HAMILTON (OUA) – Ontario University Athletics released on Thursday the 2008 edition of the football all-stars.

Seven Golden Hawks were named to all-star status including Taurean Allen (Etobicoke, Ont.), Scott Evans (Cambridge, Ont.) and Giancarlo Rapanaro (Niagara Falls, Ont.) who were all named to the first team while Josh Bishop (Mississauga, Ont.), Shamawd Chambers (Markham Ont.), Chris Mamo (London, Ont.) and Courtney Stephen (Brampton, Ont.) were put on the second team.

Last season the Golden Hawks saw nine team members honoured provincially and the previous year there was a total of 10.  Queen's leads all Ontario schools this year with a total of 16 all-stars and Western just behind them with 11.

The Laurier offence and defence were split evenly with three each while special teams made up the final spot.

On the defensive side Taurean Allen picked up his second first team all-star award. Allen, a 5'11 corner taking Communications had a strong performance once again with 11 tackles on the season and an interception as well as a pair of knockdowns. Sophomore Giancarlo Rapanaro had 34 tackles on the season while also picking up a pair of fumble recoveries, knockdowns and interceptions. Rookie safety Courtney Stephen also in Communications, had a standout year as a starter with 35.5 tackles, eight knockdowns, two fumble recoveries as well as four interceptions for 55 yards.

On the offensive side of the ball, lineman and 2007 Metras award winner Scott Evans finished his career starting every single game through his five seasons. Evans led a younger offensive line through the year. Receiver Josh Bishop led the team in yardage through the air. The Communications major made 26 catches for 537 yards including five majors and a significant 101-yard reception for a touchdown. Rookie receiver Shamawd Chambers was just behind Bishop with 491 yards on the season through 37 catches as well as five touchdowns. Chambers picked up a sixth major to lead the team in scoring on the ground.

Kicker Chris Mamo sat third in the nation and second in the OUA in punting with 65 kicks for 2,718 yards or an average of 41.8/kick. Mamo also had 2,364 yards in kickoff yardage.

The OUA major awards press conference will take place on Thursday, November 6th in Hamilton at 11:30 a.m. and will feature; OUA Football Most Valuable Player, J.P. Metras Trophy (Lineman of the Year), Norm Marshall Trophy (Rookie of the Year), Presidents Trophy (Outstanding Defensive Player of the Year), Coach of the Year, and the OUA Russ Jackson Nominee (Best exemplifies the attributes of academic achievements, football skill and citizenship).

Laurier lost in the semi-finals last weekend to the Western Mustangs 36-28 and will miss the provincial championship for only the second time in six years.  

2008 FOOTBALL ALL-STARS

FIRST TEAM ALL-STARS
OFFENCE
Centre – Dan Bederman (Queen's)
Guard – Vince DeCivita (Queen's)
Guard – Frank Spera (Ottawa)
Tackle – Scott Evans (Laurier)
Tackle – Matt Morencie (Windsor)
Inside Receiver – Mark Stinson (Toronto)
Inside Receiver – Jesse Bellamy (Western)
Wide Receiver – Scott Valberg (Queen's)
Wide Receiver – Jedd Gardner (Guelph)
Running Back – Mike Giffin (Queen's)
Running Back – Nick Fitzgibbon (Guelph)
Quarterback – Danny Brannagan (Queen's)
Punter – Rob Maver (Guelph)
Place Kicker – Rob Maver (Guelph)
Kick Returner – Jimmy Allin (Queen's)

DEFENCE
Defensive Tackle – Dedrick Sterling (Queen's)
Defensive Tackle – Vaughn Martin (Western)
Defensive End – Osie Ukwuoma (Queen's)
Defensive End – Neil Puffer (Queen's)
Linebacker – Thaine Carter (Queen's)
Linebacker – John Surla (Western)
SAM Linebacker – Giancarlo Rapanaro (Laurier)
Defensive Halfback – James Savoie (Guelph)
Defensive Halfback – Corey McNair (Western)
Cornerback – Sean Riley (Guelph)
Cornerback – Taurean Allen (Laurier)
Free Safety – Matt Carapella (Western)
Rush/Cover – Simon Binder (McMaster)

SECOND TEAM ALL-STARS
OFFENCE
Centre – Ahmad Jaradat (Western)
Guard – Mike Hoy (McMaster)
Guard – Andy Rady (Western)
Tackle – Colin Boyle (Queen's)
Tackle – Richard Zulys (Western)
Inside Receiver – Cyril Adjeity (Ottawa)
Inside Receiver – Josh Bishop (Laurier)*
Inside Receiver – Kevin D'Hollander (McMaster)*
Wide Receiver – Joshua Svec (Waterloo)
Wide Receiver – Shamawd Chambers (Laurier)
Running Back – Daryl Stephenson (Windsor)
Running Back – Joey Nemet (McMaster)
Quarterback – Michael Faulds (Western)
Punter – Chris Mamo (Laurier)
Place Kicker – Dan Village (Queen's)

DEFENCE
Defensive Tackle – Sébastien Tétreault (Ottawa)
Defensive Tackle – Mike Van Praet (Western)
Defensive End – James Edwards (McMaster)
Defensive End – Ian Hazlett (Ottawa)
Linebacker – Mike Cornell (Ottawa)
Linebacker – Simon Binder (McMaster)
SAM Linebacker – Chris Smith (Queen's)
Defensive Halfback – Derek Batchelor (Toronto)
Defensive Halfback – David Rooney (Queen's)
Cornerback – Jimmy Allin (Queen's)
Cornerback – Josh Foster (Western)
Free Safety – Courtney Stephen (Laurier)
Rush/Cover – Tim Poffley (Queen's)
* - denotes tie