JACKSON — Saxony Lutheran High School is preparing to launch its first varsity football season this fall after an undefeated junior varsity debut in 2024 and steady program growth under head coach O.J. Turner Jr.
Turner, named the program’s first head coach in February 2024, played at Cape Central High School and was a four-year starting linebacker at Southeast Missouri State University from 2001 to 2004.
He also played professionally in the Indoor Football League for the River City Rage in St. Louis. Turner remains the head coach in 2025.
His former SEMO teammate, Jeromy McDowell, has joined the staff this year as offensive coordinator.
Saxony Lutheran introduced a JV football schedule in 2024 and went undefeated at 6-0, including the program’s first-ever victory, a 40-38 win over Doniphan on Sept. 3.
The Crusaders also beat Potosi and Ste. Genevieve, among other teams.
Interest in the program has increased with the move to varsity. The 2025 roster includes 47 players, up from 35 during the first JV season, enabling the school to field both varsity and junior varsity teams for the first time.
The Crusaders are scheduled to host their first home football game on Thursday, Sept. 4, against Doniphan.
Saxony Lutheran is completing construction of a new on-campus football stadium that includes seating for home and visiting teams, field lighting, a press box, and a video scoreboard.
However, the stadium is not expected to be ready for the start of the season.
According to new activities director Mike Vipperman, the team will likely play some early home games at Southeast Missouri State University’s Houck Stadium in Cape Girardeau before moving to the new field once construction is complete.
In addition to Turner and McDowell, the 2025 coaching staff includes Ross Bennett, Carlos Camarillo, Noah Gibson, Dennis Riney, Blake Smith and Rick F. Wieser.
The 2025 season will be the first time Saxony Lutheran fields a varsity team, building on last year’s perfect JV record and providing the Crusaders with a permanent home once the stadium opens.
