The Calgary Stampeders are pleased to announce their finalists for the 2010 Gibson’s Finest Canadian Football League Player Awards — Henry Burris, Juwan Simpson, Jon Cornish, Burke Dales, Ben Archibald and Edwin Harrison.
These six team nominees were selected by six members of the Football Reporters of Canada (Calgary chapter) as well as one ballot cast by the Stamps coaching staff.
The Stampeders players will now compete against other West Division team nominees for the right to represent the West at the Gibson’s Finest CFL Player Awards ceremony during Grey Cup week in Edmonton.
The next round of winners will be announced on Thursday, Nov. 11 and the CFL Awards are Thursday, Nov. 25.
Here’s a look at the nominees:
Quarterback Henry Burris — Most outstanding player
Burris leads a Calgary offence that ranks first among all CFL clubs in average points scored per game (34.8), average offence per game (435.3), touchdowns (60), passing touchdowns (42), first downs (423) and average gain per pass (8.8). The Stamps offence boasts three 1,000-yard receivers for the first time since the 2000 season and has a shot at becoming the first CFL club in league history with three 1,000-yard receivers and three 500-yard rushers.
With one game remaining, Burris leads all pivots with 37 passing majors (he averages a major on 6.7 per cent of his passes, tops in the CFL), ranks second in passing yardage (4,890) and is tied for the second best quarterback rating (100.9). He has completed a career-high 66.0 per cent of passes this season (second among CFL pivots with a minimum of 100 completions) and averages a league-high 8.8 yards per attempt. Burris has also added 69 carries for 476 yards rushing.
Linebacker Juwan Simpson — Most outstanding defensive player
Simpson has started all but one game (he missed one contest with an injury) this season for the league’s stingiest defensive unit, which surrenders an average of 331.7 yards per game and 95.2 rushing yards per contest. The unit is tied for the league lead in fewest points given up at 25.1 per game.
Simpson posted career highs in most major defensive categories and, with one game remaining, is vying to be the only player in the league this season to lead their team in tackles, quarterback sacks and special-teams tackles. He has recorded 69 tackles, seven sacks, 17 special-teams tackles and one interception. He also added four knockdowns, one forced fumble, three fumble recoveries and one tackle for loss.
Running back Jon Cornish — Most outstanding Canadian
Cornish has posted career numbers this season as part of the CFL’s top-ranked rushing squad. He has rushed for 588 yards on 76 carries (his 7.7 yards-per-carry average is tops this year among all CFL backs with a minimum of 50 carries) and has caught 13 passes for 215 yards and one touchdown. Cornish is also among the team’s leaders with 12 special-teams tackles.
Punter Burke Dales — Most outstanding special teams player
Dales is having another strong year in his sixth season with Calgary. He has punted 113 times for 5,173 yards and leads all CFL punters with a 45.8-yard per punt average. He ranks third in the league with a 35.5-yard net average and has posted seven games with a net average above 40.0 yards per kick.
Tackle Ben Archibald — Most outstanding offensive lineman
A cornerstone of the Stamps offensive line, Archibald has started all 17 games this season. He has been a key component on an offensive line that paved the way for the league’s most proficient running game and has provided excellent protection for the league’s third-ranked passing attack. The Stamps lead the league in rushing yards per game (145.4), rushing first downs (154) and are second in sacks allowed (29).
Tackle Edwin Harrison — Most outstanding rookie
Harrison was a key member on the Stamps offensive line this season after taking over for Jeff Pilon, who retired prior to training camp. He started the first 15 games of the season at right tackle before being injured and helped the Stamps achieve the rushing and passing stats noted above.