Evans started the year as high as you can possibly start with a 35-28 win over then-ranked Thomson, following that up by dominating Grovetown in a 38-3 win.
Since then, things have not gone according to plan as the Knights have lost three consecutive games all by at least three touchdowns.
Their most recent loss came Wednesday night at the hands Effingham County where they fell, 35-7.
Sluggish Evans offense
A common theme in these losses has been that the offensive output has regressed. Turnovers have been a problem for Evans, as it threw three interceptions in Wednesday’s loss.
The Knights went from averaging 36.5 points per game in the first two to just seven in their last three. Granted, the defenses they have played are certainly better, but the Knights’ struggles are still concerning.
“We are just playing some tough teams and have to do better at sustaining drives and taking care of the football better on offense,” said Evans head coach Barrett Davis.
When you have these offensive problems, it usually doesn’t bode well for the defense. Whether it’s the amount of time they are on the field or them just never able to get the momentum back.
Coach Davis isn’t disappointed with the defense. In fact, he doesn’t think they’ve been bad.
“Defensively, we have played decently against the run, but have to do a better job against the pass.”
Three region losses to start their region schedule is not ideal, but not all hope is lost for the Knights as their next two matchups are against a winless South Effingham (Oct. 14) and Statesboro (Oct. 18), which sits at 2-3.
Playoffs still in view
If the Knights can find a way to win out — which is not out of the realm of possibility with a very favorable schedule ahead — they would finish 5-3 in the region. That’s certainly enough to get them into the playoffs.
Evans just has to clean up the little things, and Davis said his team’s problems are certainly fixable, it’s just a matter of them putting it together on the field. No matter the issues, Davis and his staff aren’t giving up on the team, and they know that there is plenty of football left to be played.
“We just have to keep working hard and correcting mental mistakes.”
