The decision for this year’s Canadian Football League Most Outstanding Player Award has come down Mike Reilly versus Ricky Ray. Edmonton Eskimos quarterback of the present, versus Eskimos quarterback of the past.
Both Reilly and Ray were named finalists on Thursday by the CFL for the award that will handed out during Grey Cup week in Ottawa.
An 18 game starter for the Eskimos this season, Reilly led the league in passing yards with 5,830. That helped the Central Washington University product set a new Eskimos record formerly held by Ray.
Reilly also finished tied for first in the CFL in touchdown passes with 30 and led the league in rushing TDs with 12.
At 38 years of age, Ray had close to a career-best season. He completed 447 passes – a career high – for a total of 5,546 yards. Only his 2008 season with the Eskimos produced more yards.
LISTEN: Esks head coach Jason Maas on Most Outstanding Player Reilly
Division winners are selected by CFL head coaches and voters from the Football Reporters of Canada.
The 2017 CFL Awards will be handed out on Thursday, Nov. 23 at the CFL Awards in Ottawa, Ont., as part of the 105th Grey Cup festivities.
Other Most Outstanding Player nominees:
Most Outstanding Defensive Player:
Alex Singleton – Calgary
Kyries Hebert – Montreal
Most Outstanding Canadian:
Andrew Harris – Winnipeg
Brad Sinopoli – Ottawa
Most Outstanding Offensive Lineman:
Stanley Bryant – Winnipeg
Sean McEwen – Toronto
Most Outstanding Rookie:
Marken Michel – Calgary
James Wilder Jr. – Toronto
Most Outstanding Special Teams Player:
Roy Finch – Calgary
Diontae Spencer – Ottawa
Coach of the Year:
Dave Dickenson – Calgary
Marc Trestman – Toronto