November 9, 2016

Lewis, Woods and Brouillette elected CFL East All Stars

MONTREAL – The Canadian Football League announced on Wednesday its 2016 Division All-Stars and the Montreal Alouettes are pleased to announce that three players have been named East Division All-Stars for their outstanding 2016 season. Divisional All-Stars were chosen by Football Reporters of Canada (FRC) members as well as CFL head coaches.

Receiver: Nik Lewis (1st selection in the East, five selections in the West)
East Division All-Star: 2016
West Division All-Star: 2006, 2007, 2010, 2011, 2012

Just like good wine, the Als veteran receiver is getting better as the years go by. The 34-year-old veteran finished first on the team with 102 receptions and 1,136 receiving yards. This marks only the second time in his illustrious career where he reached the 100-reception plateau, his total being the third highest in the CFL this season. His 1,136 receiving yards put him in eighth place in the CFL. Always difficult to bring down, Lewis stretched many short catches into long plays. 621 of his receiving yards came after the catches he made, which is the second highest total in the CFL. He also finished tied for first with 40 second-down catches he converted into first downs. His remarkable season allowed him to climb up to fourth all-time in the CFL with 977 receptions and eighth all-time with 13,129 receiving yards.

Linebacker: Bear Woods (2nd selection)
East Division All-Star: 2014, 2016

Much to the chagrin of offensive players throughout the CFL, Bear Woods started all 18 games at linebacker for the Alouettes in 2016, leading the squad with 126 defensive tackles, good for second in the CFL, which also allowed him to set a new team record. The 29-year-old also contributed in the turnover category, as he pilfered two passes, forced three fumbles and recovered one. He was a force to be reckoned with, as he racked up five quarterbacks sacks and four tackles for losses.

Safety: Marc-Olivier Brouillette (1st selection)
East Division All-Star: 2016

The Alouettes veteran safety earned his first selection as a CFL East Division All Star, after starting all 18 games at the position this past year. During the course of the season, he amassed 34 defensive tackles, while intercepting one pass and recovering a fumble. The 30-year-old was an important cog of the Alouettes defensive squad, which allowed a league-low 36 touchdowns and only 415 points on the season, which was the second lowest total in the CFL. The unit also led the League in red zone defence, as only 44,4% of opponents scored when they made their way inside the Alouettes 20-yard line.