Versatile Turner a Major Plus for BHS Football Team

By KEN HAMWEY,
Bulletin Sports Writer

Donovan Turner would be a welcomed addition to any high school football team.

The 6-foot, 205-pound senior plays center and defensive end for Bellingham, and he’s not only a two-time captain and a Tri Valley League all-star, but he’s also a two-year member of the school’s National Honor Society. 

 

What’s also significant about Turner is his team-first approach, his desire to strive for  excellence, and his willingness to compete without any fanfare. The native of Webster, nevertheless, has earned some notice the last two seasons. He was chosen for the team’s Unsung Hero Award as a sophomore, and as a junior, he was selected as the team’s Offensive Lineman of the Year.

“Donovan is the most pure two-way athlete we have,’’ said coach Dan Haddad. “He’s tough, incredibly strong and very smart. He is easily the most versatile player we have.’’

Center isn’t exactly a position players crave, but Turner enjoys that role.

“It’s very challenging,’’ he said. “Every play on offense starts with me, and it requires good snaps and the ability to be an effective run-pass blocker. When defenses blitz, they’re going for the quarterback, and that means they’re charging at me. I’m usually lined up against every opponent’s nose tackle, who’s often the biggest player on their line.’’

The 17-year-old Turner also likes his defensive responsibilities as an edge rusher. “At defensive end, I enjoy the freedom to be aggressive in pursuing the ball-carrier,’’ he noted. “I like being the one to make a hit and cause stress for an opponent.’’

Relying on consistency, speed and quickness, Turner plays both positions intensely until the referee’s whistle sounds. His other strengths include a high football IQ, athleticism, endurance, technical skills, and mental toughness.

Turner has been a two-way starter for the last two seasons, and he’s competed in both of the Blackhawks’ last two playoff appearances — a loss to Medway in 2021 and a defeat in last year’s matchup against Lynnfield.

Another playoff invitation this season should materialize for Turner and his teammates. The Blackhawks were 3-3 at the Bulletin’s deadline and ranked 9th in Division 6. The tourney field will include 16 teams.

When BHS was 0-3 to start the season, a tourney berth looked bleak. But, Turner remained optimistic.

“I’d be very disappointed if we don’t qualify,’’ Turner said at that time. “It would be hard to imagine, because the talent is there, our team chemistry is good, we’ve got physical ability and the squad has passion for the sport.’’

The three losses to start the season were by a total of five points, and the squad was drastically short-handed in its first two games, against Blackstone-Millville and Westwood.

“The three losses to start the season caught me off guard,’’ Turner said. “We’ll be a playoff team, but we’ve got to stick together and stay focused. Losing our first three games by five points shows we didn’t quit, and we were competitive.’’

Haddad credits Turner for the Blackhawks’ bouncing back and posting triumphs over Ashland, Dedham and Medway. “Donovan kept telling the kids not to worry when we were 0-3,’’ Haddad said. “He emphasized that we’d be okay.’’

One of Turners’s goals in the pre-season was for the team to not only improve every day, but also for the players to be better student-athletes and better citizens.

“Competing for the TVL Small Division title and getting to the playoffs were also on my list,’’ he noted. “My personal goals are to guide the team in a positive way, increase my tackles and sacks and get ready to play at the next level.’’

Turner, who began playing youth football at age seven, has not missed a varsity practice or a game in his high school career. That iron-man attribute will be a plus when the college recruiting process gets into full swing. His 3.7 GPA will also be a major asset.

“I definitely want to play football in college,’’ Turner said. “My top choice right now is Assumption College, and I’m leaning on studying law.’’

Assumption officials no doubt will like watching the film of Turner’s efforts against Medfield last year. The 6-0 victory came after BHS lost a 40-7 encounter to Westwood.

“I had seven tackles and four of them were for losses,’’ he recalled. “I also had three sacks. We were underdogs, but we really clicked on defense for a bounce-back win.’’

Turner’s top thrill in football was his selection as a captain on two occasions. He leads by example, but he doesn’t shy away from speaking up when he wants to make a point. “I usually will speak about the little things that are important,’’ he said. “Things that can make a difference in a game’s outcome.’’

Turner has a high regard for the team’s other captains — seniors Sean Dutremble (guard/nose tackle) and Connor Kelley (tight end/linebacker) and juniors Mason Jacques (wide receiver/cornerback) and Ryan Cochrane (wide receiver/cornerback). 

“They all work hard, and they care about their teammates and coaches,’’ he said. “And, they’re all fundamentally sound and very competitive.’’

Turner has positive words for his coach, whom he’s known since Pop Warner. “Coach Haddad stresses commitment, and he’s a tremendous motivator,’’ Turner said. “His demeanor is positive, and he’s helped me to be a better person, a better student and a better player.’’

Turner also competes in outdoor track, focusing on the discus and shot put. 

Relying on an athletic philosophy that includes winning, reaching one’s potential and having fun, Turner believes that “enjoyment and fun lead to winning and reaching your potential.’’

Life lessons can be learned from playing football, and Turner is acutely aware of what football has taught him. “I’ve learned to overcome adversity and to be resilient,’’ he said. “I’ve also learned how to lead effectively and how to develop good relationships.’’

Calling his father (Jonathan) his role model, Turner admires what he’s emphasized. “He’s taught me the value of a strong work ethic,” Turner offered.

The personable Turner more than likely will achieve his short-term goal of playing football in the playoffs. Although his future after high school has yet to be decided, Donovan Turner’s desire, dedication and devotion to athletics and academics will help insure it will be successful and bright.