By Jack Bedell,

MontrealAlouettes.com

At the beginning of the year, I made a promise to myself not to do any player or team evaluation until the Alouettes made their way through the East Division. I also pledged not to put any stock in the divisional standings until Labour Day.

Well, after last week’s domination in Toronto, you can officially colour those two provisions done and done. Montreal has now had its way in the division and won’t play again until its Labour Day tilt against the BC Lions.

So, I’m thinking it’s time to take a little stock in the Als’ season to date and to offer up a few “South of 49” awards at the bye.

Coming off an impressive win over the Argonauts in Week 8, the Als head into their bye 5-0-0 against the rest of the East and hold a four-point lead in the standings. Even more impressive than the team’s record within the division has been the variety of in which it has gotten the job done.

Some weeks the Ws have come off superb offence; some weeks Damon Duval and the special teams unit have carried the day; and lately, the defence has been stealing the show with great pressure and excellent coverage.

Every aspect of the roster deserves some credit and praise for the team’s success. So does the coaching staff.

But I’d be getting off easy if I left it at that, so here are a few my picks for top performances of the season so far:

Top Offensive Performer: Tie – Anthony Calvillo and Avon Cobourne.

Both guys are on record paces and have been as consistent as dawn.

Top Defensive Performer: T.J. Hill. 

Top five in tackles, top 10 in sacks. Hill’s the stick that stirs the drink on the Als’ defence.

Top Special Teams Player: Damon Duval

I’m not going out of the box on this one... The difference in field position he’s provided the team in field position on kickoffs and punts is gravy to a good team.

Best Vet in a New Uniform: Reggie Hunt.

Most Impressive Offensive Performance: Anthony Calvillo vs. Winnipeg in Week 2.

Most Impressive Defensive Performance: Keron Williams’ three sacks versus the Argos in Week 8.

Mr. Clutch Award: Damon Duval.

Best Rookie Performance: Tough call, but I’ll go with Rayshaun Kizer in Week 7.

Most Entertaining Game: Week 6 vs. Hamilton.