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Eskimos win battle of CFL's best with narrow victory over Stampeders

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The Calgary Stampeders' impressive 7-0 run at McMahon Stadium has officially ended at the hands of their dreaded division and provincial rivals, the Edmonton Eskimos.

Quarterback Mike Reilly threw for 264 yards, a touchdown to wide receiver Kenny Stafford, and two interceptions as Edmonton eked out a 15-11 victory over Calgary on Saturday night.

The Eskimos improve to 11-4 on the year with their fifth straight win, tying the team atop the standings in the Stampeders, while also clinching the tiebreaker after splitting the first two meetings. The winner of the West at the end of the season earns an automatic trip to the division final, including a bye week before the big game.

Reilly got a big assist from kicker Sean Whyte, who completed two field goals, a convert, and two punt singles.

Calgary quarterback Bo Levi Mitchell completed just 17 of his 32 pass attempts for 230 yards and a touchdown, and threw a pair of costly interceptions. One pick came in the game's final moments to safety Cauchy Muamba, securing the game for the Eskimos.

Edmonton was in control early on with a commanding 14-1 lead, but Calgary clawed back with nine points in the final two minutes of the first half on the back of a touchdown pass to Eric Rogers, a two-point rushing conversion, and a kick-off single.

That was about as close as the game would get, with both offenses drying up in the final two quarters, combining for two measly points.

On Oct. 17, the Eskimos will host the B.C. Lions while the Stampeders visit Toronto to take on the Argonauts.

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