Quick Slants: The Halfies

Quick Slants: The Halfies

Published: Thursday, Aug 30th 2018, 5:08am

by: Greg McCulloch (@GregOnSports)

Quick Slants looks at some of the weekly stories in the CFL and beyond.

Welcome to the Halfies

With Labour Day on the horizon and being the unofficial halfway point of the CFL season, it is time to hand out some imaginary hardware.

I present the HALFIES! On the plus side, we won’t have to sit through any speeches.

Most Outstanding Player for the first half – Mike Reilly, Edmonton Eskimos
Reilly has had no MOP hangover and is currently leading the league in both yards and touchdowns. He was the favorite to win the award going into this season, and it is looking like he will be the first player to win it back to back in almost a decade.

Honourable Mention: Duke Williams Edmonton – He’s a big part of why Reilly is having the year he is.

Most Outstanding Canadian Player for the first half – Andrew Harris, Winnipeg Blue Bombers

If Reilly can repeat, why not Harris? Harris has continued where he left off last year with the Bombers being a major cog in their offence. With the love and hate relationship, the Bombers have had with Matt Nichols at QB and the injuries that have seemed to plague the Bomber offence, as long as Harris is good to go they have a chance.

Honourable Mention: Brad Sinopoli, Ottawa – One of the best receivers in the league every year.

Most Outstanding Defensive Player for the first half – Charleston Hughes, Saskatchewan Roughriders

I don’t think this was what Calgary was expecting when they decided to ship Hughes to Hamilton, who ended up immediately flipping him to the Riders. Hughes has been a beast lining up beside Zack Evans, Mic’hael Brooks, and Wille Jefferson, and offences cannot keep him contained. Currently leading the league in sacks with 12, the next closest only has 5. This is a no-doubter.

Honourable Mention: Henoc Muamba, Montreal – Currently leading the league in tackles, then again with the amount he is on the field that just makes sense.

Most Outstanding Special Teams Player for the first half – Brett Lauther, Saskatchewan Roughriders

Lauther is leading the league in field goals made and in length. Only Ottawa Kicker Lewis Ward has a better average than Lauther.

Honourable Mention – Christion Jones, Saskatchewan – Leads the league in return yards and is always a threat to take it to the house every time he touches the ball.

Most Outstanding Rookie for the first half – Don Jackson, Calgary Stampeders

Jackson stepped into the hole left by the exit of Jerome Messam and hasn’t looked back. The rookie has only played 6 games but has 488 yards and 2 touchdowns. He has been banged up as of late, but if he can get healthy he will be a force in that Stamps offence.

Honourable Mention: Jordan Williams-Lambert, Saskatchewan – Currently leads the Riders in receiving and is becoming a favourite target of Zach Collaros.

Most Outstanding Lineman of the first half – Brendan Labatte, Saskatchewan Roughriders

Believe it or not, but the Riders are leading the league in keeping their QB upright and that offensive line has really gotten better as the season has progressed. The heart and soul of that line is Brendan Labatte and there is a step back if he gets banged up.

Honourable Mention: SirVincent Rogers, Ottawa – I just like saying SirVincent Rogers and he’s a hell of a lineman for Ottawa.

Well, that is it for the Halfies. There has been a lot of great play this year, and the second half will only get better.

Bring on Labour Day!