Versatile Turner Pushes Oxnard in Stretch

It has been a season of contradictions for Johnel Turner, the multi-talented senior from Oxnard High.

He has been unselfish at quarterback, sacrificing his own rushing statistics to get the ball to fullback Bryant Taylor and halfback Kenyon Lewis. And he has done whatever Coach Jack Davis has asked, kicking PATs and field goals until midseason, and switching between free safety and linebacker on defense depending on the opponent.

Yet Turner has lacked discipline at times, brawling after a heartbreaking loss to Buena and running the wrong way on a key play in a loss to San Marcos.

Although those are Oxnard’s only losses, the Yellowjackets could miss the playoffs even if they defeat Santa Barbara on Friday. All Turner and his teammates have been able to do since losing to San Marcos is win and hope for some help.

Last week, Turner played his best game in a 47-15 victory over Dos Pueblos. He rushed for a season-high 125 yards and two touchdowns in 13 carries and completed six of eight passes for 94 yards and two more scores.

“Johnel also played very well on defense,” Davis said.

All Turner can do now is help Oxnard defeat Santa Barbara--and hope it isn’t his last high school football game.