Three Stars: Weston Dressler, Eric Norwood and Swayze Waters top Week Thirteen's showings
Moving on with our Three Stars series, here's a look at Week 13's top performances.
First star/offensive player of the week: Weston Dressler, slotback Saskatchewan Roughriders: Dressler did just about everything for the Roughriders in their 35-32 double-overtime comeback win against the Ottawa Redblacks Sunday, excelling both on offence and on special teams. It's only offensive performance that's considered here, so his 78-yard punt return TD doesn't help his case for offensive player of the week, but he doesn't need it. On the day, North Dakota product and recent CFL returnee Dressler had seven catches for 125 yards and a touchdown; that's more yards than anyone recorded rushing or receiving this week. He also pulled off one of the plays of the year on a 15-yard pass that turned into a 60-yard touchdown scamper, with a triple spinnerama along the way:
(Honourable mentions: Chad Owens, SB, Toronto; Brandon Banks, WR, Hamilton; Zach Collaros, QB, Hamilton.)
Second star/defensive player of the week: Eric Norwood, defensive end, Hamilton Tiger-Cats: Norwood recorded a stunning four sacks and seven tackles in Hamilton's 25-23 win over Edmonton Saturday. The South Carolina alum put tons of pressure on Edmonton quarterback Mike Reilly all day, and he and the Ticats' turnover-forcing defence were crucial to Hamilton's victory.
(Honourable mentions: Odell Willis, DE, Edmonton; Tearrius George, DT, Saskatchewan; Solomon Elimimian, LB, B.C.)
Third star/special teams player of the week: Swayze Waters, punter/kicker, Toronto Argonauts: Waters had a terrific all-around day in the Argonauts' 40-23 win over B.C. Friday. The University of Alabama at Birmingham product with the unusual name has been key for Toronto's special teams over the last few years, and that was the case again against the Lions. On the night, he made all three of his field goals and all four of his extra points, and he averaged 47.4 yards on seven punts, frequently giving B.C. a long field. Waters' leg will be critical if the Argos are going to keep finding success.
(Honourable mentions: Jamill Smith, Ottawa PR/KR; Weston Dressler, Saskatchewan PR/KR; Justin Medlock, Hamilton P/K.)
Bonus star/Canadian player of the week: Courtney Stephen, cornerback, Hamilton Tiger-Cats: Stephen is one of the few Canadians playing corner in the CFL, and he's done a good job of that. The Northern Illinois product and eighth overall pick in the 2012 CFL draft started his career as a safety last season, but moved to the corner this year after Hamilton signed Craig Butler in free agency. He's fit in well there, and recorded a great interception this week in the Ticats' 25-23 win over Edmonton.
(Honourable mentions: Shea Emry, LB, Toronto; Andy Fantuz, SB, Hamilton; 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.