Halfback Korey Banks and safety Barron Miles were the only two BC Lions named to the 2009 CFL All-Star squad Wednesday.
Banks recorded 56 tackles, five sacks, four interceptions, two tackles for a loss and two forced fumbles during the 2009 regular season. Banks registered three more tackles in the Lions' East semi-final overtime win in Hamilton last weekend. The league all-star award is Banks' second as a Lion and third CFL All-Star honour of his career.
The 12-year veteran Miles was named to his second straight all-star team. Miles had a stellar season as one of the leaders of Lions' defensive secondary. Miles led the league in interceptions with eight moving him into second spot all-time with 66 career interceptions. He also recorded 54 tackles throughout the season and added another three versus Hamilton last Sunday.
The 15-3 Montreal Alouettes had the most players named to the all-star team with nine.
Quarterback Anthony Calvillo, who is a finalist for the league's outstanding player award for the second consecutive season is among the Alouettes nine. Calvillo ranked third in passing this season with 4,539 yards. He also threw for a league-high 26 touchdown passes, while throwing only six interceptions.
The eight other Alouettes named to the squad were running back Avon Cobourne, receiver Kerry Watkins, guard Scott Flory, defensive end Anwar Stewart, defensive tackle Keron Williams, lineback Chip Cox and kick-returner Larry Taylor. Damon Duval was named both the all-star kicker and punter.
Both the Calgary Stampeders and Hamilton Tiger-Cats have four players on the squad.
The CFL's rushing leader Joffrey Reynolds, receiver Jeremaine Copeland, tackle Ben Archibald and cornerback Brandon Browner are the Stampeders' nominees.
Representing the Ticats are receiver Arland Bruce III, tackle Dan Goodspeed and linebackers Jamall Johnson and Markeith Knowlton.
Saskatchewan and Winnipeg both have three players on the squad. Centre Jeremy O'Day, guard Gene Makowsky and defensive end John Chick are the Roughriders named to the team. Defensive tackle Doug Brown, defensive back Jonathan Hefney and cornerback Jovon Johnson are the Bombers' nominees.
Receiver Fred Stamps is the Edmonton Eskimos' lone representative, while the Toronto Argonauts failed to have a player named to the squad.
Voting was conducted by the 54 voting members of the Football Reporters of Canada representing eight CFL markets and a national chapter as well as the eight CFL head coaches and CFL fans from across the country.
With files from The Canadian Press
