The list of CFL team nominees for the Gibson’s Finest Players Awards was released this week, and I have to admit there’s not much to argue about with the names on the list.

Normally, I can quibble top-to-bottom when players are chosen for the divisional lists in each category, but it’s an extraordinarily strong field this go around full of deserving names (though I might have gone Jamel Richardson over Anthony Calvillo for the Alouettes Player of the Year, it’s hard to complain about Calvillo getting recognition of any kind; he deserves all he gets).

Justin Hickman, Jovon Johnson, Chad Owens, and Anthony Cavillo have all enjoyed MOP-quality seasons in the East.  Arguments all ways are sure to be strong and meritorious when voters get to narrowing down the lists to the divisional nominees next week.  I’d have to lean toward Calvillo, and not only because of his stats.  AC has managed to lift his own game and led his team even when injuries and personnel changes conspired against the Als. Not sure you can say that about any of the other guys.

In the West, it looks like a two man race between Travis Lulay and Nik Lewis. Ricky Ray and Wes Dressler have had fine years, to be sure, but have battled consistency issues at points during the season. Lulay and Lewis have been productive week in and week out. I’ve got a feeling it’s Lewis’s year to get the nod, though.

For Outstanding Canadian, you couldn’t have a finer foursome in the mix than the four West nominees Paul McCallum, Jerome Messam, Jon Cornish, and Chris Getzlaf.  In fact, I can’t even imagine a conversation on the topic devoid of those names.  Cornish has had an exceptional year leading the league in yards per carry since taking over in Calgary’s backfield. McCallum’s been lights out, too.  Honestly, I’d be happy with any of these guys coming away with the trophy.

In the East, Dave Stala and Sean Whyte probably have their noses out front. But I wouldn’t be surprised to see that nod go elsewhere either.

Defensive POY?  It’s been a Slam Dunk the past couple of seasons.  This year, it’s no lock in either division, however. My money’s on Keron WIlliams and Chip Cox to come away with nominations for the final round of voting. Both guys have been absolute beasts all year.

Offensive Lineman of the Year is another tough category, with Greg Wojt leading out West and Josh Bourke and Brendon LaBatte vying for the East nod.  All three are superb players who’ve had excellent years.  They also play on exemplary o-lines.  Coin toss goes to Bourke in the East, and not because I’m a homer, but because the Als have kept their QB a little cleaner this season. Hard to argue against Wojt as the West nominee.

I’m already on record as saying Chris WIlliams deserves Top Rookie distinction.  There’s no overlooking the performances of J.C. Sherritt, Demetrice Morley, and Craig Butler in the West, though. With Williams slowed by the performance of the Ticats’ offence of late, his nomination is no lock, but probable. Butler might just have Sherritt by a nose for the West nod.

And finally, with dominant kick returners like Jovon Johnson and Chad Owens competing in the East and Larry Taylor in the West, it looks like the game-changers might run away with the Special Teams POY this go around. Don’t sleep on kicking machine Paul McCallum to steal the West nomination, though. In fact, my vote goes to Owens and McCallum emerging as the candidates for the final round of voting.

Can’t wait to see how the vote turns out next week. And you know I’ll be weighing in with some thoughts on the final selections.

FT55’S PRIMETIME PERFORMERS—WEEK 18

1)    Byron Parker

2)    Cory Boyd

3)    Chris Milo

4)    Craig Butler

5)    Travis Lulay

6)    Solomon Elimimian

7)    Drew Tate

8)    Johnny Forzani

9)    Jamel Richardson

10)  Chip Cox

WEEK 19 PICKS DOOMED TO FAIL

Since I have zero faith in my ability to guess who’s going to bring it after last week’s o-fer performance, I’m going with the teams I think need wins the most—Hamilton, Edmonton, Calgary, and Montreal.

One thing I’m pretty certain I can guarantee: with a 40-28 picks record going into the last week of the season, there’s no way I’ll slip below .500 now.

UP NEXT

Check back next week for a little playoff preview.  I’ll also weigh in on this year’s players’ awards once the divisional nominees are announced.

Until then, take care.  The second season’s just on the other side of Sunday.