July 10, 2012

Als’ Whitaker headlines Week 2 Players of the Week

CFL.ca Staff

Taylor Takes off Running

Taylor set a franchise record with 441 all-purpose yards, highlighted by a 125-yard missed field goal return for a touchdown.
» WATCH: Taylor’s big return

TORONTO — Brandon Whitaker, Adam Bighill, Larry Taylor and Andrew Harris were named the Gibson’s Finest CFL Players of the Week for Week 2, the Canadian Football League announced today.

The four players were chosen by a panel of judges including: former Canadian Football League players Matt Dunigan and Duane Forde, now of TSN, and Pierre Vercheval of RDS.

Als running back Brandon Whitaker spearheaded a high-powered Alouettes offence to a 41-30 win over the visiting Blue Bombers, en-route to being named the Offensive Player of the Week.

Whitaker garnered a staggering 235 yards in Montreal’s home opener, rushing 16 times for 98 yards and a touchdown, while hauling in 11 receptions for 137 yards and a pair of scores through the air.

BC linebacker Adam Bighill played an integral role in the Lions’ narrow 39-36 victory over the Tiger-Cats on Friday night, being named Defensive Player of the Week for his efforts.

The 23-year old registered a game-high nine tackles to go along with his first career sack and forced fumble.

He currently leads the Lions in tackles with 11.

It was a stellar afternoon for Stampeders kick returner Larry Taylor, who is the Week 2 Special Teams Player of the Week.

Taylor had one reception for 13 yards, eight kick returns for 222 yards, two punt returns for 70 yards and one missed field goal return for a 125-yard touchdown, totalling 441 all-purpose yards – a Stampeders franchise record.

His performance lands him at second all-time behind former Blue Bomber Albert Johnson III’s 474-yard performance in 2000.

Finally, Lions tailback Andrew Harris is the Canadian Player of the Week, following his play in BC’s second win of the year.

The Winnipeg native notched his first 100-yard rushing game, taking off for 147 yards – 110 of which came in the fourth quarter – and one touchdown.

He also added six yards on a pair of receptions.