The OUA announced the 2021 Football All-Stars on Wednesday afternoon with eight different Warriors earning spots on the first-team or second-team lists.

Quarterback Tre Ford (Niagara Falls/), cornerback Tyrell Ford (Niagara Falls/), receiver Gordon Lam (Kitchener/), and kicker/punter Cole Crossett (Ottawa/) were all named OUA First-Team All-Stars while receiver James Basalyga (Thunder Bay/), centre Greg Brand (Milverton/), guard Troy Curtis (London/), and linebacker Michael Reid (Sault Ste. Marie/) earned spots on the Second-Team.

"I am very proud of these eight individuals that were recognized as OUA All-Stars," mentioned Head Coach Chris Bertoia. "All of these young men were key contributors on our team this past season and have worked their tails off to help re-establish our football program as a contender.  I am especially happy for the seniors who received this well-deserved recognition."

Tre Ford (Niagara Falls/) was again a dual threat for the Warriors, cementing himself not only as one of the greatest members of the football program but greatest Warriors of all-time. Ford added to his passing numbers, which already broke all-time Warrior football records in 2019, completing 118 of 186 passes for 1,465 passing yards. He threw for 10 touchdowns with his longest pass coming in at 76 yards. On the ground, Ford was as impressive with 59 carries for an incredible 629 rushing yards and three TD's. 

Tyrell Ford (Niagara Falls/) was again a headache all season for the opposing team's passing game and finished the season with 12.5 tackles, two breakups and one interception. He was also once again a threat every time the other team had to punt with 20 punt returns on the season for 251 yards. If had not been for a tough call going against the Warriors in Week 1 Tyrell would have had a punt return TD against the Lancers. 

Gordon Lam (Kitchener/) was the go-to target for Tre and Lam did not disappoint showing off his velcro mitts making 37 catches for 464 yards including two touchdowns. He had a remarkable 77.3 yards per game in 2021. Lam became the Warriors all-time leader in receptions in Week 5 passing Tyler Ternowski with 165 career catches. He would go on to make seven more in the final week against Laurier giving him a total of 172 career receptions. 

The final member to earn a spot on the First-Team was K/P Cole Crossett (Ottawa/). Crossett hit eight of 13 field goals this season with a long of 40 yards and was terrific punting the ball, kicking 37 punts for a total of 1,579 yards good for an average of 42.7 yards/punt.

The list of Second-Team All-Stars includes two members of the herd Greg Brand (Milverton/) and Troy Curtis (London/) who were simply outstanding members of the Warriors o-line since day one. Brand was the centre and key protector of Tre throughout his career while Curtis also gave Tre the time and space to make his plays. Both will be missed big time next season.

Receiver James Basalyga (Thunder Bay/) also earned a spot on the Second-Team after a breakout season hauling in 27 catches for 403 yards while adding three touchdowns. Basalyga averaged 14.9 yards/catch with his longest reception coming in a massive 76 yard reception and TD at Laurier in Week 2.

Last but not least is linebacker Michael Reid (Sault Ste. Marie/) who capped off his fifth year in style with a Second-Team nod. Reid was named an All-Star as both a LB and rush member of the special teams. Reid was all over the stats sheet this year leading the Warriors defence with 35.5 tackles including 7.5 tackles for a loss. He also had two fumble recoveries, one of which was returned for TD in Week 1 against Lancers, two interceptions and one breakup.

Clearly the Warriors had spectacular seasons at both ends of the field as made evident by these eight individuals who earned their OUA all-star nods.