Jaime Stein
CFL.ca
In years past I have had the privilege of acting as a voting member of the Football Reporters of Canada (FRC) for CFL Player Awards. The job is never easy and the decisions are often difficult. For many, the task takes considerable time and effort before a final outcome is reached.
With the aforementioned in mind, I present my choices for the East and West Division player awards as if I had a vote.
Special Teams (East):
Montreal – Larry Taylor
Toronto – Dominique Dorsey
Hamilton – Nick Setta
Winnipeg – Graeme Bell
This award was sealed by Dominique Dorsey ages ago as a result of his spectacular play on special teams. For a stretch of the season, he was THE reason to watch the Argonauts play. Every time he touched the ball it was like magic. Dorsey has been dominant; despite missing four games due to injury, he still leads the league with 2,892 combined yards.
Kudos also go out to Larry Taylor, who emerged as a return threat during the season and provided the Montreal Alouettes with the return game they so desperately desired. His 12.3 yards per punt return was the most of any player with more than 15 punt returns. One of the CFL’s best athletes, Nick Setta has been a rock in Hamilton as a punter, with a league best 47.7 yard average. It is only a matter of time before he wins this award in the East. Graeme Bell has battled all odds to return to the CFL this season and his team nomination is a great credit to his work ethic. His 22 special teams tackles ranks sixth in the CFL.
Special Teams (West):
Saskatchewan – Luca Congi
Calgary – Sandro DeAngelis
Edmonton – Tristan Jackson
BC – Ian Smart
There is no easy way to determine the winner of this special teams award in the West. That’s good news for fans of the CFL, but bad news for the voters. With two kickers and two returners, it is easier to compare each pair on their own to help narrow down the vote.
Head-to-head, Tristan Jackson has the edge on Ian Smart. Jackson’s 10.7 yard average (2 TD’s) on punt returns outdoes Smart’s 9.4 yard average (0 TD’s). In terms of kickoffs, the pair are virtually in a dead heat in average yardage and both have one kickoff return touchdown.
Breaking down the battle of the kickers is no easy task. No one has hit more field goals this year than DeAngelis (48) while Congi leads the league in field goal percentage (88.1%). One might be quick to give the award to Congi based on his field goal average, but when you think about it, DeAngelis has hit 11 more field goals than Congi – that is a lot of pressure to deal with as each kick presents its challenges. On the flip side, Congi’s 32.3 yard average per made field goal is second best in the CFL. He also lays claim to the longest field goal this season – a 55-yard bomb that proved to be a key contribution in a game where he would eventually nail the game winning field goal. So how do you choose between these two kickers? I’m going to take the easy way out – DeAngelis does kick-offs and Congi doesn’t. In fact, DeAngelis constantly provides his team with great field position (60.2 yard average kickoff) and that gives him a slight edge over Congi.
So now we put DeAngelis against Jackson. While Jackson can break games open once in a while, he was less consistent than the always dependable DeAngelis. My nod goes to Sandro DeAngelis.
Rookie (East):
Montreal – Larry Taylor
Toronto – Kenny Heatly
Hamilton – Prechae Rodriguez
Winnipeg – Brendon LaBatte
At first glance, Prechae Rodriguez appears to be the choice for top rookie. Rodriguez is zeroing in on a 1,000-yard season in his first campaign with the Black & Gold. He has caught passes from four different quarterbacks including seven TD receptions. He is a bright light in Steeltown and will provide an excellent target for whoever is under centre for years to come.
However, I am going to go off the board on this one. Brendan LaBatte, the offensive lineman from Winnipeg, is my choice for top rookie in the East. A first round draft pick by the Bombers, LaBatte is fiercely competitive, an excellent pass blocker and makes very few mental errors. The University of Regina product spends a vast amount of time watching film and has played in every game but one this season. Good offensive linemen are hard to find; LaBatte is a keeper.
Rookie (West):
Saskatchewan – Weston Dressler
Calgary – Dimitri Tsoumpas
Edmonton – Tristan Jackson
BC – Stefan Logan
Once again, the choice is not easy. Do you go with the speedy running back / returner in BC who averages the most yards per carry (7.1) among players with a minimum of 45 carries? Or do you choose the triple threat from Edmonton who has three kick returns for a touchdown, two interception returns (one for a TD), and has also lined up as a running back? Or do you go with the unheralded offensive lineman who has slid into the Calgary lineup and protected Henry Burris en route to his best season while opening holes for the CFL’s leading rusher? Or does the nod go to the little engine that could from Saskatchewan – the diminutive Weston Dressler who has recorded a 1,000-yard season while lining up at receiver under the direction of four different starting quarterbacks?
Based on the reasoning from my East rookie choice, Tsoumpas is the logical choice. But selecting award winners has never been logical. When his team needed him most, Weston Dressler stepped up and delivered for Saskatchewan and helped save a season that easily could have gone south due to the numerous injuries suffered in Riderville. Dressler is my choice.
O-Lineman (East):
Montreal – Scott Flory
Toronto – Taylor Robertson
Hamilton – Marwan Hage
Winnipeg – Dan Goodspeed
Selecting the outstanding offensive lineman is never an easy task. So much of the play along the line is the result of team work, hence you often see O-Linemen in their own tight knit groups off the field.
Scott Flory is the leader of the Alouettes’ offensive line – a line that has allowed QB Anthony Calvillo to have a career year. In fact, the Als have only allowed 18 quarterback sacks and the team has established a new club record for points scored. Flory, a five-time CFL All-Star, is my pick for the top O-Lineman in the East Division.
Honourable mention should be given to Marwan Hage. A loveable character off the field, he has been a stabilizing force for the Hamilton Ticats, again this season.
Winnipeg Blue Bomber and CFL.ca blogger Dan Goodspeed and Toronto Argonaut Taylor Robertson should be commended for their durability. Goodspeed has started every game at right tackle this season while Taylor Robertson has never missed a start in two years as an Argo. Both players should garner strong all-star consideration.
O-Lineman (West):
Saskatchewan – Gene Makowsky
Calgary – Rob Lazeo
Edmonton – John Comiskey
BC – Jason Jimenez
My initial inclination was to nominate Rob Lazeo as the West’s top offensive lineman. Lazeo has been a mentor to two up-and-coming O-Linemen in Dimitri Tsoumpas and Jesse Newman. Further to that, Calgary has an exceptional passing and running game. Joffrey Reynolds leads the league in rushing and Henry Burris is having an M.O.P.-like season (more on that in a minute). Lazeo, a cornerstone to this young line, has als
o started every game this season.
However, I am going to go ahead and select perennial favourite Gene Makowsky. Why? The answer is quite simple. Makowsky was asked to move from his familiar position at tackle to play the guard position. Makowsky excelled in his new position, but the story doesn’t end there. Due to injury, he returned to the tackle position for two games. Then, when centre Jeremy O’Day went down to injury, Makowsky once again slid down the line and started at centre. His versatility and his success protecting four different quarterbacks has been outstanding, not to mention Wes Cates has had a career year. Makowsky is the pick.
Defensive (East):
Montreal – Keron Williams
Toronto – Willie Pile
Hamilton – Chris Thompson
Winnipeg – Doug Brown
The vote for the top defensive player in the East is interesting, with three newcomers and one well-known veteran in the mix. Doug Brown is a constant force between the lines, often seen bull rushing his way through a pair of offensive linemen en route to the quarterback. He has started every game this season for the Bombers and remains one of the best defensive tackles in the league.
In Hamilton, Chris Thompson has established himself as one of the league’s emerging defensive backs while Willie Pile is a leader of the revamped Argos defence.
However, my choice for top defensive player in the East is Montreal’s Keron Williams. One of the best free agent signings of this past off-season, Williams leads the Alouettes with 10 sacks. He anchors a defensive line which has allowed just one running back to rush for more than 100-yards and he is a menace towards the opposition. His presence is one of the reasons why Montreal sits atop of the East Division.
Defensive (West):
Saskatchewan – Maurice Lloyd
Calgary – Shannon James
Edmonton – Jason Goss
BC – Cameron Wake
Maurice Lloyd is my choice for the West’s top defensive player… in any other year. I love the way Lloyd plays; his swagger, his attitude, his effort. However, a young man named Cameron Wake has taken this league by storm (again). Wake has terrorized quarterbacks to the tune of 20 sacks. He blocks field goals with his unreal leaping ability. He runs back fumbles for touchdowns with the fleetest of foot. There is nothing this humble freak-of-nature cannot do.
A few years back, one offensive coordinator told me that Goss was the one Ticat defensive back he worried about. Credit goes to Jason Goss for reinventing himself in Edmonton. Shannon James is also becoming an annual threat for this award with his consistent play in Calgary.
Canadian (East):
Montreal – Ben Cahoon
Toronto – Andre Talbot
Hamilton – Ray Mariuz
Winnipeg – Doug Brown
This is a solid list of candidates from which to choose from for the top Canadian in the East. Andre Talbot is a fearless receiver and a tireless worker and he is enjoying his best season as a pro. He has developed into a leader on offence for the Argonauts.
Ray Mariuz’s career seemed to fade into the background when he signed with Hamilton as a free agent a year after winning a Grey Cup in Toronto. Always a force on special teams, Mariuz has finally shown his ability to succeed on defence. He has made 64 defensive tackles, two quarterback sacks, one forced fumble, one fumble recovery, and one pass knockdown in addition to leading the Ticats with 14 special teams tackles.
Doug Brown’s accomplishments were discussed above and he is my runner-up choice for this award.
However, my pick for top Canadian in the East is Ben Cahoon, a seven-time nominee and two-time winner as the CFL’s top Canadian. In addition to setting the all-time receiving mark for a non-import (859 receptions) this year, Cahoon became the first Alouette to record eight 1,000-yard seasons. Cahoon leads the CFL with 105 receptions, is fifth in the league with 1,207 yards, and has scored seven touchdowns.
Canadian (West):
Saskatchewan – Gene Makowsky
Calgary – Mike Labinjo
Edmonton – Kamau Peterson
BC – Paris Jackson
Selecting the top Canadian in the West is a daunting task. Gene Makowsky’s contributions to the Saskatchewan Roughriders are tremendous, as noted above. Surprisingly, this is Makowsky’s first nomination as outstanding Canadian. However, this year he is up against some formidable talent.
My dark horse candidate would be Mike Labinjo in Calgary. He made the shift from linebacker to defensive end and become a force on Calgary’s defensive line. He is tied for the team lead with five sacks. He also has forced two fumbles and notched six tackles for a loss. I love the energy he brings to the field and how he motivates his teammates. In any other year, Labinjo would have been my choice.
But this year is different. It has been a magical year on offence and two players with inconsistent pasts have stepped to the fore. Paris Jackson has matured into an outstanding receiver. Surrounded by so much talent in BC during his career, he is now viewed as one of the group. The kid from North Vancouver with a ton of potential has reached and exceeded expectations and is one of the league’s best deep threats.
In the other corner is Kamau Peterson. Often dubbed “Incomplete-erson” in the past, Kamau became the leader in the Esks’ receiving core after a devastating injury to Jason tucker. Peterson’s breakout moment came in a subsequent game when he got drilled making a circus catch over the middle. He popped up instantly and revealed the #83 (Tucker’s number) on his undershirt. That sparked his teammates and showed the heart and desire that he possesses.
So how do you choose between Jackson and Peterson?
Jackson has 73 receptions for 1,149 yards and seven TD’s. Peterson has 91 receptions for 1,209 yards and four TD’s. These numbers hardly constitute the basis for breaking a tie.
I will have to follow my gut on this one and go with Peterson – I can’t erase that single moment of courage from my mind.
Player (East):
Montreal – Anthony Calvillo
Toronto – Dominique Dorsey
Hamilton – Chris Thompson
Winnipeg – Doug Brown
My old broadcast partner, Peter Martin, always used to say, “If ‘ifs’ and ‘buts’ were candy and nuts…” You get the point. Well, if Dominique Dorsey had remained healthy for the final third of the 2008 season there was a slight chance that he could have challenged Anthony Calvillo for this award. However, Dorsey’s dream season was cut short due to injury and Calvillo ends this race with no competitors in his review mirror.
Calvillo has simply dominated the CFL in 2008. He has passed for more than 5,000 yards and tossed 43 touchdowns to just 13 interceptions. He is closing in on the CFL record for most completions in a season (472 to Ricky Ray’s 479). Calvillo set the CFL record for most completions in a game (44), earlier this year against the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
Calvillo faced tremendous off-field adversity last season, but has returned to post one of the best seasons of his Hall of Fame career. For these reasons, Calvillo is my nominee for the East Division Most Outstanding Player.
Doug Brown and Chris Thompson should also be congratulated on their excellent seasons. Doug Brown is o
ne of the best defenders in the league while Thompson’s nine interceptions make him a feared face in the Ticats’ secondary and a player to watch for the future.
Player (West):
Saskatchewan – Wes Cates
Calgary – Henry Burris
Edmonton – Ricky Ray
BC – Cameron Wake
Scanning the nominees for Outstanding Player in the West is like staring at the CFL’s A-List. This decision may be the most difficult, especially considering all four guys are members of playoff-bound teams.
Ricky Ray always puts up gaudy numbers and this year was no different. However, my vote is going to stray from Ray.
There is something seductive about selecting Wes Cates. He is so fluid when catching the ball out of the backfield and so dominant when powering through defenders. He is second in CFL rushing with 210 carries for 1,200 yards and 12 rushing touchdowns. He has also recorded 38 catches for 428 yards and two touchdowns. I hate to use injury as a deciding factor, but given the level of competition put forth in the West by Burris and Wake, Cates is not my choice, either.
So it comes down to Cameron Wake, the defensive phenom who challenged the sack record posted by James “Quick” Parker and Henry Burris, who showed a lot of “Good Hank” and very little “Bad Hank” during the season.
Wake has dazzling athletic ability, a motor that won’t quit, yet is humble and unassuming off the field. In a game where most fans pay to watch offence, he is a defender that puts fans in the stands and is thus nominated for an award traditionally reserved for offensive players.
Burris has led his team to first place in the West Division, one of the most competitive divisions in the modern era. Burris has set career highs for passing yardage, touchdown passes, completions and completion percentage. He leads all quarterbacks with 574 rushing yards.
This one is a tough call, but when the CFL is all about history and tradition why break the mold? Henry Burris is my choice.
Jaime Stein is the Canadian Football League’s Manager of Digital Media and the former play-by-play voice of the Toronto Argonauts.
