In another historic moment of the Michael Finocchiaro Memorial Outstanding Football Player Award, Calvary Day senior Jake Merklinger and New Hampstead junior RaShawn Truell have been named co-recipients of the award. This marks the second time in the award's 43-year history that two players have shared the honor; the previous instance in 2020.
Merklinger, a Tennessee commit, has etched his name in Calvary Day's football legacy, becoming the third Cavalier to claim the award, joining Craig Thomas in
1999 and Demarcus Dobbs in 2005. During the regular season, Merklinger displayed exceptional passing skills, throwing for 1,844 yards with 25 touchdowns and just two interceptions in nine games. Jake completed 97 of 139 attempts for a completion rate of 70 %. His dual-threat abilities were further evident as he rushed for 285 yards and seven touchdowns.
As he acknowledged his teammates' role in his success, modesty and gratefulness were the main themes in Merklinger's words in his interview with WJCL Sports Director Amy Zimmer.
"I'm super excited about this," Merklinger expressed. "It's something that everyone in the city knows about, and the previous winners are all incredibly talented. Being honored alongside them means a lot to me. When people come to watch me, I just want them to know that I'm a good leader and a good teammate. I'll do everything I can to help my team win. I'm a teammate first and foremost, and I'm incredibly grateful for my teammates. They make awards like this possible."
Truell, following in the footsteps of last year's award winner and current Wofford 
University quarterback Pauly Seely, has become the second New Hampstead player to receive this prestigious recognition and making it two years in a row. RaShawn demonstrated remarkable talent in his first season as the starting quarterback, throwing for 2,718 yards with 31 touchdowns and four interceptions in nine games.
Truell credited his time learning behind Seely as a crucial factor in his development.
"It means a lot coming into the season. I already didn't have my mindset on this award," Truell admitted. "I knew that after this season, I would probably have a pretty good chance of being nominated. I already didn't think I would be a winner, but after the BC game, I started to hear my name buzz a little bit. I really didn't pay attention too much because I always felt like I could play quarterback. I took what I learned from a great quarterback Pauley and then used it and applied it. Whatever came out of that, came out of it."
The selection of Merklinger and Truell as co-recipients of the Michael Finocchiaro Memorial Outstanding Football Player Award highlights these two young athletes' exceptional talent and dedication. Their achievements inspire aspiring football players to win the award in Savannah for years to come.
Finocchiaro Award winners
1976 — Tommy Cupstid, Windsor Forest
1977 — Randy Lanier, Benedictine
1978 — Chris McCarthy, Benedictine
1979 — J.J. Young, Groves
1980 — Harry South, Benedictine
1981 — Joel Carter, Benedictine
1982 — Jack McCollum, Jenkins
1983 — Stephen Jones, Jenkins
1984 — Peter Brennan, Benedictine
1985 — Tim Smart, Groves
1986 — Corey Ladson, Tompkins
1987 — Keith Jones, Savannah High
1988 — Stanley Smart, Savannah High
1989 — Daryl Wall, Windsor Forest
1990 — Marcel Cooper, Groves
1991 — JJ Mobley, Beach
1992 — Bill Sparks, Savannah Country Day
1993 — Mede Lewis, Savannah High
1994 — Vinson Cooper, Groves
1995 — Patrick Smith, Benedictine
1996 — Prince Jonson, Beach
1997 — Walter Simmons, Benedictine
1998 — Jamaal Argrow, Benedictine
1999 — Craig Thomas, Calvary Day
2000 — Lamar Owens, Benedictine
2001 — Joey Boaen, Country Day
2002 — Joey Boaen, SCD
2003 — Sage Glasper, Groves
2004 — Jonathon Armstrong, Groves
2005 — Demarcus Dobbs, Calvary Day
2006 — Franklin Green, Jenkins
2007 — Franklin Green, Jenkins
2008 — Chris Barnwell, Savannah Christian
2009 — Chris Barnwell, SCPS
2010-15 — No winner
2016 — Wesley Kennedy, Benedictine
2017 — Javonte Middleton, Jenkins
2018 — Jakeen Harris, Benedictine
2019 — Ronald Cooper III, Jenkins
2020 — Justin Thomas, Benedictine; and Spencer Robicheaux, Savannah Christian
2021 — Justin Thomas, Benedictine
2022 — Pauly Seeley, New Hampstead
2023 - Jake Merklinger, Calvary; and RaShawn Truell, New Hampstead
PHOTO CREDIT: Savannah Qb Club, School's and player's social media pages
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Optim Orthopedics supports Prep Sports and the following schools: Benedictine Military School, Bradwell Institute, Calvary Day School, Liberty County High School, Richmond Hill High School, Savannah Country Day, South Effingham High School, and St. Vincent's athletics. Benedictine Military School, Bradwell Institue, and Liberty County's team doctor is Dr. David Sedory. Dr. David Palmer is the team doctor for Calvary Day School, South Effingham, and Richmond Hill. Savannah Country Day and St. Vincent's team doctor is Dr. Thomas Alexander. Remember, Optim Orthopedics gets you back into the game.
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