Three Stars: Ricky Ray, John Bowman and Demond Washington lead Week Two’s cast

It's time for another edition in our Three Stars series, looking at the week's top offensive, defensive, special teams and Canadian performers. Here are the selections for Week Two.

First star/offensive player of the week: Ricky Ray, quarterback, Toronto Argonauts: Ray was dazzling this week in a 48-15 thumping of Saskatchewan, completing 78 per cent of his passes for 407 yards and three touchdowns without an interception. The Sacramento State product played well in the Argos' Week One loss too, so the win was about largely teammates stepping up around him (especially on defence), but Ray's elevation of his own game was also crucial. If he can keep this level of play up and stay healthy, he might be the favourite to be named the league's Most Outstanding Player this season.

(Honourable mentions: Chad Owens, SB, Toronto; Nic Grigsby, RB, Winnipeg; Brandon Whitaker, RB, Montreal.)

Second star/defensive player of the week: John Bowman, defensive end, Montreal Alouettes: The Alouettes' five quarterback sacks were crucial to their 24-9 win over B.C. Friday, and Bowman had an amazing four of those. That's one of the best individual defensive performances you'll ever see in a single game. Bowman had a total of five tackles, too, and he also consistently put pressure on B.C. quarterbacks Kevin Glenn and John Beck, part of why they only combined for 187 passing yards. The 31-year-old defensive end out of Wingate University has been with the Alouettes since 2006, earning three divisional all-star nods and a league all-star nod along the way, and he could be in line for more accolades with showings like this.

(Honourable mentions: Antwaun Molden, LB, Toronto; Simoni Lawrence, LB, Hamilton; Greg Peach, DE, Winnipeg.)

Third star/special teams player of the week: Demond Washington, defensive back/kick returner, Winnipeg Blue Bombers: Auburn product Washington only had one touch this week, but he made it count, taking a kickoff back 96 yards for a crucial touchdown in Winnipeg's 36-28 win over Ottawa Thursday. Here's video of his efforts:

(Honourable mentions: Aaron Woods, SB/KR/PR, Winnipeg; Ricky Schmitt, P, B.C.; Lirim Hajrullahu, K, Winnipeg.)

Bonus star/Canadian player of the week: Andre Durie, slotback, Toronto Argonauts: Durie turned in a huge performance in that 48-15 Toronto win over Saskatchewan Saturday, catching five passes for 77 yards (including a 34-yard gain) and adding 18 yards on two rushes. The York University product was one of Ricky Ray's most consistent and effective targets, as he's been for years. This could be a big season for him if the Argos' offence keeps clicking.

(Honourable mentions: Craig Butler, S, Hamilton; Anthony Coombs, RB, Toronto; Frederic Plesius, LB, Hamilton.)

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.