Cardinals Have Options in ’09

Turpin wants the ball in their quarterbacks hands this year. Senior Conner Hood returns as the team’s quarterback and fourth year head coach Mario Mendoza plans to take full advantage. “We’re going to get the ball in Conner Hood’s hands,” Mendoza said. “He can either give it, keep it, or pitch it. I’m excited about it (the option) because of our speed. That’s why we’re going to the option.”

Turpin won the state track and field championship last spring, so they aren’t short on speed. Senior guard and linebacker Aaron Kuns, the team’s returning tackler says there is a winning attitude which comes with the state track title. “It gives us a winning attitude knowing we can win,” Kuns said. “We want to carry that over and show we can play fast. We can use our speed not just straight ahead or in a circle, we can use it in our abilities and agility to help us win.”

Turpin was 7-4 last year. They return six starters on offense and seven starters defensively. But senior running back and outside linebacker Kade Goodwin see room for improvement. “I think the one way we can be a lot better than last year is we are going to be a lot more unified as a team,” Goodwin said. “Everybody’s been working with the same goal since the beginning of the summer. I think because of that we will have a lot better season than we did last year.”

Turpin has 32 players and 11 seniors out for football at the class A school. The expectations are lofty as always at Turpin just ask quarterback Conner Hood. “Last year our goal was the playoffs and we accomplished that,” Hood said. “Our goal is the state championship and we have all agreed to that goal.” One of Conner’s primary targets is his brother senior wide receiver Keifer Hood.

Mendoza says he likes what he sees from his team so far. “The attitudes are good so far,” Mendoza said. “I think making the playoffs last year is carrying over. They want to win.”

The tradition of winning is second to none at Turpin. Senior tackle B.J. Mote (6’2″ 323) says it means a lot. “I am pretty proud to be a Turpin Cardinal,” Mote said. “We have eight state championships.”

Turpin fans hope the Cardinals take the option of winning at ninth in ’09. Turpin will be featured during the Sportsguys Thursday morning on Talkradio 1270 and kscb.net.

Sep 4- Shamrock

Sep. 11 @ Oklahoma Bible

Sep. 18 @ Pioneer – Pleasant Vale

Sep. 25 vs Mooreland

Oct. 2 vs Okeene

Oct. 9 @ Hooker

Oct. 15 vs Chisholm

Oct. 23 @ Beaver

Oct. 30 vs Texhoma

Nov. 6 @ Hennessey