CFL B.C. Lions

Lions Place Seven On West Division All-Star Squad

Published on November 11, 2009 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
B.C. Lions News Release


The BC Lions Football Club is pleased to announce that seven players have been named to the 2009 CFL West Division All-Star team. Geroy Simon and Martell Mallett were named to the offensive team with Aaron Hunt, Anton McKenzie, Korey Banks, Barron Miles getting defensive honours. On special teams, linebacker Jason Arakgi made the squad.

The seven Lions selections came by way of 54 voting members of the Football Reporters of Canada (FRC) representing eight CFL markets and a national chapter as well as the eight CFL head coaches and CFL fans from across the country.

Through the CFL.ca All-Star balloting program, nearly half a million player selections were cast by fans across the country. The final round of voting for fans reopens today and closes on Sunday, November 15th prior to the first game of the 2009 CFL playoffs. The CFL All-Stars will be announced on Tuesday, November 17th.

OFFENCE:

Geroy Simon (R) - Simon led the Lions with 1,239 yards on 79 receptions (4th in CFL) and added six TD's despite battling constant double and triple coverage. The 11-year CFL veteran and one of the league's most dangerous offensive weapons posted his seventh straight 1,000-yard season which featured six games of 100 yards or more, including a 170-yard, two TD highlight reel performance in the Leos' last-second victory over Edmonton in Week 15. This is Simon's sixth West Division selection ('03,'04,'06,'07,'08).

Martell Mallett (RB) - A first-time honour for the rookie running back, Mallett racked up 1,240 yards and six TD's on 214 carries despite sitting out Weeks 17 and 18 due to a lingering foot injury. The versatile Pine Bluff, Arkansas native also notched 43 receptions for 342 yards and two TD's. After arriving on the scene in Week 1, the 'Hammer' immediately made an impact in his first season as a Leo, including a 21-carry, 213-yard performance versus the East Division powerhouse Montreal Alouettes, earning him the nod as the league's outstanding offensive player for Week 10.

DEFENCE:

Aaron Hunt (DT) - The fourth-year Lion and former Most Outstanding Rookie (2006) continues his streak as an All-Star with his fourth West Division nod in as many seasons. Ringing up four sacks, 35 defensive tackles, three pass knockdowns and four tackles for a loss, Hunt helped anchor a defensive line that led the league in sacks (45) for the fourth consecutive season.

Anton McKenzie (LB) - With his second consecutive divisional all-star honour, McKenzie led the Leos with 85 tackles in his first season in Black and Orange. The fourth-year CFL vet also ranked third on the club with four tackles for a loss and added six sacks - the highest total among West Division 'backers.

Barron Miles (S) - Miles grabs his fifth West Division distinction in as many seasons after helping anchor the Lions' defensive backfield with 54 tackles. The 12-year CFL vet and feared ballhawk led the league in interceptions with eight - enough to move him into second spot all-time with 66 career picks. Further adding to his accolades, Miles also blocked a convert in 2009 to become the all-time CFL leader with 13 career blocked kicks. In addition to his five West Division All-Star nods ('05,'06,'07, 08), Miles was named an East Division All-Star in 1999, 2000, 2002 and 2003 as a member of the Montreal Alouettes.

SPECIAL TEAMS

Jason Arakgi (ST) - With his first divisional All-Star honour, Aragki rounded out his sophomore season with 35 special teams tackles after leading the category for most of the 2009 season. The speedy special teams warrior was on pace to set a new league record for season totals in the category before he was sidelined in Week 17 due to a pulled quad muscle.

The BC Lions travel to Hamilton to take on the Tiger-Cats in the East Division Semi-Final on Sunday, November 15th at 1:00 pm (ET). Catch all the action live on the new home of the Lions, TEAM 1410 - Sunday's pregame show begins at 9:00 am. Follow the Lions daily on Twitter throughout the 2009 season! For more information on the BC Lions Football Club, please visit our website at bclions.com.

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Canadian Football League Stories from November 11, 2009


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