Joseph Turner has Fort Worth North Side thinking big things, and rightfully so after last season when the Steers earned their first playoff appearance since 1979.

Satisfied? Not even close.

The former TCU standout, and reigning district coach of the year, has changed North Side’s way of thinking. They’re one of the hunted in Cowtown now.

“High character, really smart kids that work extremely hard,” Turner said.

With nine starters returning on offense, the Steers should put up plenty of points this season, which is scheduled to begin at Joshua on Sept. 25.

Highlighting that bunch is Virginia Tech receiver commit Dwain Lofton, an Associated Press First Team All-State selection in 2019 after recording 55 receptions for 1,256 yards and 16 touchdown receptions, while also rushing for 332 yards and 13 more TDs.

The reigning district MVP get the ball from returning quarterback Isaak Rosales, who threw for 1,867 yards and 21 touchdowns in 2019, while also rushing for 377 yards and four scores. This is his third season leading the offense.

Lofton may be a big-name talent, but the chemistry between the coaching staff and the players is what has brought success to the program.

Turner has incorporated his leadership from his playing days into his program, striving to make his players better on and off the field.

It appears that Turner’s efforts are making an impression on a three-year letterman linebacker Chris Smith, who was recently ranked as one of the top 100 football players in the DFW. 

“He is a playmaker, a player with a high football IQ that plays in the middle of our defense that’s a coach on the field,” Turner said.