Sunday, August 27, 2006
But as another high school football season gets under way Friday night, Turcotte is interested in only one stat — the one on the scoreboard.
"I´d settle for only gaining 100 yards this season for winning the Class A state title," said Turcotte. "Being part of winning the outdoor state track championship was great, but nothing would compare with winning a state title in football."
Lewiston could have a shot. The Blue Devils will get a good sense of where they stand in Eastern Class A when they open Friday night at Bangor.
Turcotte, who is 6-foot-1 and 220 pounds, has drawn interest from Boston College and Connecticut.
Because he ranks in the top 10 percent of his class and carries a 93.6 grade-point average, every Ivy League school also is interested. Turcotte is looking at a number of schools but is learning toward Dartmouth, coached by Buddy Teevens, a former UMaine coach.
"I like the school and Coach Teevens a lot," said Turcotte.
Turcotte missed one game last season because of a knee injury.
"My knee is 100 percent," he said. "I´ve never felt better. I´m really excited about the season. I feel we have the talent to contend for the (Eastern Class A) title."
When it was suggested that the team´s offensive line is the biggest question mark, Turcotte disagreed, although the Blue Devils graduated four of their five starters.
"From what I´ve seen in preseason, I´m not worried," he said. "The juniors have stepped in and are doing a great job."
Turcotte began playing football in Lewiston´s youth leagues. Other than one year playing soccer growing up, it´s been all football for him.
"I was always big growing up," he said.
Turcotte learned early about the James J. Fitzpatrick Trophy, which is awarded each season to the top senior high school football player in the state. It´s something he´s wanted to win since entering high school.
He has the qualities the trophy embodies — strong athletics, academics and citizenship. Coach Bill County said Turcotte is very involved in helping coach youth football.
"Jared enjoys working with the younger kids," said County. "They all look up to him."
Turcotte remembers his impressionable youth and wants to give something back. Many of the youth players come to watch him at Lewiston´s Friday night home games. They see a well-trained running back who knows when to cut, slow down or accelerate.
"It´s hard to describe my running style," he said. "I don´t have a lot of fancy moves. I just try to run fast and powerful."
There´s no disguising what the Blue Devils want to do on offense: Last year Turcotte averaged 30 carries per game. While there´s no question he´s the focus, Turcotte said the team will try to spread the offense around.
"We´ve got a new offense and a new attitude," he said.
Staff Writer Tom Chard can be contacted at 791-6419 or at:
tchard@pressherald.com