Three Stars: Bear Woods, Kendial Lawrence and John White light up the divisional semifinals

Moving on with our Three Stars series, here's a look at the top performers from the weekend's divisional semifinal games.

First star/defensive player of the week: Bear Woods, linebacker, Montreal Alouettes: The Alouettes' defence dominated the B.C. Lions in their 50-17 East semifinal win Sunday, and as usual, Woods was a key part of that. He recorded a team-high seven tackles and added an interception. Despite missing the first third of this season with a hamstring injury, the Troy product finished second in the CFL with 89 tackles, and he was essential to Montreal's turnaround from a dismal 1-7 start. Woods is a worthy nominee as the East's candidate for top defensive player, and he'll be critical to the Alouettes' hopes of making it to the Grey Cup.

(Honourable mentions:  Dexter McCoil, LB, Edmonton; Tyron Brackenridge, S, Saskatchewan; Jerald Brown, DB, Montreal.)

Second star/special teams player of the week: Kendial Lawrence, punt returner/kick returner, Edmonton Eskimos: Special teams were a vital part of Edmonton's 18-10 win over Saskatchewan in the West semifinal Sunday, accounting for all 18 of the Eskimos' points, and Lawrence delivered the biggest play of the day with an 84-yard punt return touchdown. On the day, he had 104 punt return yards on seven attempts and 52 kickoff return yards on three attempts. The Missouri alum has produced plenty of highlights this season, both as a returner and as a running back/slotback, and he'll be a key part of Edmonton's game plan for the West Final against Calgary this coming Sunday.

(Honourable mentions: Tim Brown, PR/KR, B.C.; Sean Whyte, P/K, Montreal; Hugh O'Neill, P/K, Edmonton.)

Third star/offensive player of the week: John White, running back, Edmonton Eskimos: White was about the only player who did much for Edmonton offensively Sunday, collecting 134 rushing yards on 19 carries (an average of 7.1 yards per carry). The Utah alumnus has been a big part of the Eskimos' offence down the stretch, and it's a little surprising they didn't feature him even more against the Riders given the cold condition. He excelled in the chances he got, though, and he'll be an important piece for them again against the Stampeders.

(Honourable mentions: Brandon Rutley, RB, Montreal; S.J. Green, SB, Montreal; Korey Williams, WR, Saskatchewan.)

Bonus star/Canadian player of the week: Chris Rwabukamba, safety, Edmonton Eskimos: An underrated element of Edmonton's defensive dominance this year is how much of a role Canadians have played, and that was the case again Sunday. Of the five interceptions recorded by the Eskimos' defence, three came from Canadians (starting safety Rwabukamba, backup safety Cauchy Muamba and backup linebacker Ryan Hinds). On the season, all three have played important roles at times, illustrating why Canadian defensive backs can be an underrated asset (as Rwabukamba's 2013 free-agency acquisition showed). They've helped to give the Eskimos some important ratio flexibility. Rwabukamba, the Duke product in his fourth CFL season (and his second in Edmonton following two years in Hamilton), has turned into a valuable piece and a solid Canadian player, and he may have another big game ahead of him against Calgary.

(Honourable mentions: Ryan Hinds, LB, Edmonton; Cauchy Muamba, S, Edmonton; Eddie Steele, DT, Edmonton.)

Thanks for reading! You can submit nominations for the Three Stars feature to me during the week's games via Twitter or e-mail. Check back at 55-Yard Line after the week's games for the results.