Zaxby’s Player of the Week: Sammy Van Cleave, Bayshore Christian QB

FAIRHOPE, Ala. (WKRG) — Important high school football region games took centerstage in week eight. Bayshore Christian earned a 33-0 win over Central-Hayneville. The Eagles were led by quarterback Sammy Van Cleave who recorded 201 total yards and three touchdowns.

The junior’s standout performance claims our Zaxby’s Player of the Week!

What makes Van Cleave’s accomplishments even more impressive, this is his first season of varsity football. The junior finished 7-of-7 for 134 yards and two touchdowns through the air. He added 67 yards on five carries and another touchdown on the ground. Van Cleve has picked up a lot in his very short time as the Eagles’ signal caller.

“Quarterback is definitely a mental game,” Van Cleave said. “They see all of your mistakes, you have to keep going, move on to the next play and execute.”

First-year head coach Jacy Todd has watched Van Cleave and the Eagles develop as the young program continues to build.

“What an incredible kid,” Todd said. “Coming in his first year and to progress like he has is definitely amazing… For any sport that anybody plays, I think confidence is one of the major factors in believing in yourself. All these people out here in today’s world will tell you what you can’t do and for you to see yourself do it on film, on the field just gives you so much confidence going into that next game.”

Despite his personal success, the junior was also quick to pass the credit to his teammates.

“I love my o-line, they are great,” Van Cleave added. “We all love each other and we are all close and together. We are always encouraging each other and it’s a good time.”

Bayshore Christian will play Chickasaw in Class 2A Region 1 action on Friday night.

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