Eskimos bash Alouettes in Thanksgiving Day affair

The Edmonton Eskimos thanked Drew Willy for two interceptions and ran away with a 42-24 victory over the Montreal Alouettes on Thanksgiving Day to snap their six-game losing skid.

Mike Reilly only completed 45 percent of his passes, but he tossed a pair of touchdowns in the win. C.J. Gable, acquired in a trade with the Hamilton Tiger-Cats on Oct. 2, rushed for 111 yards and a touchdown.

Willy, who drew the start at quarterback for Montreal, threw for 193 yards with the two picks, and failed to register a touchdown.

The Alouettes started the game in style, putting 15 points on the board in the first quarter and heading into the second frame with an eight-point advantage. The Eskimos responded, though, outscoring Montreal 16-6 in the second quarter, giving them a 23-21 lead at halftime.

A quiet third quarter saw both teams score three points. Edmonton saved its best football for the frame that mattered most, pitching a 16-0 shutout in the fourth to clinch the win.

The victory moves Edmonton to 8-6 on the season, while Montreal is now 3-12 and a game behind the Tiger-Cats in the East Division for the final playoff spot in the CFL.