Picking an MVP at Evans is tough call

You'd be hard pressed to name an MVP for the Knights. Evans High School is enjoying one of the best starts in school history.

//

Of course, there have been other great football teams at Evans. In 1995, the Knights went 10-2, knocking off Northside Warner Robins 31-22 in the region playoffs, then falling to Forest Park 36-35 in the state playoffs. That team had an obvious MVP in running back Zach Scott, who ended his career as Evans' all-time rushing leader.

In 1986 and '87, Evans had back-to-back 10-0 regular seasons. Those teams were tremendous on defense. The MVP from those teams, however, likely would have been first team all-state quarterback Craig Cassedy, with all-state tailback Lenny Springs running a very close second.

In 2007, you would have a tough time selecting an MVP for the Knights. The fact that the team has so much balance is the reason it is playing so well.

Most people look to the quarterback first, and Kevin Millward has been very good this year. He is also blessed with the best group of receivers in the area in Jonathan Nicely, David Smith, Brandon McCladdie, Tevin Nelson and company.

The running backs are solid, too, led by Trey Henderson and Jonathan Finch.

You would also have to take a look at the Knights' offensive line. I have seen Evans twice this season, and both times the line dominated the opposition.

On defense, the Knights seem to have a different player step up each week. Defensive backs McCladdie and Trey Henderson are two of the top ballhawks in the area, and the Knights linebackers, although a bit undersized, have been a key reason for Evans' hot start.

The Knights have senior leadership from Millward, Henderson and David Smith. They also have a great youth movement with sophomore wide receiver Nelson and sophomore running back Jonathan Finch.

The coaching staff is loaded with veterans Mickey Derrick, Derwood Sauls and Jim Connor, and the entire group has done a great job this season.

So who would you choose as the MVP of the Knights at the halfway point of the regular season? I have no idea.

I might lean to Millward, but how do you ignore the importance of the offensive and defensive lines? The strength of the team is actually the depth at the skill positions, so it would be tough to leave that group out, too.