Greater Savannah-area high school football player of the week: Thomas Blackshear, Benedictine
Thomas Blackshear of Benedictine has emerged as one of the top playmakers in the Coastal Empire this season with his strong play as a receiver for the Cadets.
The sophomore had his best game yet last week as he caught seven passes for 165 yards and a touchdown in a 26-7 win in Jacksonville, Florida, over The Bolles School.
Blackshear was selected as the Savannah Morning News High School Football Player of the Week in a poll of readers as he garnered 34.1% of the vote. Demetrius Holloway, a freshman quarterback from Beach, was second with 25.7%, and Cody Brinson, a senior defensive back from Benedictine, was third with 10.8%.
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Previous POW selections
Week 1 — Zo Smalls, Savannah Christian
Week 2 — Jayaun Albert, Jenkins
Week 3 — Coray Stafford, Bethesda
Week 4 — Paulus Zittrauer, Savannah Christian
Week 5 — Kenry Wall, Savannah Christian
Week 6 Player of week nominees
Samari Dowdy, Johnson
The speedy senior ran for 302 yards and three touchdowns on 20 carries to lead the Atom Smashers to a 22-21 win over Liberty County.
Michael Smith, Calvary Day
The standout junior had two catches for 43 yards and touchdowns of 18 and 25 yards in a 34-28 win over Savannah Christian. The four-star tight end prospect also played defensive back and had four tackles and a pass break-up in the win.
Jayden Evans, Effingham County
The junior ran for 128 yards and a pair of touchdowns in a 29-3 win over cross-county rival South Effingham.
Zyere Edwards, St. Andrew's
The senior ran for 195 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 12 carries in a 43-0 win over Memorial Day.
Demetrius Holloway, Beach
The freshman quarterback threw for three touchdowns in a 28-0 win over Groves.
Zion Gillard, Richmond Hill
The senior running back ran for 119 yards and a pair of touchdowns on 24 carries in a 51-17 loss to Coffee.
A.J. Butts, Calvary Day
The versatile junior ran for 82 yards, including a 34-yard touchdown, on 12 carries in the win over Savannah Christian. He was also a huge factor defensively with eight tackles, a pair of sacks and one pass break-up.
Asher Sigmon, Benedictine
The senior kicker connected on four field goals and a pair of extra points for the Cadets in a 26-7 victory at The Bolles School in Jacksonville, Florida.
Zayden Edwards, St. Andrew's
The sophomore quarterback was for 13-of-19 passing for 124 yards and a pair of touchdowns, and ran for 44 yards and two more scores in the win over Memorial Day.
Cody Brinson, Benedictine
The senior had nine tackles and a pair of interceptions in the Cadets' win over The Bolles School.
Luke Kromenhoek, Benedictine
The junior quarterback completed 19 of 25 passes for 283 yards and two scores in the win over The Bolles School.
Thomas Blackshear, Benedictine
The sophomore had seven catches for 165 yards and a score in the win over The Bolles School.
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: Savannah area high school football player of week: Blackshear, Benedictine
