![Joseph Hampton (6) runs through a hole during a game against Richmond Academy on Friday, Sept. 10, 2021 at Blanchard Stadium. [WYNSTON WILCOX/THE AUGUSTA CHRONICLE]](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/presto/2021/09/11/NAUG/32c5adba-f23f-48b9-88fe-a15688a95b08-evansarc5.jpg?width=660&height=522&fit=crop&format=pjpg&auto=webp)
It was the Joseph Hampton show once again for Evans football on Friday.
Only this time, he wasn’t just a threat on offense. The senior running back terrorized Richmond Academy on special teams, too.
He scored the first Evans touchdown, jumpstarting 20-straight points for the Knights as they came from behind to secure a 20-18 victory.
More:Final scores: Get Augusta-area high school football Week 4 results here
Hampton’s 60-yard kickoff return was much needed with the Knights offense stalled and trailing by 12 after ARC scored on back-to-back drives. The Musketeers touchdowns came via a 28-yard run by Jontavious Curry and 25-yard touchdown pass to Kellen McDuffie.
Later, Kaleb Jackson connected with KD Dorsey on a 40-yard touchdown pass for Evans and Hampton added a second touchdown – his first on offense – on a third-and-long draw play up the middle.
Richmond Academy (1-2) was stagnant for much of the second half. The Musketeers were able to move the ball on multiple drives, but they didn’t reach the end zone until late in the fourth quarter as Evans secured its fourth straight win to open the season.
GAME BALL
Joseph Hampton didn’t offer a typical performance we’ve seen from the feature back, who entered the game with 400 rushing yards and four touchdowns. But it was once again an impactful performance.
With two of the Knights’ three touchdowns, he once again splattered his name in the box score and proved why teams always need to know where he is on the field – even on special teams.
KEY STAT
Two.
It was a showdown of the No. 6s. Richmond Academy’s No. 6 – Jontavious Curry – scored two touchdowns in Friday’s game. Evans’ No. 6 – Hampton – also had two touchdowns to his name on Friday night.
Evans’ Kaleb Jackson throws his name in the mix as well with two passing touchdowns himself. He connected with Dorsey and Jourdain Spann to show off the air attack.
TOP PLAY
Hampton’s 60-yard kickoff return, following a Richmond Academy touchdown sparked the Knights to the tune of 20-straight points after it started out sluggish.
WHAT IT MEANS
For Evans, it further proves why it’s important to find ways to get Hampton the ball. When the offense struggled to get going and he didn’t find any open holes early, it looked like the Knights were going to have problems. After Hampton’s first touchdown, the Knights returned to form.
Richmond Academy drops its second straight game of the season, both coming by one possession. Against Augusta Christian, it was missed PATs and field goals that proved to be the difference. On Friday night, it was simply not finishing the job. With a tough region schedule on the horizon, the Musketeers must figure out how to not only stay hot after a strong start, but score when they’re deep in opponent’s territory.
UP NEXT
Evans (4-0) — The Knights play their fifth straight game to start the season as they travel to Sandersville to play Washington County.
Richmond Academy (1-2) — The Musketeers head back to Richmond County to host Vidalia next Friday.
