“It’s been a total turnaround,” Turner said. “We want it. We’re working hard every week, every day, every practice. You can just tell we want to win more. We’re more of a team. We’re more unified. This year has been a great experience.”

Turner essentially became Valdosta’s starting quarterback two months before he even became a student at VHS. In summer passing league games, he outshined older, more-experienced quarterbacks, and moved the Wildcat offense effectively. When it came time for the first snap of the 2004 season, that snap was taken by Turner.

“It was a big responsibility,” Turner said. “I knew I had to step up to the plate. “I’ve enjoyed (starting four years) here. I’ve played with a lot of good players, and made a lot of friends on the team. I’ve really enjoyed it.”

The freshman quarterback led the Wildcats to an 8-5 record, and the state quarterfinals. He helped the team pull a big upset over a loaded Douglass team in the second round, throwing two touchdown passes.

His sophomore year, Turner was having a potential All-Region season when he broke his leg against Lowndes (he still wound up being the second-team All-Region quarterback). Last season, the team had to adjust to a new offense brought in by Tomberlin, but Turner still passed for 966 yards and six touchdowns and ran for 137 yards.

“Mike’s done a good job for us,” Tomberlin said. “He’s all about winning. Like any quarterback, he wants to throw the football. But if we’re running the ball well, he’ll say we should keep running it. He wants to win.

“The players look up to him. He’s a natural leader. I’m real proud of Mike. I think he can play at the next level.”

But before Turner considers the next level, he hopes to end his Wildcat career with a great 2007 season. A win Friday would certainly help that happen.