Friday night wasn’t just about football. Beyond the game, it became a celebration of Chris “Bubba” Frazier’s football journey, and the milestone of closing one chapter while beginning another.
The 45th Michael Finocchiaro Memorial Outstanding Football Player Award trophy sits on display during the presentation honoring Benedictine senior Chris “Bubba” Frazier as Savannah–Chatham County’s top high school football player. (Trophy courtesy of Thompson’s Sports Shop.)
This sense of celebration was evident on January 2, 2026, when Benedictine senior Bubba Frazier received the 45th Michael Finocchiaro Memorial Outstanding Football Player Award at his send-off party, witnessed by family, friends, former coaches, and teammates from youth to high school.
The award was presented to Frazier by Mike Finocchiaro (nephew of the namesake) and award coordinator Karl DeMasi, adding a personal touch to the moment and connecting the honor to its long-standing Savannah football tradition.
Benedictine senior Chris “Bubba” Frazier (center) holds the Michael Finocchiaro Memorial Outstanding Football Player Award after being honored during his send-off celebration. Frazier was presented the award by Mike Finocchiaro (left) and award coordinator Karl DeMasi. (Courtesy: Zach Fox / WTOC Sports Director)
Head football coaches and local media voted Frazier Savannah–Chatham County’s top high school player based on his regular-season performance. Following his standout season, he became the 14th Cadet to earn this honor.
The celebration highlighted these connections, as coaches from Frazier’s youth and Benedictine years stood together while friends and supporters filled the backyard to honor his dedication and growth.
“It really means a lot. I’m just blessed and thankful for everyone who voted for me, the coaches, the media, and the people who believed in me,” Frazier said. “When you look at the history of this award and the players who won it before me, it’s humbling. To be part of that group is special, and I don’t take it lightly.”
During the season, Frazier had 36 receptions for 602 yards and 10 touchdowns, rushed for 163 yards, and returned two punts for scores. He totaled 1,068 all-purpose yards and 14 touchdowns in nine games. Yet the night honored more than statistics—it recognized his journey from youth league to high school. Frazier is the fifth Cadet in the past ten seasons to win since the award’s 2016 return.
Benedictine senior Chris “Bubba” Frazier holds the Michael Finocchiaro Memorial Outstanding Football Player Award while being interviewed by WTOC sports director Zach Fox during Frazier’s send-off celebration in Savannah.
“It means everything,” Frazier said. “There’s a lot of hard work behind that tradition, and so many great Benedictine athletes came before me. To add my name to that list and represent BC is special. I’m proud to be part of that brotherhood.”
As he prepares to leave Savannah for the University of Notre Dame on scholarship on January 10, Frazier said the lessons from Benedictine and Savannah football will stay with him.
“I’ll never forget where I came from,” Frazier said. “Benedictine and Savannah football taught me to give 100 percent every single day, to stay disciplined, and to stay humble. I’m going to carry that with me, work hard, respect the process, and remember the people who helped me get here.”
The celebration and trophy presentation marked Frazier’s send-off—one chapter closed, another begins.
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Past Finocchiaro Award winners
2025 — Bubba Frazier, Benedictine
2024 — Ra'Shawn Truell, New Hampstead
2023 — Jake Merklinger, Calvary Day, and Ra'Shawn Truell, New Hampstead
2022 — Pauly Seeley, New Hampstead
2021 — Justin Thomas, Benedictine
2020 — Justin Thomas, Benedictine, and Spencer Robicheaux, Savannah Christian
2019 — Ronald Cooper III, Jenkins
2018 — Jakeen Harris, Benedictine
2017 — Javonte Middleton, Jenkins
2016 — Wesley Kennedy, Benedictine
2010-15 — No winner
2009 — Chris Barnwell, SCPS
2008 — Chris Barnwell, Savannah Christian
2007 — Franklin Green, Jenkins
2006 — Franklin Green, Jenkins
2005 — Demarcus Dobbs, Calvary Day
2004 — Jonathan Armstrong, Groves
2003 — Sage Glasper, Groves
2002 — Joey Boaen, SCD
2001 — Joey Boaen, Country Day
2000 — Lamar Owens, Benedictine
1999 — Craig Thomas, Calvary Day
1998 — Jamaal Argrow, Benedictine
1997 — Walter Simmons, Benedictine
1996 — Prince Jonson, Beach
1995 — Patrick Smith, Benedictine
1994 — Vinson Cooper, Groves
1993 — Mede Lewis, Savannah High
1992 — Bill Sparks, Savannah Country Day
1991 — JJ Mobley, Beach
1990 — Marcel Cooper, Groves
1989 — Daryl Wall, Windsor Forest
1988 — Stanley Smart, Beach
1987 — Keith Jones, Savannah High
1986 — Corey Ladson, Tompkins
1985 — Tim Smart, Groves
1984 — Peter Brennan, Benedictine
1983 — Stephen Jones, Jenkins
1982 — Jack McCollum, Jenkins
1981 — Joel Carter, Benedictine
1980 — Harry South, Benedictine
1979 — J.J. Young, Groves
1978 — Chris McCarthy, Benedictine
1977 — Randy Lanier, Benedictine
1976 — Tommy Cupstid, Windsor Forest
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Photo credit: Prep Sports Report
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Optim Orthopedics team physicians:
Dr. Don Aaron — Bryan County
Dr. David Sedory — Benedictine, Bradwell Institute, Liberty County
Dr. David Palmer — Calvary Day, Richmond Hill, South Effingham
Dr. Thomas Alexander — Savannah Country Day, St. Vincent’s Academy
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