The Savannah Quarterback Club kicked off its first huddle of the 2025 season on September 15 at the American Legion on Bull Street. Continuing a season-long tradition, the historic club honors a local Offensive and Defensive Player of the Week for their standout performances on the field. Each Huddle also features a special guest speaker who is deeply involved in football, creating anticipation for each gathering. This season began with Rusty Mansell, co-owner and publisher of DawgsHQ, who has covered Georgia high school and college football since 2007 as a recruiting specialist and team insider.
PHOTO (from left): Calvary Day School coach Stephen Miros, Scotty Walker, Windsor Forest coach Zane Rowland, JR Rowland, guest speaker Rusty Mansell of DawgsHQ.com, Savannah Christian’s Blaise Thomas, coach Russell DeMasi, St. Andrew’s Jack Kelly and coach Wes Worthington. (Photo courtesy of WJCL weekend sports anchor Pat Timlin)
Week 1 Honorees
Offense – Blaise Thomas, Savannah Christian
Senior quarterback Blaise Thomas set the tone in Savannah Christian’s 38-28 win over Whitefield Academy. Thomas rushed for 187 yards and a touchdown on 19 carries, while also completing 7 of 11 passes for 91 yards and three scores.
"This is something I’ve been chasing since I started high school. I couldn’t have done it without my coaches and teammates. Winning this makes me want to keep pushing and getting better." – Blaise Thomas.
Defense – Scott Walker, Calvary Day
Senior defensive back Scott Walker helped lead a Cavaliers defense that held Beach to just five rushing yards and 40 total yards of offense. Walker had three tackles, two pass breakups, and a 25-yard interception return for a touchdown as Calvary rolled past Beach 37-0 in a Region 3-3A matchup at the Erk Russell Classic in Statesboro.
"It’s been a long journey with a lot of hard work. To be recognized by such a historic club is a great honor. I thank my teammates and coaches for helping me get here." – Scott Walker.
Week 2 Honorees
Offense – JR Rowland, Windsor Forest
Sophomore quarterback JR Rowland shined in Windsor Forest’s 19-6 victory over Brantley County. Rowland threw for 313 yards and two touchdowns and added 35 yards on the ground with another score.
"I was flattered to win it again. The first time as a freshman was special, and this one means just as much. I’m grateful, but I’m still the same teammate — it’s all about us as a team." – JR Rowland.
Defense – Jack Kelly, St. Andrew’s
Defensive tackle Jack Kelly made a big impact despite playing only half a game in St. Andrew’s win over Hilton Head Prep. Kelly recorded eight tackles and two tackles for loss to anchor the Lions’ defense.
"It’s an honor to win this award. I credit my coaches and teammates for putting me in this position. It also shows that St. Andrew’s is building a program and producing strong football players." – Jack Kelly.
PHOTO (from left): Calvary Day’s Scotty Walker, Windsor Forest’s JR Rowland, guest speaker Rusty Mansell of DawgsHQ.com, Savannah Christian’s Blaise Thomas and St. Andrew’s Jack Kelly. (Photo courtesy Prep Sports Report)
Honoring a tradition dating back to 1946, the Savannah Quarterback Club remains the oldest quarterback club in Georgia and among the oldest of its kind in the country. Building on this legacy, the club will continue hosting weekly Monday huddles through January's annual bowl party—highlighting Savannah Chatham County’s top offensive and defensive players each week and sustaining one of Savannah’s longest-running football traditions.
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