Benedictine's Justin Thomas wins another Finocchiaro Award as top football player in Savannah
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Benedictine's Justin Thomas signed to play baseball at the University of Georgia two weeks ago, and the versatile athlete is looking forward to his final season on the diamond with the Cadets.
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But the senior has some unfinished business to take care of first with his team on the football field as BC faces off with top-ranked Marist on Friday in the GHSA Class 4A quarterfinals.
Thomas has put together another incredible season on the gridiron to help lead his team to this point, and he's been recognized for his efforts as the winner of the Michael Finocchiaro Memorial Outstanding Football Player Award, given to the top high school player in Savannah.
It's the second year in a row that Thomas, a star running back/receiver/defensive back, has taken home the honor. Last year, he shared it with Savannah Christian quarterback Spencer Robicheaux.
"This means a lot to me because it's one of the goals I set at the beginning of the year," Thomas said. "But I couldn't have done it without my teammates and coaches. I feel like I'm better this year because I've stepped up as a leader, and I'm trusting myself more with the ball to make big plays."
Islands athletic director and basketball coach Karl DeMasi helped bring the award back after a six-year hiatus from 2010-15. The award was created by BC alumnus Finocchiaro, a big fan of high school athletics, who died in 2001. He had said the Heisman Trophy inspired him to create the award.
Thomas became the fourth two-time winner of the award joining Joey Boaen of Savannah Country Day, who won in 2001 and 2002, Franklin Green of Jenkins (2006, 2007) and Chris Barnwell of Savannah Christian (2008, 2009).
It seems fitting that Thomas added more hardware to his trophy case as he is coming off a career-high five-touchdown performance last week in the Cadets' dominating win over Luella in the Sweet 16.
More: Benedictine dominates Luella as Cadets advance to Class 4A state quarterfinals
Thomas has scored multiple touchdowns in 11 straight games. He has rushed for 1,160 yards (averaging 10.6 yards per carry) with 23 touchdowns, and has 35 catches for 659 yards (18.8 ypc) with nine more scores.
On defense, the standout cornerback has 35 tackles and five interceptions, including a pick-six, with three passes defended, a fumble caused and a pair of fumble recoveries. He's also returned a kickoff for a score and has 34 total touchdowns for the Cadets (10-2).
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"It's crazy to think that these are the last few games in Justin's football career," BC coach Danny Britt said. "But I think that may be part of the reason why he is playing at such a high level. He is making the most of every moment he has with his teammates.
"Justin is right up there with the best players I have ever coached," Britt said. "He reminds me of Wesley Kennedy III with the athletic ability that he has, but I think Justin brings more range as a wide receiver and defensive back. He's just an amazing athlete."
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Thomas said the team dynamic with football is different than baseball, and it's a sport that will always remain in his heart.
"Football is another sport that I fell in love with," Thomas said. "When you're playing in front of a huge crowd under the lights on a Friday night, hearing the cheers after a big hit or a touchdown run — there's just nothing like it. I love that atmosphere and will miss it."
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
Dennis Knight covers sports for the Savannah Morning News. Contact him at Dknight@savannahnow.com. Twitter: @DennisKnightSMN
This article originally appeared on Savannah Morning News: Benedictine's Justin Thomas wins Finocchiaro Award as top Savannah football player
