REDBLACKS announce 2018 team award winners
The Ottawa REDBLACKS announced on Tuesday the team winners for the 2018 Shaw CFL Awards.
The award recipients were selected by voting members of the Football Reporters of Canada (FRC) and CFL head coaches.
The Ottawa winners are:
Most Outstanding Player: Trevor Harris, QB
Harris had a career year in terms of pass completions (431) and passing yards (5,116). It is the first time in his career that he has reached the 5,000 yard mark, on top of doubling his number of interceptions into touchdowns with 22 against 11.
Most Outstanding Defensive Player: Derico Murray, DB
Murray was a key piece in the REDBLACKS’ defensive success this season, finishing second on the team with 54 tackles. He was also second on the team in interceptions with 3 of them coming at big moments over the year. Murray also forced a fumble over the course of the season.
Most Outstanding Canadian Player: Brad Sinopoli, WR
It was a career year for the Canadian receiver Brad Sinopoli. He beat his career high of 1,036 receiving yards by over 300, ending the year with 1,376, which was good enough for third in the CFL. Sinopoli led the league in receptions with 116 and tied his career high for touchdowns with 4.
Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman: Alex Mateas, OL
Appearing in 17 games at center for the REDBLACKS, Mateas was the ultimate steady presence on the offensive line this year in Ottawa. A leader for this club, Mateas and his teammates helped QB Trevor Harris have what could be the best season of his CFL career. Mateas continued to excel playing centre after sliding over to the position last year.
Most Outstanding Special Teams: Lewis Ward*
Ward had an outstanding rookie campaign for the REDBLACKS, only missing one field goal all season leading up to Week 21. Making 49 of 50 field goals, the only miss coming in his first CFL game, Ward went on to beat the single-season CFL record for most consecutive field goals, the all-time CFL field goal record and Adam Vinatieri’s pro football record of 44 consecutive field goals made. He currently is at 46 consecutive field goals made and counting.
Most Outstanding Rookie: Lewis Ward*
It is with no surprise that Ward is elected rookie of the year for the REDBLACKS, and has a strong case to be the CFL’s ROY. With an impressive 49 for 50 field goals made, which is good enough for a 98% of field goals made, his longest coming from 52 yards out.
*Indicates a unanimous selection
The East and West Division winners for the 2018 Shaw CFL Awards will be announced on Thursday, November 8.
The 2018 Shaw CFL Awards will take place on Thursday, November 22 in Edmonton, Alberta at Winspear. Tickets to the Shaw CFL Awards are sold out.
