Bert Faibish
Ticats.ca
In a sport where success is dependent on cohesion and unity, this week the CFL took time to recognize individual accomplishments across the league by announcing their selections for East and West division All-Stars.
For the Ticats, it was some familiar names and one first time All-Star that earned recognition from fans and voters across the league.
Marwan Hage, Arland Bruce III, Dave Stala and Markeith Knowlton were chosen as the best players in the East Division at their postitions.
Hage anchored the league’s top offensive line this season, giving up a paltry 26 sacks, the lowest in the league. As the line’s leader on and off the field, Hage is responsible for calling the protections that allow his fellow linemen to adjust to the defence’s play calls and making pre-snap adjustments.
“It’s always great to be recognized, it gives you a little bit of extra motivation and it’s always my goal to play at an All-Star level,” said Hage. “At the same time, we have a game to play Sunday and no matter how many All-Stars are named to our team, it won’t change the outcome.”
Which is a sentiment that was echoed by the other three recipients, even first time All-Star Dave Stala.
“It’s a great accomplishment but there are other things I’m striving for,” said Stala, who is also being considered for Most Outstanding Canadian.
“This is just an award right now, the most important thing I’m concentrating on is Toronto this weekend,” he said,
It’s no coincidence that the same players to be named All-Stars are also the players that the team will need to lean on for veteran leadership as the knock-out stage of the season approaches.
If the team is to be successful, it will be players like Arland Bruce III, who is an All-Star for the fifth time in his career and will need to lead the team with his experience and by setting an example for the rest of the guys.
“It’s a different level of execution that you need to achieve when it’s playoff time,” said Bruce. “But also, you’re in this position for a reason and you need to be able to just relax and go play ball, that will be my message to the guys.”
Markeith Knowlton is a player that was plucked from obscurity in B.C. and has flourished in Hamilton. Knowlton was named as an All-Star for the third straight year and is also in the running for Most Outstanding Defensive Player.
“It feels great to be recognized by the fans and everyone that voted, especially as a linebacker in this division,” said Knowlton.
“I really feel like my two fellow linebackers could easily have been All-Stars too, so its something that I’ll enjoy but more so once the season is over because we still have a lot to accomplish,” he said.
