Fans want to shake bad memories
It has been 17 years since Evans High met Effingham County on the gridiron, and Friday's game could be huge because of that season nearly two decades ago.
The details might be fuzzy, but few have forgotten the controversial matchup in the 1987 Georgia State Quarterfinals.
During the game officials found a receiver in the helmet of Evans' quarterback Craig Cassedy. The Knights were penalized 15 yards and a loss of downs.
However, the aftermath of this game might be the most controversial ruling in the history of the Georgia High School Association. Effingham County protested the game, a victory by the Knights.
First, the GHSA fined Evans $2,000 and placed the school on probation.
However, a hearing was then held at the GHSA Headquarters in Thomaston. Evans students and players were urged not to go to the meeting, while a couple thousand Effingham County fans were in attendance. At this hearing the Knights were forced to forfeit their victory.
Effingham went on to knock off Carver-Columbus in the semifinals before losing in the title game to Morrow.
This is just a brief rundown of a piece of history that some Evans fans might want to forget. I was an Evans student at the time and I have not forgotten.
I urge all Evans fans and graduates to make it a point to be at John Pierce Blanchard Memorial Stadium for this one.
I realize that most of the players who will be on the field Friday night either were not born or were in diapers when the first matchup took place, but a victory this time around would put a smile on the face of a whole bunch of Evans fans.
Evans (4-2) vs. Effingham Co. (3-3)
The Knights are coming off their second loss of the season, and this should be a close matchup talent wise, but the Knights will be fired up.
Evans 27 Effingham Co. 16
Greenbrier (2-4) vs. Baldwin (1-5)
The Pack seems to be on track with back-to-back wins. However, they'd better not wait until the second half to start playing this week.
Greenbrier 23 Baldwin 17
Lakeside (2-3-1) vs. Statesboro (6-0)
Statesboro is unbeaten and the top team in the region, but they are definitely beatable. It will take a mistake-free game from the Panthers.
Statesboro 20 Lakeside 10
Harlem (2-5) vs. Butler (2-4)
Harlem put up a great effort this past week in a loss to Glenn Hills. However, I think Butler is a pretty good two-win team. Harlem needs to do a great job against the top defensive end duo in the area, especially Division I prospect Tyrese Harris.
Butler 26 Harlem 13
Augusta Christian (3-3) vs. Cardinal Newman (4-2)
The Lions snapped their three-game losing streak with a win over Porter Gaud. Cardinal Newman will provide another good test, but I think the Lions will pass.
ACS 24 Cardinal Newman 20