When the going got tough, Mike Reilly got tougher Thursday night as the Edmonton Eskimos quarterback generated a last-minute drive leading to a game-winning touchdown and a 31-28 victory over the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
The Tiger-Cats led for much of the game, getting on the board early with a pair of field goals and a safety, but the Eskimos stayed persistent, and a touchdown to Vidal Hazelton with 33 seconds left to play followed by a successful two-point conversion sealed the deal.
Reilly was a key factor in the come-from-behind victory, completing 27-of-37 passes for 350 yards and three touchdowns, outperforming his counterpart Zach Collaros, who completed 22-of-35 passes for 249 yards, a touchdown, and a pair of interceptions.
Eskimos wideout Brandon Zylstra led all receivers on the night, reeling in eight catches for 113 yards. Bryant Mitchell and Corey Watson, along with Hazelton, each had a touchdown reception courtesy of Reilly.
Sergio Castillo did yeoman's work for the Tiger-Cats, converting four-of-four field goals on the night, but his teammates were simply unable to generate enough offense to complement his contribution.
The Eskimos will look to remain perfect in week 6 as they await the BC Lions at home on July 28, while the Tiger-Cats are still searching for their first win of the season and will look to earn it on the road against the Calgary Stampeders on July 29.