Evans High School's attempt at a second consecutive undefeated football season started with everyone getting involved.
The Knights beat rival Greenbrier 28-7 on Friday behind a series of breakout games from several players.
Junior Jamerson Turner, who sped to a 47-yard touchdown in the first half, finished with 145 yards on 10 carries. Knights receiver Justin Black caught a touchdown pass, and Tevin Nelson caught three passes for 36 yards.
On defense, newcomer Craig Garr posted a first-half sack and nearly had another in the second half. And Knights senior punter Joe Rizner, a standout on the Knights soccer team, recovered a fumble that led to an Evans' touchdown drive.
As with last year's 10-0 regular season, Evans coach Marty Jackson said the Knghts' key was protecting the football. Other than an inconsequential interception late in the first half, Evans did not turn the ball over during its season-opener at home.
"We weren't sloppy with it," Jackson said. "And if you're not sloppy with the ball, you're going to win."
Turner, who saw limited duty as a sophomore in 2008, did not have a carry in the first quarter. He took his first handoff in the second quarter and outran the Greenbrier defense.
Greenbrier (0-1) drove 60 yards for a score on its first possession of the game, capped by Scott Reeder's first touchdown pass as a varsity starter. Greenbrier's Sean Morris caught the 25-yard scoring strike. But after that first drive, the Knights scored twice, both on drives lasting more than five minutes.
"Time of possession was critical tonight," Greenbrier coach Brian Smith said.
A moment of silence was held before the game to remember Chris Smith, a Wolfpack football player who died in July, and Greenbrier band member Haley Van Pelt, who was seriously injured in a car accident. Both teams' players wore Smith's No. 6 stickers on their helmets, and Greenbrier's band wore ribbons on their uniforms for Van Pelt.
Players from both teams met at midfield before the game to shake hands and kneel for a moment.
Jackson said the week had been an emotional one for the Knights, several of whom who were friends with Smith.
Greenbrier running back DJ Tyson said the Wolfpack were focused on the task.
"We just came out here to play our game," Tyson said. "We had the mindset we were going to win this game We just came up short."
Grovetown notches first win, prepares for home game
Seth Hill scored Grovetown's first touchdown in school history on a 2-yard run at the 9:52 mark of the first quarter and finished with 200 yards rushing and three scores as the Warriors routed Walnut Grove 39-7 Friday night for their first-ever win.
Hill also scored on runs of 7 and 22 yards for the Warriors, who scored on five of their first six possessions against Walnut Grove, another first-year school.
Xavier Crain added touchdown runs of 14 and 6 yards for Grovetown, which finished with 451 yards of total offense.
On defense, the Warriors limited Walnut Grove to 128 yards. Thirteen of Walnut Grove's rushes in the first half went for negative yards.
The Warriors will play their first home game Friday at 7:30 p.m. when they welcome Langston Hughes.
A fireworks show will be held after the game and Brig. Gen. Jeffrey Foley, commanding general at Fort Gordon, will conduct the opening coin toss.
Augusta Christian falls to N.C. power
Charlotte Christian scored all its points in the first half Friday to beat Augusta Christian 38-0 and spoil the debut of first-year Lions coach Keith Walton.
Parker Blazevich and Matthias Farley scored two touchdowns apiece for the Knights.
Augusta Christian (0-1) plays host to Fox Creek in its home opener at 7:30 p.m. Friday.
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