WILLY’S GOT O’SHEA’S VOTE

WINNIPEG (CP) – He’s closing in on 4,000 yards passing but couldn’t get his Winnipeg Blue Bombers into the playoffs, yet quarterback Drew Willy is still coach Mike O’Shea’s nominee for the team’s most outstanding player this season.

“I think that’s an easy choice,” O’Shea said Wednesday.

“He missed a game so if he’s in for that game he probably throws for over 4,000. He won us a bunch of games early. He’s been a good player for us, very good. He’s the guy you build everything around.”

Willy will start again Saturday when the Bombers (6-11) bring the curtain down on their disappointing season in Calgary against the Stampeders (14-2). This is the third season in a row the Bombers have missed the playoffs.

The Bombers saw their faint playoff hopes disappear last Saturday when they dropped a 28-23 decision to the B.C. Lions.

Despite their problems, they’ve had some outstanding performances from some players besides Willy.

Receiver Clarence Denmark has followed through with his pre-season promise and topped 1,000 yards for the first time in his four years in the CFL. He’s currently at 1,022 yards, second only to Edmonton’s Adarius Bowman.

The Bombers also scored big in rookie kicker Lirim Hajrullahu. The native of St. Catharines, Ont., came out of Western and his 141 points are good for third on the CFL kicking points list right now.

And if that wasn’t impressive enough, he’s had to handle punting duties as well because of Mike Renaud’s injury issues. Hajrullahu has averaged a respectable 43.8 yards a punt.

O’Shea acknowledges both, despite favouring Willy for the team’s top honour.

“Clarence Denmark’s had a very, very good season. Without throwing the ball, he doesn’t get those yards, right?” he said of his top receiver.