Injured Knight cleared to play

Evans High School football coach Lee Chomskis said last week that he didn't know who his starting quarterback would be when the Knights play Lakeside this Friday at Blanchard Stadium.

• Photos

Evans quarterback Travis Clark, who suffered a fractured ankle in preseason practice is expected to play Friday against Lakeside.

Photo by Jim Blaylock

Chomskis definitely knows who he'd like to see taking snaps when the 7:30 p.m. kickoff time arrives.

"Brad Freeman is a good kid, a good quarterback, but our team really loses something without Travis Clark at quarterback," he said. "I think Travis is the most talented quarterback in the area."

Clark had a strong sophomore season as quarterback for the Knights last year, but suffered a spiral fracture in his right ankle in a preseason practice, and wasn't ready for action when Evans opened the 2002 campaign against Greenbrier.

Last week, doctors gave Clark the go-ahead to play against Lakeside.

"I'm trying to get this game in against Lakeside before we go into the region schedule," Clark said. "I want to get all of the butterflies out and get ready for region."

Although the junior should get playing time against the Panthers, he is still concerned about his mobility.

"I won't be able to run the option as good as I'm used to," Clark said. "I've got to get used to my running and my steps again."

While Clark was sidelined, Freeman filled the QB slot, and the sophomore had a rough time in the Aug. 30 game at the Brierpatch. He was hampered by a sore thumb, and was harassed by Greenbrier's defense during the 43-26 loss.

Freeman finished without a completion, and two of his 10 pass attempts were intercepted. Timmy Steflik came on in the fourth quarter and completed his only pass attempt of the night.

For Clark, watching his teammates struggle hurt nearly as much as his fractured bone.

"It was tough for me to see us go down like that against Greenbrier," Clark said. "We should have done a lot better."