Evans coach, players honored

When the roast chicken disappeared and the last crumbs of chocolate cake were gone at Thursday's 2007 All Area Football Teams banquet, Columbia County's schools were well-represented during the awards ceremony that followed.

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Most notable among Columbia County's award-winners was Evans coach Marty Jackson, who was honored as Georgia Coach of the Year at the banquet, sponsored by The Augusta Chronicle and News Channel 6, WJBF TV.

Jackson's Knights finished 9-3 during the 2007 season, a five-win improvement over the year before. Jackson wasn't alone in carrying home the hardware for Evans. Three Knights seniors were named to the Georgia first team: defensive lineman Trey Golston, defensive back Trey Henderson and punter Kevin Millward.

"I'm real proud," Jackson said. "It's a good night for Evans."

Henderson, who also starts at point guard on the Knights basketball team, picked off six passes last season. He'll join the secondary at Coastal Carolina this fall.

"I enjoyed it," Henderson said of the banquet. "It's my first time being here, so it's been fun. My parents couldn't get an award, but this was for them."

Lakeside senior Dustin Banks, an All-Area selection at tight end, also expects to play football at the next level. Banks snagged 35 catches last season for 555 yards and four touchdowns.

He's taking classes at Augusta State University as part of a joint-enrollment program and plans to attend Gardner-Webb University in the fall.

Among the other honorees were nine teammates from Augusta Christian Schools, led by quarterback Tyler Bourdo. The senior ran for 17 touchdowns and threw for 13 more.

Harlem High School senior Mike Leverett capped off a solid season with an All Area nod. Leverett finished with 116 tackles, including seven sacks. He also grabbed three interceptions and scored nine touchdowns on offense.