FOUR TICATS NAMED FINALISTS FOR CFL MOST OUTSTANDING PLAYER AWARDS
Hamilton, Ontario – The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are proud to announce that four players have been selected as CFL Most Outstanding Player Award finalists, including centre Marwan Hage (Lineman), linebacker Markeith Knowlton (Defensive), receiver Dave Stala (Canadian) and running back/kick returner Marcus Thigpen (Rookie).
Hage, a seven-year veteran, was the key component of the Ticats dominant offensive line this season. With Hage leading the way, the Ticats allowed a paltry 26 quarterback sacks and helped running back DeAndra’ Cobb record his second straight 1,000-yard season. Hage earned his second East Division All-Star nod earlier this week.
Knowlton showed an extraordinary ability to create turnovers this season by leading the league with six fumble recoveries, four forced fumbles and two blocked kicks while also registering three interceptions. The third-year Ticat also recorded 71 defensive tackles, three quarterback sacks and three tackles for a loss. Knowlton was recently named an East Division All-Star for the third consecutive season.
Stala, one of the CFL’s most reliable targets, hauled in 85 passes for 1,015 receiving yards and six touchdowns over the course of his second season in Hamilton. He was named CFL Canadian Player of the Week three times this season and was recognized as an East Division All-Star earlier this week.
Thigpen made a remarkable first impression in his CFL debut on July 2 in Winnipeg when he ran back the opening kickoff 93 yards for a touchdown and later returned a missed field goal 118 yards for a score. The Indiana product made CFL history just seven games into his career, as he became the first player in league history to score five different ways in one season (rush, reception, kickoff return, punt return, missed field goal return).
Thipen also chipped in on offence, running the ball 28 times for 234 yards and a touchdown while catching 20 passes for 234 yards and one receiving touchdown. His 2,190 combined yards ranks first among CFL rookies and second overall.
This is the first time each player has been selected as CFL award finalist.
The East and West Player Award winners were selected by 69 voters, including members of the Football Reporters of Canada (FRC) and CFL head coaches.
The winners will be announced at the CFL Player Awards show during Grey Cup week on Thursday, November 25 at the Edmonton Winspear Centre in Edmonton, Alberta.
About the Hamilton Tiger-Cats
The Hamilton Tiger-Cats are a member of the Canadian Football League (CFL) with a rich 141-year history, which includes 15 Grey Cup Championships. For more information log onto www.ticats.ca
– 30 –
