Calvillo, Burris named finalists for top CFL award

Anthony Calvillo of the Montreal Alouettes and fellow quarterback Henry Burris of the Calgary Stampeders were named the finalists for the CFL's most outstanding player award on Tuesday.

Calvillo, who won the prize in 2003, topped the CFL with 43 touchdown passes and a 107.2 passer rating this season, leading Montreal (11-7) to first place in the East Division.

Burris, who has never won the outstanding player award, finished second in TD throws (39) and passer rating (103.8) to lead Calgary (13-5) to top spot in the tougher West Division.

Calvillo was one of three Alouettes to be named a finalist for a year-end award. Slotback Ben Cahoon is in the running for top Canadian honours, while guard Scott Flory is up for top lineman.

The other East Division finalists were:

• Winnipeg defensive tackle Doug Brown (defensive player).
• Hamilton receiver Prechae Rodriguez (rookie).
• Toronto's Dominique Dorsey (unanimous pick for special-teams player).

Joining Burris as a West Division finalist are:

• Edmonton receiver Kamau Peterson (Canadian).
• B.C. defensive end Cameron Wake (defensive player).
• Saskatchewan's Gene Makowsky (top lineman).
• Receiver Weston Dressler (top rookie).
• Calgary kicker Sandro DeAngelis (special-teams player).

The winner will be announced at an awards banquet in Montreal on Nov. 20, three days before the 96th Grey Cup game.