Three Stars: Marquay McDaniel, Keon Raymond and Swayze Waters illuminate Week Twenty

Here's the final regular-season edition of our Three Stars series, looking at the best performances from Week Twenty.

First star/offensive player of the week: Marquay McDaniel, slotback, Calgary Stampeders: McDaniel, who had been out since Sept. 13 with a broken hand, came back from injury in a big way against B.C. Saturday. The Hampton product recorded 12 catches for 165 yards, both league-high totals for this week, and he was a big part of Calgary's 33-16 win over the Lions. The Stampeders have been more known for their ground attack than their aerial prowess this season, partly thanks to numerous receiver issues, but McDaniel's return to the lineup may be just the ticket needed to boost their passing attack. That could be crucial in the West Final, especially if star running back Jon Cornish can't recover from his concussion in time.

(Honourable mentions: Stefan Logan, RB, B.C.; Nic Grigsby, RB, Hamilton; John Chiles, WR, Toronto.)

Second star/defensive player of the week: Keon Raymond, linebacker, Calgary Stampeders: The high-powered Calgary offence has received a lot of the attention this year, but the defence has been just as important to the Stampeders' league-best 15-3 record, and that was the case again in Saturday's clash against the Lions. Raymond has been great all season, typically playing the strong-side linebacker slot (according to depth charts; his official listing is as a defensive back), and he turned in a terrific performance Saturday, notching a team-high seven tackles and adding an interception and a forced fumble. He also was effective as a kick returner, picking up 88 yards on three returns. On the year, the Middle Tennessee State alum has 46 tackles and a career-high-tying five interceptions, plus a fumble recovery. He'll be an important part of Calgary's defence in the playoffs.

(Honourable mentions: Tristan Okpalaugo, DE, Toronto; Simoni Lawrence, LB, Hamilton; Rod Williams, DB, Saskatchewan.)

Third star/special teams player of the week: Swayze Waters, punter/kicker, Toronto Argonauts: Waters has been fantastic all season long, and he continued that showing in the Argonauts' win over Ottawa Friday. The University of Alabama-Birmingham product made all three of his field goals against the Redblacks, boosting his accuracy to 90.4 per cent on the year (second in the league); he also made more field goals (47) than anyone else this season. He was effective in the punting game as well, averaging 47.6 yards on nine punts. That gives him an average of 47.7 yards on the season, highest of anyone with more than one punt. Unfortunately for Waters, his season's done, as the Argos missed the playoffs thanks to Hamilton's win over Montreal Saturday. He had a remarkable year, though, and may be the favourite for the special teams player of the year award.

(Honourable mentions: Rene Paredes, K, Calgary; Sean Whyte, P/K, Montreal; J.C. Sherritt, LB, Edmonton.)

Bonus star/Canadian player of the week: Rob Bagg, wide receiver, Saskatchewan Roughriders: Bagg had three catches for 65 yards in Saskatchewan's 24-17 win over Edmonton Saturday, and he was the main promising part of the Riders' otherwise-struggling aerial attack. The Queen's alum had Saskatchewan's only receiving touchdown on the day, and almost half (46 per cent) of the Riders' 142 total receiving yards. He led the team with 803 receiving yards this season, and he'll be essential to their hopes in the upcoming West semifinal.

(Honourable mentions: Rene Paredes, K, Calgary; Justin Capicciotti, DE, Ottawa; Sean Whyte, P/K, Montreal.)

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.