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The Michael Finnochario Memorial Outstanding Football Player Award honors the top high school football player in Chatham County, Georgia, as voted by all head varsity football coaches, private and public, and five local media sources. For 44 years, the award has been a symbol of excellence in high school football, celebrating players who exemplify skill, dedication, and leadership. 

As the founder, Michael Finnochario, stated in 1976, the award is the Heisman Trophy for Chatham County high school football players in Savannah, Georgia.

This year, the Prep Sports Report (PSR) spoke with Michael Finnochario's nephew, also named Michael Finnochario, whose family name graces this coveted award, and Ra'Shawn Truell, the standout New Hampstead High School quarterback who won the award for a second consecutive year. The interview took place immediately following the award presentation to Truell at the end-of-season banquet for the New Hampstead High School Football program.

In this exclusive Q&A interview, the PSR delved into the award's significance for the Finnochario family, witnessing another two-time winner and a school winning the trophy for the third year in a row, a record in the award's history. Then, the PSR interviewed Ra'Shawn about his journey to becoming one of the five two-time recipients and how his high school experiences have shaped his aspirations for the future. Join the PSR in celebrating this long-time award and the player who raised the bar in playing high school football in Savannah Chatham County.

 

Prep Sports Report: Mike Finnochario, this award has been given for 44 years. What does it mean to your family to see this go to a player twice and witness a school for the first time receiving the award three years in a row?

Mike: Well, it couldn't happen to a nicer guy. I remember seeing him play this year and last year. He was a co-winner last year and again was a great player again this season. And I'm proud to have my family name on the trophy as he has won it twice. We're very happy with the outcome of the winner; seeing a school win it three years in a row is phenomenal.

PHOTO (l-r):  Mike Finnochario  & Ra'Shawn Truell

Prep Sports Report: RaShaun, this is your second time winning the Finnochario Award. Very few have achieved that, with only five players winning the award twice. How does it feel to win this prestigious award again, and what does it say about your consistency as a player?

Ra'Shawn: It's a special feeling to win the award twice. How many players get the chance to win it even once? Being able to be one of those kids and win it twice is different. Winning it a second time, I feel like it means more to me because we had a tougher schedule and played tougher opponents. I feel like I gave it my best. So being able to win it again with such a tough season, despite things not going the way you want, feels different. Also, being the third player from my school to win it twice is definitely special for the whole school.

 

Prep Sports Report: Did you think you could win the award two years in a row?

Ra'Shawn: Honestly, I knew I had the stats for it, but I wasn't sure if I'd actually get it. That last game, though, really showed the type of player I am. Even when our playoff chances were over, we came together as a team and said, "Let's make this last one count." I gave it my best—my best game in high school, even better than some of the big ones earlier. It was all about consistency and controlling the game all the way through.

 

Prep Sports Report: As you look ahead to your college football career, what are your aspirations, and how has your high school experience prepared you for the challenges and opportunities at the next level?

Ra'Shawn: Well, my aspirations are to go as far as God allows me to. If that's the NFL or just past college, wherever He leads me, that's where I'll go. I think my high school experience taught me a lot, especially not being able to play my freshman and sophomore years. Learning patience, sitting, waiting, and watching older, more experienced players taught me how to adapt and grow. That experience will take me far.

 

Prep Sports Report: You just spoke about your coach, Coach Hockman, and your position coach. You also mentioned family, specifically your mom. How have they influenced your success throughout your journey, and what role have they played in helping you reach this level?

PHOTO (l-r):  Mike Finnochario, Ra'Shawn Truell, HC Kyle Hockman

Ra'Shawn: Well, just outside of football, it's about being a good person. Coach Hockman talks about that all the time—being a great man outside of football. My mom instilled that in me. No matter how far I can throw the ball or how good I am at football, I won't go far if I'm not a good person. She's taught me that since I was a little kid.

 

Prep Sports Report: Last question. Ending your high school career with this award for the second year in a row is a remarkable accomplishment. What does it mean to you to close this chapter of your life with such recognition? What's it like having all the other coaches in the county and the media watching you? How will you carry this experience forward?

Ra'Shawn: Well, it's great to be recognized as one of the best players in the area by all the coaches. Even though we don't get a chance to play against every team, knowing they respect me and my presence means a lot. Winning this award isn't just for me. It's for my teammates, my seniors, and everyone who worked hard alongside me. They put just as much into me as I put into the field. I don't think this award is mine alone—it belongs to all of us.

Prep Sports Report: Congratulations once again, Ra'Shawn! Winning this award for the second time is truly well-earned!

 

2024 Ra'Shawn Truell's Season Bio

Completed 189 of 321 passes (59%) for 3,032 yards with 31 touchdown passes and 8 interceptions while also rushing for 126 yards and scoring 4 touchdowns.

Set a GHSA State Record by throwing for 635 passing yards and six touchdown passes in a game against Perry on September 28.

Finished the regular season leading GHSA in Passing Yardage across all classifications as the state's top passer with a total of 3,032 yards.

 

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, Savannah Country Day

2002 — Joey Boaen, SCD

2003 — Sage Glasper, Groves

2004 — Jonathan 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 Day; and Ra'Shawn Truell, New Hampstead

2024 — Ra'Shawn Truell, New Hampstead

 

PHOTO CREDIT: Courtesy Prep Sports Report

 

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