MVP
LB Quinton Brewer MTL
Quinton Brewer continued to show that he still has what it takes to compete at the top level. Brewer still led the league in tackles this season and made it tough for any team to move the ball both through the air and on the ground. He had several forced fumbles throughout the season as well as a pair of interceptions which is less common for Linebackers in the NAAF. While Marchal could have gotten the nod here, Montreal’s lifeline was their defense, and Brewer is the top dog. 2 Player of the Week Nods.
QB Bruce Woodard PRO
The resurgent QB who people thought might be leaving after the Gold Stars took Connor O’Rourke in the first round, came alive this season to lead the Gold Stars to a 9-1 record. Woodard passed for 24 touchdowns, second only to Matieau’s 27. He also played the equivalent of nine games resting in parts of the final games this season. Woodard who is already 36, surprised the league with his performance this season and could earn his first award. He also earned a league-high 3 Player of the Week nods.
DB Lee Wolfe PRO
The defensive back has always kept his name in the pool of MVP picks, but with the way the defense and team played this season, Wolfe is a favourite to finally give the defense an MVP award. Wolfe beat his Interception total from last season with 10 and had a touchdown as well. Wolfe also led the league in knockdowns this season. Wolfe is one of the best to play the game at his position and certainly deserves the honour. 2 Player of the Week Nods.
Offensive Player of the Year
RB Élisée Marchal MTL - 19 Rushing Touchdowns (1st), Led in Rushing Yards as well, 2 POTW
Marchal continues to be the centerpiece of the Rouge offense and keeps delivering high numbers.
QB Jean Matieau OTT - 27 Passing Touchdowns (1st), Led in Passing Yards, 2 POTW
Not quite as impressive as his first season as a starter, but Matieau still led the way for QBs.
WR Allen Atkins OTT - 14 Receiving Touchdowns (1st), 2nd in Receiving Yards, 1 POTW
Atkins continues to be the top dog at the WR position, but he was competing with WR Peter Brooks out of PRO for this spot, but the WR still deserves to win this award with yet another great season.
QB Bruce Woodard PRO - 24 Passing Touchdowns (2nd), 2nd in Passing Yards, 3 POTW
Defensive Player of the Year
LB Quinton Brewer MTL - 2 Interceptions, 4 Forced Fumbles, Led the league in Tackles, 2 POTW
DB Lee Wolfe PRO - 10 Interceptions (1st), 1 Touchdown, Led the league in Knockdowns, 2 POTW
DB Victor Bean PRO - 7 Interceptions (2nd), 1 Touchdown, 3rd in the league in Knockdowns, 1 POTW
Bean gets overlooked because of Wolfe but he had as good as a season as ever and would be the top guy on any other team.
LB Scotty Williams WOR - 3 Forced Fumbles, 2nd in the league in Tackles, 2 POTW
Williams was a force for the Athletics and he will soon become the Quinton Brewer of his age, it shows already with a great second season.
Special Teams Player of the Year
K Thomas McFadden HAR - 16 Field Goals (T-1st)
McFadden was still a main scorer for the Hawks and could earn his 4th award.
K Arthur Kettinger MTL - 16 Field Goals (T-1st) *Rookie
Kettinger helped the Rouge a lot this season, the 4th round pick is a shock to many people, but Montreal loves him already
K Bernard Barnett PRO - 13 Field Goals (4th)
Barnett was reliable for the Gold Stars when they needed him and didn’t have the production like the other kickers, but was just as important
Rookie of the Year
K Arthur Kettinger MTL - 16 Field Goals (T-1st)
Kettinger tied for the league lead in field goals this season and rarely had a bad kick. He far surpassed the other kicker taken in the draft this season in Ottawa’s Maurice Lafayette.
LB Rusty McVee MTL - 1 Touchdown, 3 Sacks, 1 Forced Fumble
McVee certainly made his presence known this season, the 4th overall is many people’s favourite to win this one.
OL Cliff Strautzenberger WOR - Best blocker among the rookie linemen, was able to give RB Jacque Montier space to score career highs in rushing yards as well as touchdowns (6).
Strautzenberger was fantastic in his first season and only looks to get better for the Athletics.
Coach of the Year
Guy Clarke MTL - Won the award in ‘51, Record: 8-2, Clarke was able to lead a Montreal team once again led by an inexperienced QB and bring them back to the playoffs at an 8-2 record.
Perry Powell PRO - Record: 9-1. The quick turnaround in his second season at the helm, Powell took the Gold Stars to new highs this season with an 8-0 start and 9-1 record.
Otis Ward OTT - Record: 7-3. Another 7-3 season, Ward had a rough patch midseason but kept the Royals going as they won their final 4 games to make the playoffs.
Breakout Player of the Year
WR Robert Lang HAR - 5 Receiving Touchdowns, led the Hawks in receiving yards
Lang has slowly grown into a decent WR, that is a deep threat. This season with Lee Rogers, Lang was able to get into space and make some big plays happen.
DB Uzzia Hayes OTT - 3 Interceptions
Hayes was able to give Ottawa some solid defense in the secondary as he has been, but it became most notable in the latter half of the season when the team needed to turn things around quickly
WR John Osborn PRO - 8 Receiving Touchdowns
Osborn was almost nominated for this award last year, but he became a big part of the Gold Star offense after being traded from Ottawa. Osborn should be a solid 2nd or 3rd option in the long run.
1954 McCallister Cup Host
Richardson Stadium - Boston, MA - Capacity: 45,265
Once again the legendary stadium makes another bid to host the big game. The same argument applies from last season, the storied stadium has hosted many games and to see a neutral site game here could be special for the teams involved.
Lansdowne Park - Ottawa, ON - Capacity: 38,500
The city missed out on the vote in 1952, but they are back in what will likely be the final attempt for Lansdowne before either a renovation or a new stadium is put into place in Ottawa. Lansdowne is a historic stadium and to host the championship will only add to the legacy of the stadium and could be a good send-off in its final days. The nomination also announced that Ottawa will still play in the Stadium for the next season or two as they figure out the plan for the future.
Worcester Stadium - Worcester, MA - Capacity: 38,600
The new stadium is still not the greatest building ever built, the new building still holds up as good as any in the league and would be a great place to host a game in a pretty central location in the New England area.
Possible Crossover Rule
The league is looking for fan opinions on the possibility of a crossover rule that could be implemented next season. This rule would be much like the CFL where the 3rd seed in one division can only crossover if they have a better record than the second-place team in the other division. If they are tied, the 2nd place team will still play in the playoffs.
1953 NAAF Awards
Most Valuable Player - QB Bruce Woodard PRO
In a very close vote that was tied until the final few votes were placed, Woodard’s season which brought the Gold Stars into the spotlight this season as true contenders. His 24 Passing Touchdowns is a career-high in what was his best season of his long career. Woodard is now the oldest MVP winner at the prime age of 36. Wolfe had one less vote than his teammate and Brewer was just one behind Wolfe.
Playoff MVP - RB Élisée Marchal MTL
While DL Zakary Turbide took home the McCallister MVP award, Marchal was the best player throughout both of Montreal’s wins in the playoffs. Marchal wins his second of these awards with 3 touchdowns in the playoffs and over 300 yards on the ground combined.
Offensive Player of the Year - RB Élisée Marchal MTL
Another close vote that leaves Marchal as the offensive player of the year. The 3 time MVP has never won the OPOTY award, but leading the way for all Running Backs earns him the honour this season beating out Jean Matieau in second.
Defensive Player of the Year - DB Lee Wolfe PRO
Coming just one vote short of the MVP award, Wolfe takes the DPOTY award by one vote as well. This marks his third DPOTY award which breaks the tie he had with LB Quinton Brewer at 2 going into this season. Wolfe is one of the greatest and will continue to dominate the field for several more years.
Special Teams Player of the Year - K Arthur Kettinger MTL
His first season will be one to remember as the rookie kicker was a major factor for the Rouge all season. He tied the league lead in field goals and will become a major part of the Rouge for years to come. He might have solidified his place after going 5 for 5 in the McCallister Cup.
Rookie of the Year - LB Rusty McVee MTL
The Linebacker was the most notable rookie this season. Most others fell behind the spotlight, but McVee was the perfect partner for Quinton Brewer and made Montreal’s defense a powerhouse once again. McVee will hopefully become a staple for the long run in Montreal.
Coach of the Year - Perry Powell PRO
Perry Powell was at the center of drama just a couple seasons ago with former Head Coach Gilbert Dale, but since then Powell has taken over the role and has helped give the Gold Stars excel to new heights with their best season in years. The team looks to be finally getting behind Powell and will hope he can bring them back to the top and their first McCallister Cup since ‘41.
Breakout Player of the Year - WR John Osborn PRO
After being dealt to the Gold Stars for WR Eugene Burns, Osborn was able to find his place as Providence’s second receiver and truly broke through this season. He had flashes of greatness last season, but he has solidified his spot as a strong receiver in the NAAF with this season.
All-Star Rosters
Offense:
QB Bruce Woodard PRO (1)
RB Élisée Marchal MTL (5)
OL Andrew Furrson BOS (4)
OL James Knowles OTT (5)
OL Casey York BUF (4)
OL Eugésippe Chalifoux MTL (1)
OL Randy McFadden BOS (1)
WR Allen Atkins OTT (5)
WR Peter Brooks PRO (3)
WR Eugene Burns OTT (2)
TE Marion Warren PRO (4)
Defense:
DL Napoléon Chevalier MTL (5)
DL Sean Bowen HAR (4)
DL Jonathan Brown BUF (5)
DL Robert Garrison ON (1)
LB Roger Morrow PRO (1)
LB Quinton Brewer MTL (5)
LB Scotty Williams WOR (2)
DB Lee Wolfe PRO (5)
DB Victor Bean PRO (2)
DB Louie White ON (3)
S Fraizer Brooks BUF (1)
Special Teams:
K Arthur Kettinger MTL (1)
1954 McCallister Cup Host - Lansdowne Park - Ottawa, ON
The Capital of Canada will host the 36th McCallister Cup. Lansdowne is a historic park and with this season being a possible final one for the stadium it might be the perfect finale for the Stadium. It will mark the return to Canada for the McCallister Cup after the last 2 seasons were in Buffalo and Providence.
New Crossover Rule to be Put in Place
The vote was heavily a yes to the addition of the crossover rule that would allow for a team to make the playoffs from the opposite division if they have a better record than the would-be playoff participant within that division. The change comes in light of the Buffalo Blue Wings missing the playoffs at 6-4 while Boston was able to compete despite a 4-6 record. The league hopes this will create more competition late in the season as it will be harder for teams to clinch playoffs as early.
Most Valuable Player - QB Bruce Woodard PRO
In a very close vote that was tied until the final few votes were placed, Woodard’s season which brought the Gold Stars into the spotlight this season as true contenders. His 24 Passing Touchdowns is a career-high in what was his best season of his long career. Woodard is now the oldest MVP winner at the prime age of 36. Wolfe had one less vote than his teammate and Brewer was just one behind Wolfe.
Playoff MVP - RB Élisée Marchal MTL
While DL Zakary Turbide took home the McCallister MVP award, Marchal was the best player throughout both of Montreal’s wins in the playoffs. Marchal wins his second of these awards with 3 touchdowns in the playoffs and over 300 yards on the ground combined.
Offensive Player of the Year - RB Élisée Marchal MTL
Another close vote that leaves Marchal as the offensive player of the year. The 3 time MVP has never won the OPOTY award, but leading the way for all Running Backs earns him the honour this season beating out Jean Matieau in second.
Defensive Player of the Year - DB Lee Wolfe PRO
Coming just one vote short of the MVP award, Wolfe takes the DPOTY award by one vote as well. This marks his third DPOTY award which breaks the tie he had with LB Quinton Brewer at 2 going into this season. Wolfe is one of the greatest and will continue to dominate the field for several more years.
Special Teams Player of the Year - K Arthur Kettinger MTL
His first season will be one to remember as the rookie kicker was a major factor for the Rouge all season. He tied the league lead in field goals and will become a major part of the Rouge for years to come. He might have solidified his place after going 5 for 5 in the McCallister Cup.
Rookie of the Year - LB Rusty McVee MTL
The Linebacker was the most notable rookie this season. Most others fell behind the spotlight, but McVee was the perfect partner for Quinton Brewer and made Montreal’s defense a powerhouse once again. McVee will hopefully become a staple for the long run in Montreal.
Coach of the Year - Perry Powell PRO
Perry Powell was at the center of drama just a couple seasons ago with former Head Coach Gilbert Dale, but since then Powell has taken over the role and has helped give the Gold Stars excel to new heights with their best season in years. The team looks to be finally getting behind Powell and will hope he can bring them back to the top and their first McCallister Cup since ‘41.
Breakout Player of the Year - WR John Osborn PRO
After being dealt to the Gold Stars for WR Eugene Burns, Osborn was able to find his place as Providence’s second receiver and truly broke through this season. He had flashes of greatness last season, but he has solidified his spot as a strong receiver in the NAAF with this season.
All-Star Rosters
Offense:
QB Bruce Woodard PRO (1)
RB Élisée Marchal MTL (5)
OL Andrew Furrson BOS (4)
OL James Knowles OTT (5)
OL Casey York BUF (4)
OL Eugésippe Chalifoux MTL (1)
OL Randy McFadden BOS (1)
WR Allen Atkins OTT (5)
WR Peter Brooks PRO (3)
WR Eugene Burns OTT (2)
TE Marion Warren PRO (4)
Defense:
DL Napoléon Chevalier MTL (5)
DL Sean Bowen HAR (4)
DL Jonathan Brown BUF (5)
DL Robert Garrison ON (1)
LB Roger Morrow PRO (1)
LB Quinton Brewer MTL (5)
LB Scotty Williams WOR (2)
DB Lee Wolfe PRO (5)
DB Victor Bean PRO (2)
DB Louie White ON (3)
S Fraizer Brooks BUF (1)
Special Teams:
K Arthur Kettinger MTL (1)
1954 McCallister Cup Host - Lansdowne Park - Ottawa, ON
The Capital of Canada will host the 36th McCallister Cup. Lansdowne is a historic park and with this season being a possible final one for the stadium it might be the perfect finale for the Stadium. It will mark the return to Canada for the McCallister Cup after the last 2 seasons were in Buffalo and Providence.
New Crossover Rule to be Put in Place
The vote was heavily a yes to the addition of the crossover rule that would allow for a team to make the playoffs from the opposite division if they have a better record than the would-be playoff participant within that division. The change comes in light of the Buffalo Blue Wings missing the playoffs at 6-4 while Boston was able to compete despite a 4-6 record. The league hopes this will create more competition late in the season as it will be harder for teams to clinch playoffs as early.
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