By Richard Obrand,
MontrealAlouettes.com

Quarterbacks: Anthony Calvillo vs Darian Durant
Anthony Calvillo has been the heart and soul of the Alouettes since his first year as a starter in 2000. While the 37-year old is up for his second-straight Most Outstanding Player award, it’s clear that the only piece of hardware he’s interested in is the Grey Cup. AC has gone above and beyond for the Alouettes organization, showing year-in and year-out why he’ll be a sure-fire Canadian Football Hall of Famer when his time comes. The 2009 season saw Calvillo display an ample amount of what many expect from the 13-year veteran – greatness. His 4,639 passing yards in just 16 games are third amongst starting pivots, while his 26 touchdown passes are tops. If there’s any question regarding his age and whether or not it has any affect on his abilities as a passer, Calvillo answered them in fine fashion, setting a career-low in interceptions with six. Last week, fans saw Calvillo at his best, as he tied a league record and set a new Als record for most touchdown passes in a playoff game with five. He made the East Final his own, and on Sunday, he’ll look to do the same in hopes of hoisting his second Grey Cup.

Darian Durant’s stats fail to do the fourth-year Roughrider quarterback any justice. He’s clutch, he’s resilient, he’s fast and he’s only 5'11". Regardless of Sunday night’s outcome, it’s clear that Durant’s career has already exceeded the expectations of many. Last week saw him throw three touchdowns in a 27-17 win over the defending champions Calgary Stampeders, sending the Roughriders to their second Grey Cup appearance in three years. With the win however, also came the difficult task of carrying the expectations and hopes of the entire province of Saskatchewan with him on his shoulders. Simply put, Durant may have the hardest job in all of Canada, and his opponent for the big game won’t make it any easier.

Running backs: Avon Cobourne vs Wes Cates
Avon Cobourne has paid his dues and now they’re finally starting to pay off. Bursting onto the CFL scene as a running back in 2008, Cobourne quickly established himself as one of the most versatile and explosive backs in the league.  Noted not only for his quick feet, Cobourne has also garnered recognition for his blocking abilities. After all, don’t forget that prior to becoming an elite CFL back, Cobourne was also utilized as a linebacker. It’s clear however, that the West Virginia product was born to run – and score. His 13 rushing touchdowns were good enough for first in the league, while his 15 total scores put him at the top of the overall list as well. Having only played in 16 games this season, Cobourne’s rushing totals were limited to 1,214 yards, the sixth best total in the league. His intensity is unmatched and his talent level goes without saying, much like his purpose of being in Calgary.

Despite failing to break the millennium mark in rushing yards this season, it would be unwise to underestimate Wes Cates. Last season’s rushing touchdowns leader has seen a decline in his offensive production partially due to being injured for the first two games of the season. In his first game back – against the Alouettes – Cates recorded his first rushing touchdown of the year on a five-yard rush in the second quarter. He also proved how dangerous of a threat he can be as a receiver as he recorded 39 yards on four receptions.

Top 3 receivers: Cahoon, Richardson & Watkins vs Dressler, Fantuz & Bagg
It’s hard to put a label on something as diverse as the Alouettes’ receiving corps. As deep as it is talented, offensive coordinator Scott Milanovich has created individual identities for each of his receivers. Milanovich’s schemes have allowed an undersized Cahoon to continue to flourish at the age of 37. His 89 receptions were tops in the CFL, while his 1,031 yards were second amongst Canadian receivers. Fellow slotback Richardson stumbled a bit out of the gate as he battled through a spell of illness and injury, but once fully recovered, he was back to being his old electric-self. Sparked by a three-touchdown performance against Calgary on Thanksgiving weekend, Richardson’s second half saw him collect touchdowns in four-straight games. For Watkins, the only wide receiver of the three, Sunday’s final will mark his fourth Grey Cup appearance. Still looking for his first ring, however, he has let it be known that he isn’t going down without a fight. Always a possibility to break a tackle for a few more yards, Watkins’ 1,243 yards were second best in the league.

What interests many about the Riders' receiving group is the fact that Canadians play such a dominant role. With Andy Fantuz, Rob Bagg and the emergence of Saskatchewan's own Chris Getzlaf, the Riders' receivers posed a serious threat to opposing secondaries throughout the season. Their stats may dictate otherwise, but this group is gritty and determined.