Ex-Desert Pines coach Evans takes Eldorado football post

Eldorado has hired Leon Evans as its football coach.

Evans takes over for Frank Tousa, who posted a 5-24 record in three years as Sundevils coach. The team was 1-9 this fall.

"We're going to take it day-by-day and try to bring that program back up to a level of respectability," Evans said. "The kids really have to commit and put in the effort and hard work to get this thing back up and running."

Evans was previously the coach at Desert Pines, leading the Jaguars to a 24-13 record in three seasons. He led the team to a 12-2 record and an appearance in the state championship game in 2002.

He left Desert Pines following the 2004 season to take an assistant coaching job at Mesa (Ariz.) Community College.

"I took a couple years off and left the valley, and I think my heart really is in high school football," Evans said.