HARD-HITTING COMEDY TURNER LEADS ST. FRANCIS DEFENSE THAT GETS KICK OUT OF ITS TOUGH PLAY.

Byline: Vincent Bonsignore Staff Writer

Film sessions for the St. Francis High of La Canada football team aren't supposed to be a comedy show.

Like most teams, the Knights gather once a week to pore over videotape of their last game to inspect the positives and negatives of their performance. Riveting entertainment it's not.

So what's up with all that laughing at St. Francis?

Well, when you hit as hard as the Knights defense does, there's bound to be a moment or two when an opponent gets laid out so decisively, so emphatically, that only one response will suffice: laughter.

``There is definitely a lot of that going on when somebody lays a big hit on someone and it shows up in films,'' St. Francis linebacker Jason Turner said. ``You hear a lot of oohs and ahs, too.''

Turner should know, since he's the Knights' resident enforcer. The senior middle linebacker has been a physical force this year, using his speed, instincts and penchant for delivering dominating blows to lead a St. Francis defense that's giving up a meager seven points per game.

``Jason has definitely been the leader for us defensively,'' St. Francis coach Jim Bonds said. ``He's really been playing well for us.''

And that's important, because St. Francis (3-1) lost three All-Mission League defensive linemen from last year, creating serious question marks and more than a little anxiety for Bonds.

But with Turner elevating his play and some youngsters providing support in the trenches, the Knights defense has developed into the strength of the team. With the St. Francis offense struggling at times this season, the ability of Turner and his defensive teammates to keep opponents out of the end zone has become a priority.

``I'm a little bit surprised by how well we've played, but only because we lost some really good players and I wasn't sure how quickly the new guys would come along,'' Turner said. ``But they've really stepped up, and that's helped us develop a lot faster than we thought.''

With the Knight' young defensive lineman getting the job done up front, it allows Turner to roam and make plays. Turner and strong safety Phil Taylor both have set a physical tone for the Knights, using intelligence to dissect plays and speed to get where they need to be. Once they get there, they know what to do.

``They've definitely laid some licks on people,'' Bonds said. ``They've been making big plays all year.''

At 6-foot-2, 220 pounds, Turner cuts an imposing pose. He's the strongest player on the team and comes from a football background - his father is a longtime coach. His football savvy, combined with his size and strength, makes him an ideal middle linebacker.

``You can tell he grew up around football,'' Bonds said. ``He knows how to break down a play and get where he needs to get in a hurry.''

But it's what he does when he gets there that sets him apart.

``I love being physical,'' Turner said. ``To me, that's my favorite part of the game. I like hitting people.''

College recruiters are taking notice. Turner is drawing interest from a handful of schools, and he will visit Fresno State in December. As the year progresses, Bonds thinks more schools will inquire.

``I'm looking forward to the chance to play college football; it's something I've dreamed about a long time,'' Turner said. ``Hopefully, things will sort out.''

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St. Francis linebacker Jason Turner is the prime force in a defense that ranks among the best in the region.

Michael Owen Baker/Staff Photographer