By paNOW Staff

Roughriders defeat Edmonton Eskimos 31-23 in season finale

Nov 7, 2010 | 7:52 AM

paNOW Staff

The Saskatchewan Roughriders defeated the Edmonton Eskimos 31-23 Saturday night at Mosaic Stadium.

The Riders trailed 16-5 late in the second quarter but scored 10 points to make it 16-15 at the half.

The Riders rolled in the third quarter as they scored touchdowns on their opening drives of the second half to make it 29-16. Wes Cates scored his league leading 16th touchdown and two plays after the defence recovered a Ricky Ray fumble, Andy Fantuz caught a 27-yard touchdown pass.

Later on in third quarter, punter Eddie Johnson kicked a perfect coffin corner punt that went out just inches from the goal line, leading to an Eskimo safety and the score was 31-16 heading into the fourth quarter.

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With the Eskimos season in the balance, Edmonton could only muster a late comeback, scoring a touchdown with 1:24 on the clock. On the ensuing on-side kick, the Eskimos were able to touch the ball but the review showed the ball was out of bounds. The Eskimos ran out of time and the Riders were able to eliminate their western rival.

The win snaps a four-game losing streak and ends the regular season for the Riders.

The win over the Eskimos, combined with a B.C. victory earlier in the day, means the green and white will face the Lions in next weekend's Western Semi-Final in Regina at Mosaic Stadium.

The Lions had a come-from-behind 23-21 victory over the Hamilton Tiger Cats Saturday afternoon at Ivor Wynne Stadium.

Not only did Wes Cates get his league leading touchdown, but Andy Fantuz was able to surpass Terrance Edwards to become the league leader in receiving yards. Fantuz is the first Rider to finish the season with the league lead in receiving yards since Curtis Marsh did so in 2000. Fantuz also becomes the first Canadian to lead the league in receiving since Dave Sapunjis had 1,655 yards in 1995 for the Calgary Stampeders.