B.C. Lions roar by placing seven players on CFL year-end all-star team
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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 07/11/2006 (7221 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.
VANCOUVER (CP) – The B.C. defence chewed up teams all season – so it’s no surprise five of the seven Lion players named to the CFL all-star team Tuesday are from the defence.
The Lions placed more players on the all-star team than any other team with Geroy Simon, the league’s leading receiver, being the only unanimous selection.
“It means a lot,” said Simon, the West’s nominee as outstanding player after leading the league with 105 catches for 1,856 yards and 15 touchdowns. “To be the only unanimous pick, it shows a lot of respect.”
The Lions defence was first or second in’ of 25 CFL categories. B.C. led the league in quarterback sacks (59), interceptions (36) and average yards allowed a game (299). Only the Toronto Argonauts (333) allowed fewer points than B.C.’s 341.
“It’s just recognition for a good season,” said all-star defensive end Brent Johnson. “Collectively we played very well together.
“The guys that did get recognized were the players that stood out most on the team we had.”
Johnson, who topped the CFL with 16 sacks, is the West nominee as outstanding defensive player and top Canadian.
Other Lions named to the all-star team include offensive tackle Rob Murphy, the West nominee as outstanding lineman; safety Barron Miles, who led the CFL with 10 interceptions; defensive back Korey Banks, who returned one of his seven interceptions for a touchdown; linebacker Otis Floyd, September’s defensive player of the month; and defensive tackle Tyrone Williams, who had two lineman of the week awards.
The Calgary Stampeders and Winnipeg Blue Bombers each have five players on the team. The Saskatchewan Roughriders earned four all-star nods, Toronto three, Edmonton two and Montreal one.
At–5, B.C. had the best record in the CFL. The Lions also have players nominated in five of the six outstanding player categories.
Simon said while the accolades are nice, the team remains focused on beating Saskatchewan in Sunday’s West Final. The winner will advance to the Grey Cup against either Toronto or Montreal.
“To have a great season is one thing,” he said. “The main thing is to win your division and (play) in the Grey Cup and ultimately win the Grey Cup.
“That’s what we are focused on. All the accolades come when you win.”
Johnson said the Lions want to prove they are worthy of the praise.
“I think the pressure comes from wanting to play at that calibre which got you to be an all-star,” he said.