Four Chatham County football players were honored by the Savannah Quarterback Club to kick off the football club's 75th season. The founding of the Savannah Quarterback Club took place in 1946. Throughout the college football season, the club members gather on Monday evenings to promote college football and high school football.
During each meeting, the Savannah Quarterback Club recognizes an outstanding offensive and defensive player as voted by its player of the week committee. At the end of the season, the Savannah Quarterback Club announces an offensive and defensive player and a team of the year. The club also awards two four-year scholarship (Currently $ 2500 per year) to two players that must be a football player from a public or private high school within Savannah Chatham County.
Week One
Jake Merklinger, Calvary Day, sophomore, QB
Proving to be a dual-threat, Merklinger was 13-of-24 passing for 249 yards and a touchdown and rushed for 82 yards and another score in a 21-13 win over highly ranked and defending state champion Prince Avenue Christian. The sophomore already has drawn recruiting interest from schools such as Michigan State and Cincinnati.
Jaleeh Kearse, Johnson High School, senior defensive end
Playing defensive end, Jaleeh made a phenomenal effort in a tough road loss against Augusta Christian 28-21. The senior atom smasher recorded eleven tackles, two-sack, two forced fumbles, and a pass deflection that led to an interception
Week Two
Donovan Johnson, Calvary Day, freshman RB.
The true freshman burst onto the scene in a significant way, rushing for 233 yards and a touchdown on 25 carries.
Donovan also added four catches for 56 yards to help seal a 28-14 win at Bulloch Academy, finishing the night with an impressive 289 yards of total offense.
Holden Sapp, Benedictine Military School, linebacker
The senior linebacker put up a tremendous performance against national powerhouse Columbus from Miami, Florida. Holden registered five total tackles and a quarterback pressure on the evening, along with a crucial interception in which he returned 60 yards for a touchdown.\
Story photo - (l-r) Jaleeh Kearse, Holden Sapp, Donovan Johnson, Jake Merklinger
Photo credit - Amy Zimmer WJCL
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