Alouettes dominate East Division nominees again
Published on November 2, 2004 under Canadian Football League (CFL)
Montreal Alouettes News Release
Montreal, November 2, 2004 - Of the six players nominated for the CFL's Most Outstanding Players, four wear the Alouettes' red, white and blue:
Most Outstanding Player: ANTHONY CALVILLO
For the third consecutive year, the East Division's Most Outstanding Player is the league's most prolific passer: Anthony Calvillo. In 2004, Calvillo became only the fourth quarterback in CFL history to break the 6,000 yards passing mark. With help from his extremely talented receiving corps, Calvillo led the league with the most passing yards (6,041), most attempts (690) and most completions (431). One of the few CFL quarterbacks to call his own plays, Calvillo distributed the ball so well that four of his receivers gained over 1,000 yards. Among his major achievements, Calvillo led the Alouettes this season to a fifth division title in six years.
Most Outstanding Defensive Player: ANWAR STEWART
Rush end Anwar Stewart has truly made his mark on one of the best defences in the CFL. First on the team and fifth in the league with nine quarterback sacks, Stewart also intercepted four passes including two which he returned for touchdowns this season. He finished the year with 21 tackles, four special teams tackles, and 11 knockdowns. In his third season as an Alouette, Stewart has truly distinguished himself as a player who makes a difference on defence.
Most Outstanding Lineman: UZOOMA OKEKE
A veteran of the Als' offensive line since 1997, Okeke has the experience and attitude needed to protect his quarterback and running backs and he has always played with unmatched passion and pride. He's made a major contribution to the Montreal offence, the first ever to boast four 1,000-yard receivers. Okeke won this award in 1999 on top of his East Division nomination in 1998.
Most Outstanding Rookie: ALMONDO CURRY
Since his debut game, Curry has become one of the most fearsome cornerbacks in the league. In his first season in the CFL, Curry led the Alouettes and finished third in the CFL with five interceptions for 140 yards, including one which he returned for a touchdown. He made 52 tackles, one quarterback sack, four special teams tackles and eight knockdowns. With Curry in the backfield, opposing quarterbacks must always be wary of a potential interception.
Interesting notes
* In the last two seasons including this year (2002 to 2004), the Alouettes won 14 of the 18 East Division Most Outstanding Player awards.
* Anthony Calvillo could become the first player since Doug Flutie in 1996 and 1997 to win back-to-back Most Outstanding Player Awards.
* Anthony Calvillo was named East Division Most Outstanding Player after the last three seasons.
* Ben Cahoon was named CFL Most Outstanding Canadian in 2002 and 2003.
* Over the last six years, four Alouettes have won the CFL Most Outstanding Lineman honour, the most recent being Bryan Chiu in 2002.
* Over the last seven years, Alouettes' offensive linemen have won six East Division Most Outstanding Lineman awards.
* Alouettes players have won the last three East Division Most Outstanding Defensive Player Awards.
* No Alouette player has ever won the Most Outstanding Defensive Player award or the Most Outstanding Special Teams Player award.
* The only Montreal player to have won the Most Outstanding Rookie award was Dwaine Wilson of the Concordes in 1984.
Canadian Football League Stories from November 2, 2004
- Eskimos place three on 2004 CFL West Division All-Star team - Edmonton Elks
- Records continue to fall - Montreal Alouettes
- Argo Eiben named Lew Hayman Award winner - Toronto Argonauts
- McNeil, Dittman Grace and Boese named West Division All-Stars - Calgary Stampeders
- Six Riders chosen as All-Stars - Saskatchewan Roughriders
- Makowsky nominated as CFL's top lineman - Saskatchewan Roughriders
- Pair of Stamps named Western Division finalists - Calgary Stampeders
- Josh Ranek named CFL All-Star - Ottawa Renegades
- Jason Armstead named division nominee for outstanding special teams award - Ottawa Renegades
- Alouettes dominate East Division nominees again - Montreal Alouettes
- Stamps solidify defensive line - Calgary Stampeders
- Stampeder Notes - Calgary Stampeders
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