Evans football players and coaches promised before the season their offense went deeper than running back Jonathan Finch.
Coach Marty Jackson's team showed off its other athletes Friday night, beating rival Greenbrier, 28-7.
Among the breakout stars was junior Jamerson Turner, who sped to a 47-yard touchdown run in the first half while Finch raised his arms in celebration near midfield. Knights receiver Justin Black caught a touchdown pass, and Tevin Nelson caught three passes for 36 yards.
"We're mixing it up," Jackson said. "We're not a one-horse team."
On defense for Evans (1-0), newcomer Craig Garr made his mark with a first-half sack from his spot at defensive end. He nearly had another one in the second half, driving Greenbrier quarterback Scott Reeder into the turf and forcing an incompletion.
Garr, who attended Glenn Hills for the 2008-09 school year, received approval from the Georgia High School Association for a hardship transfer Thursday morning. The junior has been living with his grandparents since his mother suffered a series of strokes in May.
Even Knights punter Joe Rizner did his part. The senior, borrowed from the Knights soccer team and playing his first American football game, recovered a fumble on the last play of the first quarter that led to an touchdown.
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) set an intimidating pace early. The Wolfpack drove 60 yards for a score, capped by Reeder's first touchdown pass as a varsity starter. 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.
"This was a tough week, lots of emotion," Jackson said. "There was more than a few tears shed this week. Not just tonight."
Reach Stephen Fastenau at (706) 863-6165, ext. 116 or stephen.fastenau@augustachronicle.com.
EVANS 28, GREENBRIER 7
PLAY OF THE GAME: With the game tied at 7 late in the first quarter, Greenbrier junior DJ Tyson 's 20-yard punt return ended with an Evans player jarring the ball loose. Evans punter Joe Rizner covered it up, and the Knights scored the go-ahead TD two plays later.
PLAYER OF THE GAME: Knights junior Jamerson Turner scored the go-ahead touchdown on his first carry, a 47-yard sprint in the second quarter. He finished with 145 yards on 10 carries.
WHY GREENBRIER LOST: The Wolfpack's offense executed well on their opening TD drive but could not find a rhythm after that.
WHY EVANS WON: The Knights dominated time of possession, eating up clock with a bruising running attack and an efficient passing night from quarterback Troy Griffith .
NEXT: Greenbrier at Harlem, Friday, 7:30 p.m.; Evans at Lakeside, Friday, 7:30 p.m.
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