Eskimos claim 14th Grey Cup in franchise history with win over RedBlacks

Two defensive pass interference plays cost the Ottawa RedBlacks their first ever championship, as the Edmonton Eskimos proved triumphant with a 26-20 win in the 103rd Grey Cup.

Pinned down in their own end, the Eskimos marched all the way up the field one last time this season, led by quarterback Mike Reilly, who was rightfully named game MVP.

Related: Eskimos QB Mike Reilly named Grey Cup MVP

The Ottawa secondary got beat twice, and in an effort to recover, committed two costly interferences on the Eskimos' game-winning drive. On the ensuing play, Edmonton scored the go-ahead touchdown and converted the two-point play.

Reilly finished the day with touchdown passes to Adarius Bowman and Akeem Shavers on 21-of-25 passing for 269 yards. Meanwhile, the Edmonton defence allowed only four second-half points to guide the Eskimos to their first Grey Cup since 2005, and their 10th consecutive victory.

Early on in the game, though, it appeared as though Ottawa was going to run away with this one.

The RedBlacks already had a slight advantage coming in, with Most Outstanding Player Henry Burris taking snaps under centre. To make matters worse for Edmonton, the first two drives of the game were less than memorable, to say the least.

By winning the coin flip, the Eskimos deferred and Ottawa took the opportunity to score on its first drive. Edmonton proceeded to fumble the ball on its next possession, and the RedBlacks pounced to a 13-0 lead

But Edmonton wouldn't go away quietly, as it bounced back for 10 first-quarter points to cut the lead to three. Before the half was over, the Eskimos jumped out to a 17-16 lead, thanks to a late first-half touchdown by Shavers - his first in the CFL.

Burris was modest at best, throwing for 220 yards, two touchdowns, and an interception. What's worse is he was unable to generate a touchdown after the opening two drives.