MontrealAlouettes.com
Bert Faibish
Ticats.ca
When the Ticats take the field against the Toronto Argonauts this weekend, it will be with a little extra hardware in their collection.
On Thursday afternoon, the CFL announced the finalists for their Most Outstanding Player Awards from the East and West Division.
After a season full of statistical highlights, the Ticats earned some much-deserved recognition by taking home four of the six awards in the East. Marwan Hage (Lineman) Marcus Thigpen (Rookie) Dave Stala (Canadian) and Markeith Knowlton (Defensive Player) were named as winners of the East Division and finalists for league-wide awards.
“I’m very happy and it feels great but obviously it’s a result of my whole offence, not just me,” said Hage. “The great linemen around me and the way that Kevin (Glenn) has played this season have been a huge help for me, they make me look good.”
Although every player is as deserving as the other, most recipients came as no real surprise, however one stood out for a variety of reasons.
Markeith Knowlton is a soft-spoken contrast to some of his other teammates and the antithesis of the way football is portrayed on TV and acted out in the school yard. Knowlton makes plays, not noise.
“He deserves it, I’m glad they finally recognized the quiet guy who does not nothing but make plays,” said his not-so quiet teammate, Ticats linebacker Otis Floyd.
The perception around the league was that while Knowlton certainly deserved the award, there was a chance it could go to one of the more outspoken, flashier players.
It looks like the voters got it right, because on a team full of stars, Knowlton managed to shine the brightest.
“It is special being recognized when you’re playing on a defence like I do,” said Knowlton.
“I feel like any of us could have gotten this award but it does feel really good, when the season is over I’ll look back on it and really appreciate it but for now we have unfinished business,” he said.
A sentiment that was echoed by all of the team’s All-Stars and award-winners, because this team has only one goal; to be playing in Edmonton on November 28.
“Last year’s playoff game was a good learning experience for us, a building block for this season,” said Floyd
“Now this team knows what to expect, we know what we need to do and now it’s just a matter of getting this game started already,” added Floyd.
