JASON EPP
• Leader & Times
TURPIN, Okla.—The Turpin Cardinals exploded for 30 points in the second quarter, scoring touchdowns on offense, defense and special teams and coasted to a 38-6 homecoming victory over the Boise City Wildcats.
“I was proud of the way we came out,” Cardinals Head Coach Justin Hannah said. “I liked the way set the tone early. Really happy with the way our defense forced turnovers. Great pass rush and great coverage and really pursued the ball well.”
Jhett Huffman sparked Turpin’s second quarter surge with a 48-yard punt return TD with 8:20 left in the half to put the Cardinals up 16-0. Three times in the first half the Cardinal defense picked off Wildcat passes; the last turned into a 40-yard pick six by Carson Peters that put the Cardinals in command 30-0 with 4:30 remaining in the first half. It was Peters second pick of the game.
The Turpin offense had their moments too but had to fight through holding penalties that cost them big plays and at least one touchdown that was called back.
“We struggled early with some of the blitzes they were throwing at us,” Hannah said. “The holding penalties are drive killers. We’ve got to clean that up.”
Even with the early offensive struggles, Turpin found their rhythm, racking up 236 yards on just 25 first half plays. Huffman hit Saul Alvarado on a halfback pass from 33 yards out to give the Cardinals a 38-0 lead at the half. Turpin played mainly subs the entire second half and cruised to the 32-point win.
Turpin finished the game with 266 yards and 11 first downs but racked up 50 yards on seven penalties. Boise City was held to 135 yards, much of it gained in the second half and committed three turnovers.
Offensively for the Cardinals, Huffman rushed eight times for 84 yards and a TD, caught 3 passes for 21, in addition to his touchdown pass and punt return TD. Carson Peters was 8 of 12 passing for 89 yards and rushed for 16 yards and a TD. Ryder Ireland caught 3 passes for 40 yards. Aaron Gandarilla ran 12 times for 34 yards in the second half.
Defensively, Ryder Ireland had eight tackles including three for loss, a sack, and an interception. Jaxon Lenhert had 12 tackles, two for loss, and a sack. Riley Fowler had 10 tackles, two for loss. Angel Moreno had seven tackles, including two for loss.
No. 4 Turpin (4-0) will have a bye week before starting district play at Oklahoma Bible Academy Oct. 11.
