CFL Montreal Alouettes

12 Alouettes among all-stars

Published on October 29, 2003 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Montreal Alouettes News Release


Montreal, October 29, 2003 - The Canadian Football League unveiled today the East Division All-Star team and to no one's surprise, the Alouettes have the most candidates with 12 players, including four of the five offensive linemen. Here are more details on the Alouettes East All-Stars:

Quarterback: ANTHONY CALVILLO (3rd nomination - 2000, 2002) It is no surprise to find the most prolific passer in the CFL this season as the East Division's top quarterback. One of the league's only quarterbacks to call his own plays, Calvillo led the Alouettes to a fourth division championship in five seasons. This season, Calvillo also broke team records for most passing attempts (675), most completions (408), most passing yards (5891) and most touchdown passes (37). He also leads the CFL in all those categories, which makes him the favorite for the CFL Most Outstanding Player Award.

Slotback: JEREMAINE COPELAND (1st nomination) Undoubtedly the most dangerous receiver in the CFL, Copeland dominated the league in 2003 with gains of 1757 receiving yards and set an Alouettes' team record with 14 touchdowns on receptions. While he is double-teamed on most plays, Copeland always gets open and makes the key plays. His successes have allowed teammate Ben Cahoon to get open more often and have a dream season.

Slotback: BEN CAHOON (4th nomination - 1999, 2000, 2002) The 2002 CFL Most Outstanding Canadian Player is the favourite to win it again in 2003. Cahoon has had the best season ever for a Canadian receiver in the CFL with 112 receptions. He dominated the league and became the first receiver in the history of the Alouettes to catch more than 100 passes in a season. Cahoon finished the season with a league-leading 112 receptions for gains of 1561 yards (3rd - CFL) and a CFL-best 15 touchdowns (tied with Milt Stegall and Mike Pringle).

Tackle: NEAL FORT (4th nomination - 1995, 1996, 1997) A 10-year veteran in the Canadian Football League, Neal Fort has always been one of the most consistent and dominant player in the league. At 6'7'' and 350 lbs., Fort can not only protect his quarterback flawlessly, but he also excells at making openings for running backs and receivers in their routes.

Tackle: UZOOMA OKEKE (5th nomination - 1997, 1998, 1999, 2002) The CFL top lineman in 1998, Uzooma Okeke continues to dominate the battles on the line. One of the most discreet players on the Alouettes, he shuts down the toughest opponents game in and game out.

Guard: SCOTT FLORY (2nd nomination - 2002) Born in Saskatchewan, Scott Flory has quickly become one of the pillars on the most dominating offensive line of the league. A CFL and East Division All-Star in 2002, Flory is a young rising star in Canadian Football. He is becoming one of the leaders of the offensive line who allowed Anthony Calvillo to have such a dominating season.

Center: BRYAN CHIU (4th nomination - 2000, 2001, 2002) The 2002 CFL Most Outstanding Lineman is having the best moments of his career. He deserves a major part of the credit as for the successes that the Alouettes have had in the passing game in 2003 and for all the records that were broken by Calvillo and his receivers.

Defensive tackle: ED PHILION (1st nomination) Considering the fact he has played all 18 regular season games for the first time of his career, it is not a surprise to finally see Ed Philion earn a spot on the East Division All-Star team. This defensive tackle consistently works in double coverage and still finds a way to stand out and create havoc in the opponents' offensive backfield. He led the Alouettes with seven sacks (tied with Anwar Stewart) and made the first two interceptions of his career.

Defensive end: ANWAR STEWART (1st nomination) Anwar Stewart was one of the best surprises of the Alouettes in 2003. With the departure of Reggie Lowe, Stewart answered the challenge and finished first of the team with seven quarterback sacks (tied with Ed Philion). He also added 37 tackles.

Linebacker: KEVIN JOHNSON (2nd nomination - 2002) The Alouettes' defence conceded the fewest first downs and the fewest total yards in the league in 2003. It is one of the best in the CFL and its success is directly related to the performances of linebacker Kevin Johnson. The Alouettes' leader with 75 tackles, Johnson excels against the run and against the pass. With four quarterback sacks and two forced fumbles, he is a playmaker who can make the difference in a game.

Linebacker: TIMOTHY STRICKLAND (1st nomination) After a key defensive knock down in the 2002 Grey Cup game, Timothy Strickland continued in the same path in 2003. Leader of the best defence in the league, Strickland calls the plays on the field. He excells at reading the opposing offences and can cover big running backs as well as speedy receivers. He finished second on the Alouettes with 54 tackles and made four quarterback sacks.

Defensive back: BARRON MILES (4th nomination - 1999, 2000, 2002) The 2002 East Division Most Outstanding Defensive Player has had another excellent season finishing first on the team for a second consecutive year with six interceptions for gains of 55 yards. Miles is one of the most efficient defensive backs in the CFL. He made 41 tackles, knocked down five passes and added a quarterback sack.

Check out the Montreal Alouettes Statistics

Share: Facebook | Twitter/X | LinkedIn | Reddit | Email



Canadian Football League Stories from October 29, 2003


The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.

OurSports Central