Turnage rushes for career-best in Lawrence Co.’s win

Published 6:00 pm Wednesday, September 7, 2011

MONTICELLO – Lawrence County senior fullback William Turnage hada career night versus the Magee Trojans. Mostly used as a blockerin the LCHS double wing offensive scheme, Turnage broke loose for acareer-high 150 yards rushing as the Cougars steamrolled Magee41-27 last Friday night.

Turnage, a 5-foot-8, 174-pound sparkplug, used his blocking skills.Two teammates, wingback Ladarius Lewis and quarterback NicholasMcDonald, also surpassed the 100-yard plateau. That performanceearned Turnage The DAILY LEADER’s Offensive Player of the Weekhonors.

LCHS head coach Mike Davis said Turnage has been a valuable assetto his squad. “Will had a big night for us. He has battled throughan injury (back) all summer. He always runs hard and gets you thosetough yards.”

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According to Turnage, fullback has become a way of life for him.”Ever since I was in fifth grade, I’ve played fullback; first atNew Hebron middle school.

He is the 17-year-old son of James and Sherry Turnage. He has threesisters. Sarah is a sophomore at Southern Miss. Emily is an LCHSjunior, and Karen Ruth is a seventh grade student.

Asked about his career-high rushing total, Turnage said, “I justgot to running the ball. We played pretty good and our offensiveline did real good.”

The LCHS offensive line features left tackle Jadarius McGruder,left guard Blake Lambert, center Garrett Barnes, right guardDerrick Evans and right tackle Alton Moorman. Working at tight endare Lake Davis and Jalen James.

“They are a real good group,” said Turnage.

What does Turnage like best about the double wing formation?

“I love it,” answered Turnage, who wears jersey No. 43. “Thefullback is a lot more involved in the double wing than otheroffenses.”

Obviously, he likes the 40 Trap best. That’s the play when the ballis handed to the fullback.

During the offseason workout program at LCHS, Coach Davis providesan incentive for regular attendance and dedication to improvingstrength and speed. Turnage was among 27 players receiving Iron Catrecognition. He can bench press 290 pounds.

Turnage said he enjoys playing for Coach Davis. “Coach Mike is areal good guy. The whole coaching staff is good.”

He anticipates a successful season for the Cougars. “I think wehave a chance to be real good. We just have to keep getting betterevery week.”

This week the Cougars are preparing for a road game atPrentiss.

In his spare time, Turnage enjoys hunting and playing tennis.Looking to the future, Turnage said he is considering a career inphysical therapy.

On Sundays, he enjoys watching the Super Bowl champion Green BayPackers and MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers.