Lions dominate monthly CFL awards

Chalk up another award for Geroy Simon.

One day after capturing the CFL's offensive player of the week award, the B.C. Lions slotback was named the league's offensive player of the month.

Simon, the CFL's most outstanding player last season, picked up his latest honour Thursday, joining teammates Ryan Phillips and Jason Clermont, who also earned monthly awards.

Phillips, a cornerback, was named top defensive player, while Clermont, a receiver, was named top Canadian.

Hamilton Tiger-Cats kicker Nick Setta, who captured special teams player of the month, was the only non-Lion among October's winners.

Simon hauled in 24 catches for 523 yards and four touchdowns in B.C.'s final five games of the regular season. He led the league in receiving for a second straight season, finishing the year with 72 receptions for 1,293 yards and six touchdowns.

Saskatchewan Roughriders slotback Andy Fantuz was also considered for the honour.

Phillips, the CFL's leader with 12 interceptions this season, had three picks, a fumble recovery and 18 tackles in the club's last five regular-season contests.

Runners-up for the honour were Toronto Argonauts defensive end Jonathan Brown and defensive back Kenny Wheaton.

Clermont edged out Fantuz for top Canadian of the month. The 29-year-old CFL veteran finished the season with a career-high 86 catches for 1,158 yards and seven touchdowns.

Setta's prowess between the uprights helped the rookie kicker collect the monthly special teams award.

The Notre Dame product was good on 14 of 15 field goal attempts in his last five games.Setta finished the season leading the CFL in scoring with 167 points. He made 45 of 53 field goals on the year.

Toronto returner Dominique Dorsey and Montreal kicker Damon Duval were also considered for the honour.