High school football: OCS on historic run

The Saints' nondistrict opponents this season included Metro Christian and Jones, two clubs who have reached the Class 3A semifinals. OCS' only loss of the season was to Jones by one point.

Another thing Turner learned from Hennessey was to try to build depth, especially in the offensive and defensive lines, so kids don't have to play full-time on both sides of the ball.

Sometimes that requires taking a chance on some kids.

“You got to find something that each one of them can do well,” Turner said. “Everyone can do one thing well. You got to find that position to put them in and when you do, you build depth.”

Of the approximately 40 kids that suit up each week for OCS, 25 will see meaningful playing time, Turner said.

Among those are a dozen experienced seniors, including quarterback, Austin Brooks, who took over as the Saints' starter his sophomore season when standout quarterback Jack Warren went down with a season-ending injury.

Brooks has been brilliant this season and in five games has thrown more touchdowns than incompletions.

Brooks has thrown for 2,639 yards and 43 touchdowns this season with only seven interceptions.

“He really makes our engine go on offense,” Turner said. “He has developed into one of the better quarterbacks I have ever seen around high school football.”