Esks can’t hold on to lead, lose 19-12 to Riders on Thanksgiving

After leading for most of the game, the Eskimos fell 19-12 to the Saskatchewan Roughriders after an interception return by Willie Jefferson led to a touchdown late in the fourth quarter on Monday.

The win improved the Riders’ record to 10-5 and pushed the team closer to a home playoff game.

Saskatchewan sits alone in second place in the CFL’s West Division, four points ahead of the Winnipeg Blue Bombers, who they will face on Saturday in a key divisional matchup.

The Riders have won seven of their past eight games.

Edmonton (7-8) lost its fifth consecutive road game and dropped into fifth place in the West.

LISTEN: “It’s a loss, it sucks, and we have to get better.” Eskimos coach Jason Maas speaks to 630 CHED following their loss to Saskatchewan.

Jefferson’s 49-yard pick-six was the game’s only major score. Brett Lauther kicked four field goals for Saskatchewan.

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LISTEN: Edmonton defensive lineman Alex Bazzie speaks to 630 CHED following the loss.

Sean Whyte kicked four field goals for the Eskimos.