leading receivers Adarius Bowman and Derel Walker facing scarcely little pushback, the Edmonton Eskimos (4-4) rolled to to a 46-23 blowout against the Toronto Argonauts (4-4) at BMO Field on Saturday. Edmonton's defence harried Kilgore into throwing two interceptions, bringing the 26-year-old backup QB up to nine picks in three starts. Argonauts starter Ricky Ray (knee) is is expected to come off the injured list before Toronto's next game on Aug. 31.

Edmonton reached a season high for points before the game was even 34 minutes old. Toronto allowed 30-plus points for the fourth time in five games at BMO. Argos running back Brandon Whitaker's 108-yard output actually exceeded the combined 90 aerial yards from three passers.

Reilly ended a two-game TD-pass drought by going 26-of-31 for 362 yards and three touchdowns, while adding another score on a one-yard run. Bowman made three receptions for 86 yards and a touchdown to take over the CFL lead with 875 yards. Walker, who is second with 837, also made a TD catch.

Edmonton got big days out of its Canadian skill-position talent. Cory Watson had five receptions for 84 yards, while Nate Coehoorn and Calvin McCarty each scored TDs. Sean Whyte was 4-of-4 on field goals.

The lone negative for Edmonton was that RB John White left the game after suffering a severe cut on his left hand in the second quarter.

Argonauts coach Scott Milanovich mentored the Hamilton Tiger-Cats' Zach Collaros and Ottawa RedBlacks' Trevor Harris before each quarterback left for an opportunity to start with a rival Ontario team. Milanovich is trying to help break in Kilgore. The Argonauts won in Ottawa in Kilgore's first career start on July 31, but have been outscored 80-40 in back-to-back losses at BMO.

Kilgore was 7-of-14 for only 41 yards. Both of Patrick Watkins' two interceptions were both on timing routes where Kilgore telegraphed the pass. The Argonauts' only sustained drive under Kilgore's command was a 13-play, 75-yard march in the second quarter that was extended by 36 yards worth of pass interference penalties.

Cody Fajardo, normally the short-yardage specialist, was 6-of-12 for 44 yards. The scrambler had nine rushes for 47 yards and two TDs. Keon Raymond scored on a 40-yard interception on the first play of the game.

Diontae Spencer (six receptions, 37 yards) was the lone Argonauts receiver with more than one catch during the first three quarters.

Edmonton hosts the Saskatchewan Roughriders on Thursday.

With Ray due back, the Argonauts have a 10-day break to prepare for a two-game week. Toronto hosts the B.C. Lions on Aug. 31, prior to the Labour Day Classic against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Sept. 5.

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