Evans High works hard for season's first win

Lee Chomskis got the monkey off his back last week, but after earning his first win as Evans High School's football coach, he was happier to see the Knights break through with a 42-8 victory Friday night at Henry County.

''I'm excited for the kids. They have worked mighty hard and been close so many times and haven't gotten a win. They deserve to win," said Chomskis, who took over the Evans football program this season from former coach Jim Connor.

The Knights (1-5, 1-2 in Region 4-AAAAA B subregion) dominated the Warhawks from the start.

Evans senior Fernando Mickens ran for a 53-yard touchdown on the first play from scrimmage, and the Knights came right back on their next possession, as quarterback Travis Clark threw a 39-yard touchdown pass to Kevin Butler.

''In the blink of an eye we had them down 14-0, and from there our defense did a good job stopping the run," Chomskis said.

Clark added touchdown completions to Butler and Mickens. Osmond Brinson contributed a 55-yard scoring run, and Orlando Bradley set the final margin with a 17-yard run. Mickens finished with 139 yards on the ground.

Evans opened the season with five straight losses, but Chomskis says he wasn't placing any extra significance on picking up his initial win.

''It won't be any more special than any other win that comes down the pike. If we keep improving as a football team, I'll be happy."

His players, though, are a different story.

''The kids want to win, there's no doubt about that," Chomskis said.

Now Evans will try to go on a winning streak. The Knights have their homecoming Friday, when Jonesboro (4-1, 3-1 in subregion play) comes to Blanchard Stadium for a 7:30 p.m. kickoff.

''I hope we'll have a turnaround. If we play well, we've got a chance," Chomskis said.