Rookie QB James Franklin leads Eskimos to 38-15 win over Argonauts

EDMONTON — Rookie quarterback James Franklin threw one touchdown and ran in another as the Edmonton Eskimos beat the Toronto Argonauts 38-15 on Friday.

The win moved the Eskimos (6-3) back into a first-place in the CFL’s West Division with the Calgary Stampeders. Edmonton was coming off a 49-20 loss to the Hamilton Tiger-Cats last week.

Get breaking National news

For news impacting Canada and around the world, sign up for breaking news alerts delivered directly to you when they happen.

Sign up for breaking National newsletter Sign Up

By providing your email address, you have read and agree to Global News' Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy.

Toronto saw a three-game winning streak snapped and fell to 6-3 on the season.

Franklin, making his first career start in place of Matt Nichols, engineered a 92-yard opening drive before capping it off by eluding a tackle and scrambling 18 yards into the end zone for an early 7-0 lead.

WATCH: Edmonton Eskimos’ James Franklin on his early football days

Franklin hit Derel Walker with a 53-yard pass, setting up a 23-yard Grant Shaw field goal on Edmonton’s second drive.

Toronto got on the scoreboard midway through the second quarter, getting a single on a missed Swayze Waters field goal attempt. The Eskimos responded with a punt single.